MNPS 2026 Conference: Diverse Landscapes of Maryland’s Piedmont and Western Shore

In Person Registration Closes September 5.

Native Plant Sale is open to the public 

Virtual conference registration ($30) for the morning talks is available

Event Co-Hosts: University of Maryland Extension Maryland Native Plants Program and University of Maryland School of Landscape Architecture

The Maryland Native Plant Society's fall conference features presentations, workshops, and field trips so you can learn more about our native plants and their habitats. Discover the unique landscapes of Maryland’s Piedmont and Western Coastal Plain from globally rare ecosystems such as magnolia bogs to the resilient and prevalent oak-hickory forests.

NOTE: After registering for the conference, you will receive information on how to sign up for workshops and field trips.

Location: University of Maryland, College Park, Stamp Student Union, Colony Ballroom

Parking on Saturday: Free at Regents Drive Garage/Lot B (behind Hornbake Plaza). Other campus lots are free on the weekends if highlighted in green on UMD’s campus map. Please read parking signs carefully to avoid expensive parking fines.

Detailed Agenda

Day 1| Saturday, September 12

• 8:45 - 9:00 AM Welcome and logistics
• 9:00 - 10:00 AM Soldiers Delight's Serpentine Barrens: Restoration of a Globally Rare Ecosystem with Amazing Plants. Paula Becker (Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
• 10:00 - 11:00 AM The Toxic Truth About Neonic Pesticides: Threats to Pollinators, Natural Ecosystems, and Our Health. Dan Raichel, Maya Korb (Natural Resources Defense Council)
• 11:00 - 11:15 AM Break
• 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Restoring Vernal Pools and Preserving Their Fragile Habitats. Michael Hayslett (Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC)
• 12:15 - 12:20 PM Announcements

Afternoon Session

• 12:20 - 1:00 PM Bag lunch pick-up
• 1:00-2:00 PM Lunch and Plant Sale

• Workshops Options: 2:00 PM Meet at the workshop location. Workshops are 2:00-5:00 PM
• Saturday Field Trip Options:  2:20 PM Meet at the field trip location. 2:20-2:30 PM Check in at field trip location. 2:30 PM-TBD Field trips: starting promptly at 2:30 PM; ending time TBD by trip leader

5:30 - 6:30 PM Poster session and social hour

Evening Session ($30 extra cost option during registration)

• 6:30 - 7:30 PM Dinner buffet
• 6:55 - 7:00 PM Announcement of poster awards
• 7:00 - 8:00 PM Conservation of Maryland’s Native Orchids. Melissa McCormick, Ph.D. (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center) (see presentation details)
• 8:00 – 8:05 PM Closing remarks and information about Day 2

Day 2 | Sunday, September 13

Field trips at various locations in the Maryland Piedmont and Western Shore.   (See current list).

The Maryland Native Plant Society is committed to running an environmentally respectful conference that reflects the values we promote in our conservation work.

BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle

We're cutting back on single-use plastics, aluminum cans, and glass bottles by asking all attendees to bring a refillable water bottle for the day, including field trips. Hydration stations will be available throughout the venue. Coffee and tea will be provided during the morning and evening sessions; please consider bringing your own reusable travel cup for coffee and tea as well. Other beverages will be available for purchase at the Stamp Student Union food court.

Why It Matters

Single-use drink containers contribute to pollution that harms the very ecosystems and native plant habitats we work to protect. By making small changes together, our conference community can model the sustainable practices we advocate for in the field.

Thank you for helping us keep this gathering true to our mission to promote awareness, appreciation, and conservation of Maryland's native plants and their habitats.

Due to the holidays in September (Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), plus several large events at the venue, it was especially difficult to select a date for our conference this year. We recognize some members of our community may not be able to join us on the dates we chose, and for this we are truly sorry. MNPS treasures our diverse community and wishes to welcome everyone as we explore and celebrate native plants and their habitats. Thank you for understanding, and let us know how we can include you in the future.