MNPS Monthly Program: Carex Hidden in Plain Sight by Chris Frye

Speaker: Chris Frye

Look closely at almost any landscape in Maryland—from a coastal marsh on the Eastern Shore to a rugged mountain trail out west—and you are likely standing near a sedge. Members of the genus Carex are the unsung heroes of our local ecosystems, yet these fascinating, grass-like plants are often completely invisible to the casual observer. This presentation pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of Maryland’s sedges. We will take a visual tour across the state to discover the incredibly diverse places these plants call home. You will learn about the tough, widespread sedges that hold our everyday woodlands together, as well as the ultra-rare botanical treasures hiding out in specialized spots like limestone glades, boreal wetlands, and unique sandy barrens. Whether you are a backyard gardener, a weekend hiker, or just curious about local nature, you will leave with a new appreciation for these quiet masters of the Maryland wilderness.

Christopher Frye is the State Botanist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and a leading authority on Mid-Atlantic flora. For over 30 years, he has been in the field studying, tracking, and protecting the plant life of our region. Christopher directs state-wide plant conservation efforts and serves as the chief editor of the official Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants of Maryland. Christopher specializes in plant ecology, evolution, and conservation genetics and has a personal fondness for the genus Carex.

YOU MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK

We can accommodate the first 300 people who enter the Zoom meeting at the meeting time. After you register, you will receive a registration confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting. Registering does not guarantee a space in the Zoom meeting. 

Zoom opens at 7:00PM for pre-program board update and member Q&A. Presentations begin at 7:30PM and generally run until 8:45PM. 

The program is free and open to the public.

This will be recorded and available on our Webinars page.

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