Co-sponsoring Organization: Anne Arundel Master Gardeners and Maryland Native Plant Society

Leader: Dr. Dennis Whigham and Judy Fulton

Location: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD

Come see and learn about the beautiful, interesting native orchids growing on Maryland’s Western Coastal Plain. Despite the unusual weather patterns this spring, we hope to find several species in bloom, including showy orchid (Galearis spectabilis). Orchid expert Dr. Dennis Whigham will be our guide to these sometimes-elusive plants at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

The ecology of plants has been Dennis' primary interest, and his research has resulted in journeys through forests, fields and wetlands around the world. Explorations have lead to studies of woodland herbs – including orchids, vines, wetland species, and invasive species, and studies of forests in the tropics, temperate and boreal zones. In recent years, studies of interactions between orchids and fungi have lead in new and exciting directions. His current passion is to establish the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC), an initiative of the Smithsonian and the United States Botanic Garden. NAOCC will be based on continentally focused public-private collaborations that will result in the conservation of the genetic diversity of native orchids, initially in the U.S. and Canada.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS  REQUIRED. Limited to 8 people. Registration through April 30 for members only.  Directions will be included in registration confirmation.

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Note that An "Account" is not A "Membership" Our website allows non-members to have a "Contact Account" to receive emails about upcoming field trips, programs, and other events. When you login, click on your name (it should be on the top right of the page); if there are no details on membership, you are have a "Contact Account" only. Consider joining to support our programs and take advantage of members-only early registration.

Leaders:  Monika Relman (property owner), Cristina Niciporciukas and Jil Swearingen

Location:  Holland Point Shores, 24082 Deep Neck Road, Royal Oak, MD

Description:  Holland Point Shores is located on a Choptank River peninsula.  About 7 years ago, the property owners started letting their sorghum and soybean fields to grow naturally.  Broomsedge is now the predominant native plant in the meadows.  The owners created several wetlands. which are now home of a multitude of reptiles and amphibians.  The farm attracts innumerous bird species that thrive on these habitats.  The forested area is managed for deer browsing thus protecting seedlings from damage.  The owners are committed to improve each one of the habitats aiming at increasing the local biodiversity.  They are ready to share their challenges and successes.   

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 12 people. Registration through May 20 for members only.  Directions will be included in registration confirmation.

Co-sponsoring Organization: C&O Canal National Historical Park

Leader: Rachael Renzi & Bradley Simpson

Location:  Carderock Recreation Area / Billy Goat Trail Section C Trailhead

Explore the unique habitats and flora of Billy Goat C at C&O Canal. Expect to spend some time keying out plants of interest.

Rachael is a plant enthusiast who works at C&O Canal National Historical Park. Bradley is a MNPS Board Member and Habitat Manager at Nature Forward

For additional information:  Bradley Simpson, Bsimpso2@umd.edu, 443-433-8819

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 10 people. Registration through April 30 for members only.  Directions will be included in registration confirmation.

Leaders: Clara Thiel, Frostburg State University, & Liz McDowell, MNPS 

Location: C & O Canal at Spring Gap near Cumberland, MD

According to the C & O Canal Trust, in the mid-1700’s Spring Gap provided a shallow river-crossing of the Potomac River. The canal was constructed in the mid-1840’s and operated until 1924. Long after the canal closed, Spring Gap was the starting point for Chief Justice William Douglas's historic walk to Washington, DC to promote the canal as a national park. This will be an easy walk along the towpath where we’ll find a large variety of both native and non-native plants.  Bring your binoculars to appreciate the giant oaks, sycamores, and tulip trees.  Bring a hand-lens to take a closer look at the many wildflowers. 

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Group size limited to 20 people. Members-only registration through May 10. Directions will be sent to those who register.

Participants should wear trail shoes and long pants (poison ivy).  Be sure to bring water, tick spray, and sunscreen. In case of severe weather this field trip will be cancelled. The cancellation notice will be posted under the trip listing on the MNPS website by 7:00 am.

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Members must be logged in to take advantage of the early registration.