Native plant enthusiasts have a rich roster of presentations and workshops to choose from in 2010.  The Maryland Native Plant Society (MNPS) uses education, research, and community service to increase awareness and appreciation of native plants and their habitats leading to their conservation and restoration.  Membership is open to all who are interested in Maryland's native plants and their habitats.  Preserving Maryland's natural heritage, increasing knowledge about native plants, and helping to further the Society's mission are our goals.  MNPS sponsors monthly meetings, workshops, field trips, and an annual fall conference.  For more information visit www.mdflora.org

The Western Mountains Chapter has formed to expand the efforts of MNPS on the Allegheny Plateau and Ridge & Valley physiographic provinces of the central-Appalachians.  Residents of western Maryland, nearby Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and anyone else interested in learning more about and conserving the native plants of this region are invited to join.  For more information contact Liz McDowell, Chapter Coordinator, at (301) 895-3686 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2010 Schedule of Native Plant Happenings in our Region

Please note that monthly MNPS meeting locations may change due to scheduling conflicts

beyond our control.  If a meeting must be cancelled, a notice will be emailed ASAP.

February

Feb 16

Appalachian Laboratory at 7 pm

Topic – Bridging the Gap: Scientific and Traditional Uses of Plants

Speaker – Mimi Hernandez, Coordinator of the Appalachian Center for Ethnobotanical Studies During her presentation Ms. Hernandez will discuss ways we can bridge a traditional awareness with a scientific understanding of plant medicine.  She will describe the difference between scientific and traditional evidence and how we can learn to speak the same language.  Ms. Hernandez will highlight examples of traditional applications verses novel scientific uses of plant medicine.  What can we learn from each model?  Perhaps we’ll find the differences aren’t as great as we thought!  Her program will begin immediately following a brief MNPS chapter business meeting.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 33 (Braddock Rd & Midlothian Rd exit).  Follow Braddock Road approximately .2 miles to the entrance to the Appalachian Lab on the left side of the road (301 Braddock Road).  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

April

April 3, 10, 17 & 24

Frostburg State University from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Arboretum Workdays

Volunteer for the environment!  Help remove exotics, restore natives and build a split-rail fence.  Meet at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot, ready to work outside. Tools and gloves provided.  Any questions please call Sunshine Brosi at 301-687-4213 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

April 15 & 16

Savage River State Forest from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

SRWA Red Spruce Plantings

Adults are needed to help the Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) plant red spruce plugs along streams in the Savage River State Forest.  The goal of these plantings is to maintain conifer cover along native brook trout streams where hemlocks may be killed by the hemlock woolly adelgid, an exotic invasive insect.  For more details or to volunteer, email the Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Ron Boyer, SRWA red spruce planting coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

April 18 & 19

Savage River State Forest from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

SRWA Red Spruce Plantings

Adults are needed to help the Savage River Watershed Association (SRWA) plant red spruce plugs along streams in the Savage River State Forest.  The goal of these plantings is to maintain conifer cover along native brook trout streams where hemlocks may be killed by the hemlock woolly adelgid, an exotic invasive insect.  For more details or to volunteer, email the Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Ron Boyer, SRWA red spruce planting coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

April 20
Appalachian Laboratory at 7:00 pm

Topic – TBA

Speaker – Linh Phu, Natural Resource Biologist and Landowner Incentive Program Coordinator,

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Details to follow...

Her program will begin immediately following a brief MNPS chapter business meeting.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 33 (Braddock Rd & Midlothian Rd exit).  Follow Braddock Road approximately .2 miles to the entrance to the Appalachian Lab on the left side of the road (301 Braddock Road).  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

April 24

New Germany State Park from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

SRWA Native Plant Demonstration & Sale

Native plant enthusiasts will answer your questions about native plants, conservation landscaping and backyard wildlife habitat practices.  A variety of native plants (grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs and trees) will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more information contact the Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant sale coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 22 and follow signs for New Germany State Park.  Turn left into the park onto McAndrews Hill Road.  Signs will direct you to the native plant display and sale.

April 29

Bear Pen Wildlands from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

SRWA Battling Botanical Bullies

Adult volunteers are needed to continue control efforts of Japanese spiraea in the Bear Pen Run area of Savage River State Forest.  Bear Pen is designated as a Type 1 Wildland and like other natural areas around the State is threatened by a variety of exotic invasive species.  Kerrie Kyde, Invasive Plant Specialist with the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, is providing technical support.  Wade Dorsey, Savage River State Forest acting manager, is providing work tools.  Mary Ironside, Big Run & New Germany State Park manager, is providing free camping the night before for any out-of-town volunteers.  The Savage River Watershed Association is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers.  For more details or to volunteer, email Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Ron Boyer, SRWA invasive species removal coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

May

May 1 & 8

Frostburg State University from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Arboretum Workdays

Volunteer for the environment!  Help remove exotics, restore natives and build a split-rail fence.  Meet at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot, ready to work outside. Tools and gloves provided.  Any questions please call Sunshine Brosi at 301-687-4213 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 7

Bear Pen Wildlands from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

SRWA Battling Botanical Bullies

Adult volunteers are needed to continue control efforts of Japanese spiraea in the Bear Pen Run area of Savage River State Forest.  Bear Pen is designated as a Type 1 Wildland and like other natural areas around the State is threatened by a variety of exotic invasive species.  Kerrie Kyde, Invasive Plant Specialist with the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, is providing technical support.  Wade Dorsey, Savage River State Forest acting manager, is providing work tools.  Mary Ironside, Big Run & New Germany State Park manager, is providing free camping the night before for any out-of-town volunteers.  The Savage River Watershed Association is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers.  For more details or to volunteer, email Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Ron Boyer, SRWA invasive species removal coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

May 15

New Germany State Park from 10:00 am to noon

Natives at New Germany

The Western Mountains Chapter of MNPS will meet outside to discover the native plants of New Germany State Park on this leisurely walk through old field, lakeshore, and hemlock forest.  A species list will be recorded and shared with park staff and participants.  In case of rain this field trip will be rescheduled.  For more details contact Liz McDowell.

May 29

Elk Ridge Native Plant Preserve from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

SRWA Garden Tour and Native Plant Sale

Tour this wildlife habitat garden to see a variety of conservation landscaping and wildlife habitat practices you can use to enhance biodiversity around your home, school, or office.  Experience the joys of conservation landscaping: a garden filled with bees, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants.   Free guided tours at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.  A variety of native plants (grasses, sedges, wildflowers, shrubs and trees) will be available for purchase.  All proceeds benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more information email the Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant sale coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

Directions – From the entrance to  New Germany State Park, turn left into park onto McAndrews Hill Road and travel 2 miles to stop sign at Westernport Road. Turn right and travel .25 mile to Red Hill Road. Turn right and drive .5 mile to Elk Ridge Lane. Turn left onto private Elk Ridge Lane and drive .3 miles.

June

June 5

Elk Ridge Native Plant Preserve from 10:00 am to noon

Harvesting Rain in Gardens and Barrels

Conserving our precious water resources really begins at home.  Help stop stormwater runoff at its source by installing a rain barrel or rain garden.  During this special workshop, you'll learn the basics of harvesting rain and if you like, assemble your very own rain barrel to take home!  This workshop is limited to 10 persons.  Pre-registration is required.  The cost is $15 per person plus an optional materials fee of $35 per rain barrel.  All proceeds benefit the Savage River Watershed Association. Please email the Savage River Watershed Association at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Ron Boyer at 301-895-3686 for more details or to register.

June 15

Appalachian Laboratory at 7:00 pm

Topic – TBA

Speaker – TBA

Program will begin immediately following a brief MNPS chapter meeting.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 33 (Braddock Rd & Midlothian Rd exit).  Follow Braddock Road approximately .2 miles to the entrance to the Appalachian Lab on the left side of the road (301 Braddock Road).  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

July

July 16 & 23

Elk Ridge Native Plant Preserve from 9:00 am to noon

SRWA - Wildflower Identification for Beginners

Interested in knowing the names of the wonderful wildflowers you encounter in forest and field?  Then take this class where you’ll learn to actually “key-out” local plants using the popular Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide.  This hands-on, two-part class is being offered on consecutive Fridays.  Limited to six adults; the total cost is $50; and pre-registration is required.  All proceeds benefit the Savage River Watershed Association.  For more details or to register for the class, call Liz McDowell, SRWA native plant specialist, at 301-895-3686.

August

August 17
Appalachian Laboratory at 7:00 pm

Topic – TBA

Speaker – TBA

Program will begin immediately following a brief MNPS chapter business meeting.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 33 (Braddock Rd & Midlothian Rd exit).  Follow Braddock Road approximately .2 miles to the entrance to the Appalachian Lab on the left side of the road (301 Braddock Road).  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.

October

October 19
Appalachian Laboratory at 7:00 pm
Topic – TBA

Speaker – Robbie Kutchman, Graduate Student, Department of Biology, Frostburg University

Program will begin immediately following a brief MNPS chapter business meeting.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 33 (Braddock Rd & Midlothian Rd exit).  Follow Braddock Road approximately .2 miles to the entrance to the Appalachian Lab on the left side of the road (301 Braddock Road).  There is plenty of parking in front of the building.