The Maryland Amphibian Reptile Atlas

Speaker: Sue Muller, Howard County Coordinator for MARA

Description:  A 5-year reptile/amphibian survey (state wide) began in 2010 and will end on December 31st.  Sue will discuss the goals of the project and show us how the distributions of these animals are being mapped across the state.  She will also show us the more than 20 non-native species that have been found.  Most important, though, will be to show us how easy it is to get involved documenting these animals and how MNPS members can help with the study.  Identification of similar species will be discussed if time permits.

The program is open to the public.

Registration is not required.

Location: Silver Spring Civic Center
1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(GPS device address: 8525 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910) It's at the intersection of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street.

From the Capital Beltway (I-495):

• Exit south on to Route 29, Colesville Road (Exit 30).
• Pass the traffic light for Sligo Creek Parkway.
• Pass the traffic light for Dale Drive.
• Turn left at the next traffic light, Spring Street (approx. 1 mile from Beltway).
• Turn right at the first traffic light on to Ellsworth Drive.

From East-West Highway:

• Go north on Colesville Road. (left if coming from Chevy Chase/Bethesda)
• Turn right at Spring St. (4 blocks)
• Turn right at the first traffic light on to Ellsworth Drive.

Metro: Take the red line to Silver Spring. Exit to Colesville Road. Go up the hill (north on Colesville). Cross Georgia Ave. The next street is Fenton. Go right on Fenton to Ellsworth, one block down. Go left onto Ellsworth. The building is on your right. Total walk is about ½ mile

• On Ellsworth drive, you’ll come to the parking garage in a few hundred feet. This is the most convenient garage.
  
• GO SLOW the entrance comes up fast.
• Pass the first pedestrian crossing symbol.
• Just after it, turn right into the parking garage (a street tree blocks the view to the entrance).
• The parking garage has a vertical sign that says “PARK” in big letters with “Town Square Garage” beneath. Note that the civic building is up ahead on your left.

 Parking is free if you leave after 8pm but you will still need to take a ticket from the machine when you first arrive. After the MNPS program, when you leave the garage, the gates will be open and you can exit without having to either present a ticket or make a payment.