Natural History Society of Maryland upcoming events

Intro to the Tricky Fall Flowers with Clare Walker (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Late summer is peak flowering season in Maryland, with some of our most popular flowers from black-eyed susans to coneflowers to sunflowers. All of these flowers are in the same family, the sunflower or aster family, Maryland’s largest. This family has a unique flowering structure that requires special terminology to describe, and the large number of species makes identification difficult. In this beginner-friendly class, we will explore the different forms of flowers with some hands-on dissection and then practice identification in groups. We will continue practicing our identification during the field trip portion. Let’s learn why this plant family is so important to wildlife as we observe the number of pollinators their flowers attract.

The workshop is in two parts on two separate days: classroom and field.

Saturday, August 22 – Classroom Session (9:30– 12 pm)
Saturday, August 29 – In the field location TBD (8:30-11:30 am)

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Clare Walker teaches plant and pollinator identification and classes on natural basketry and more around Maryland, including programs at Nature Forward, the US Botanical Gardens, and Irvine Nature Center. She delights in native plants and especially their relationships to wildlife and people. Her classes encourage us to cherish our local plants, whether through basketry using natural materials, making herbal remedies, enjoying foods from foraged plants, or gardening with natives. Clare previously worked as a naturalist for Maryland State Parks and then as an environmental outreach specialist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

Oceanography Merit Badge Class (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The oceans cover more than 70 percent of our planet and are its dominant feature. Studying the ocean is studying the earth. In this full day course, all aspects of the Oceanography merit badge will be covered except #8 (see below).

NEW LOCATION: The hands-on class will be held at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. As a bonus, Scouts will get a tour of the Marine Lab where active research is taking place to conserve marine species.

Class Prerequisites: Open to Scouts Aged 13 and Up

Read the pamphlet
Make the plankton net and bring it with you to the class. Here is a link for a DIY video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-MYhWcWWXw
Do #8 virtually (or scouts could visit an aquarium independently with their family). Some recommended virtual tour options:
- Virtual Tour of Aquarium of the Bay (one hour): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbORFBrMqcg
- Virtual tour of Seattle Aquarium (30 minutes): https://www.weareteachers.com/aquarium-virtual-field-trips/

Meet You Instructor: Dr. Thomas Haine is a Professor in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. His teaching and research interests are in physical and dynamical oceanography and the ocean’s role in Earth’s climate. Particular interests are the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and their rotating-stratified fluid dynamics. He is the co-author (with Barry Klinger) of a graduate level textbook in his field, entitled Ocean Circulation in Three Dimensions. http://www.jhu.edu/~eps/faculty/haine

Birds and Brews, Late Summer (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Back to school, back to birding! Let’s hit the trail for some early migrant birding on this hike at Waredaca Brewing Company. Early migrant birds are already on the move, with many warblers, flycatchers, and vireos passing through, as well as Baltimore orioles. And as a bonus, our hike ends in the taproom, where we can share lunch with new birding friends. The total hike length will be two to three miles.

The Waredaca site was originally a boys camp named the WAshington REcreational DAy CAmp, or Waredaca. The site grew into a premier equestrian center and is now the first farm brewery in Montgomery County. The property is certified by the Maryland Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program, one of 20 horse farms in the state to receive the designation.

Our leader, Lisa Norwalk, has been a birder since before birding was cool. She started 20 years ago, toting a field guide and only dreaming of a tool like Merlin to identify birdsong. Lisa is the treasurer of the Montgomery Bird Club, which is part of the Maryland Ornithological Society, and also leads bird walks for the club. The grey catbird is her favorite.

Here is a link to Waredaca’s menu: www.waredacabrewing.com. Each beer made on-site is named after the family, the stories, and the horses of Camp Waredaca and Waredaca Farm.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

SharkFest 2026 (30 Aug 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Come to the shark side for a chompin’ good time! Celebrate all things shark at our annual SharkFest, Sunday, August 30th. Learn about one of the most successful creatures ever living on our planet. Explore fossil and shark teeth collections, learn about shark behavior and anatomy from experts, and marvel at the apex predator of modern times.

Activities

SharkFest combines hands-on science and art for a full day of activities for all ages. Popular stations include:

Experience the grand opening of our new shark cage exhibit, where you can be a shark scientist!
The kid zone features a sandpit where kids can dig for fossil shark teeth and bones, just like a real paleontologist.
Make a shark tooth necklace from your findings. Or purchase your shark tooth in the gift shop for a small extra fee.
How do sharks smell and see? Engage your eyes and nose at the brain function exhibit to find out.
Step up to a microscope to peer at real shark skin with an NHSM fossil expert.
Look at all those shark teeth! Marvel at how big and how small shark teeth grow with teeth from our collection. Guided by a fossil expert, learn how these teeth are continually replaced throughout a shark’s lifetime.

Admission

Admission to SharkFest is free, but we still need your RSVP. Please register and choose your preferred entrance time. The week before the event, you will receive an email confirming your entrance time. Please arrive within a 15-minute window of the time selected. Please stay for as long as you would like to stay. There is no timed exit for this event. Please stop by the check-in tent before entering the museum or any outdoor stations to receive an armband and the official Sharkfest Scavenger Hunt form. Complete the hunt and earn a prize.

Keynote Speaker

Our keynote speaker this year at the end of the event at 2:45 will be Dr. Beth Bowers, a shark scientist at SERC. Dr. Bowers tracks sharks that travel right off the the coast of our Maryland seashore. She is currently working to discover changing patterns of shark movement due to offshore wind energy, warming ocean temperatures, and species-specific characteristics. Get insights into her scientific methods, and find out cool stuff about sharks. Click here for more details, and register separately if you plan to attend.

Volunteer

Volunteers make this event possible. Please consider donating your time and talents to make this event even more fabulous. Please sign up on HelperHelper to register to volunteer. Volunteers must be age 13 and older.

More Questions?

For questions, please email Alison Dombrowski at adombrowski@marylandnature.org

Leaping Look-Alikes: Blacktip and Spinner Shark Migrations (30 Aug 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:45:00 GMT

Learn from the experience of a real shark scientist in Maryland! Dr. Beth Bowers tracks sharks that travel right off the the coast of our Maryland seashore. She is currently working to discover changing patterns of shark movement due to offshore wind energy, warming ocean temperatures, and species-specific characteristics. Get insights into her scientific methods, and find out cool stuff about sharks. For example, did you know that some sharks travel in all-male or all-female packs? Whether you’re a shark lover or just nature-curious, don’t miss this talk at the end of our Sharkfest Nature Connections event!

More about Dr. Bowers and her talk…

When you think of a shark, you might automatically picture a blacktip shark since they are your classic shark species. However, the spinner shark looks almost identical to blacktip sharks and leaps and spins out of the water just like blacktip sharks do. In fact, many shark species look so similar to the blacktip shark that some fishermen struggle to tell them apart. This misidentification has led to confusion about where certain species are at different times of the year. In the mid-1900s, it was thought that blacktip sharks only migrated north of Cape Hatteras, NC as a rare stray. However, we found that blacktip sharks migrated 50% farther, traveling from Palm Beach, FL to Long Island, NY. We must document accurate baseline shark distributions before warming oceans causes them to change. There is already some evidence that blacktip shark migrations may have shifted because of global climate change. Now, we are tagging blacktip and spinner sharks to understand the differences between their migratory patterns and what environmental cues drive their movements throughout the year, and how this information can be used to improve fishery management and conservation efforts.

Bio: Dr. Beth Bowers earned a PhD from Florida Atlantic University where she investigated the migrations, environmental drivers of movement, and the differences between male and female movements in blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, using a tracking technology known as acoustic telemetry. Currently, she is a Research Ecologist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center where she is recommending standards for acoustic telemetry data that are collected to measure offshore energy impact, developing a plan for the most efficient way to collect acoustic telemetry data to track key marine species across the U.S. Atlantic Continental Shelf, collating data for biodiversity metrics, and of course, tracking sharks. Her current shark projects contribute to multiple student projects, biodiversity metrics, and will inform fisheries management.

Fossil Club: Asaphid Trilobites from the Western United States, an Exceptional Window into Past Ontogenies (02 Sep 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The trilobite family Asaphidae represents a significant part of the taxonomic diversity of the Lower Ordovician in the Great Basin region of the western Laurentia (North American Craton) in the United States. These arthropods are notoriously known for being difficult to study due to their convergent, smooth, and effaced morphology. The trilobites of the Great Basin region, however, have been exceptionally preserved through silicification. This mode of fossilization allows us to recover 3D replicas of the original shell of the animal, preserving all of the exquisite details of the morphology. Silicification also preserves ontogenetic stages, from the smallest larvae to the adult. This exceptional material allows us an extraordinary window into the early evolution of this group, as well as abundant data on the developmental biology of arthropods from 480 million years ago.

Titouan Camus is a PhD candidate from the University of Iowa, working on Asaphid trilobites since 2024. After earning a bachelor’s in Biology and Geology at the University of Western Brittany in France, he obtained a master’s in Paleobiology from the Universities of Uppsala (Sweden) and Lille (France). His research focuses on the early evolution of Laurentian Asaphid trilobites from Utah and Idaho, with a particular interest in the relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny.

This meeting will take place over Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, you must register for the meeting.

NHSM’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to share knowledge and discuss fossil identification, fossil locations, and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers both from within the club and from outside organizations. We also strive to schedule frequent collection trips to various locations.

Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Fossil Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

If you are not yet a member of NHSM, click here to join. When you join as a new member, you can add the club membership(s) of your choice to your registration. Current NHSM members who wish to join any clubs should email the Community Coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org.

The Shallowest Aquatic Subterranean Environments: The Hypotelminorheic, Macropore Springs and Other Oddities (03 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Seepage springs, or, more technically, hypotelminorheic and macropore springs, are common habitats in mid-Atlantic forests. Appearing as little more than wet spots in the woods, they are extremely shallow subterranean (lightless) habitats rarely more than a few feet below the surface. While unremarkable in appearance, they harbor a remarkable fauna, including many eyeless, pigment-less species specialized for this habitat. The important inhabitants include amphipods, isopods, and mollusks. In a more than decade-long study in the greater Washington, D.C. area, these specialists have been found in dozens of seepage springs, including three new species of amphipods and
one new species of isopods, with more to come. This fauna is an important component of urban fauna, more connected to leaf litter than to springs. Conservation imperatives are outlined.

David Culver received his BA in Biology from Grinnell College and PhD from Yale University. He is the author of more than 100 articles and four books on the biology of caves and other subterranean habitats. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Explorers Club, and the National Speleological Society. He was on faculty at Northwestern University and American University prior to his retirement. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Environmental Science at American University.

Evening Sail on the Lady Maryland (04 Sep 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join us for an evening sail on the Lady Maryland. Here is your chance to learn about sailing as well as engage in hands-on marine science with our friends at the Living Classroom Foundation.

Activities will include water quality testing, plankton trawling with microscope exploration, trawl fishing for marine life, oyster dissection, birding, setting sail, and steering the ship. Bring a light dinner and beverage. Beer and wine is allowed, too.

The Lady Maryland is a replica of a pungy schooner, originally built in Maryland and Virginia between 1840 and 1880. Pungies were a significant development in vessel design, uniquely adapted for carrying perishable cargo on the Chesapeake Bay. Pungies have a hull shape similar to the famous Baltimore Clippers, making them extremely fast, an important asset when delivering cargo. The Lady Maryland was built in 1986 to provide a hands-on opportunity to sail a historic vessel and learn about the ecology, history, and economics of the Bay.

Our time will be spent touring the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry as we sail our way out toward the Key Bridge. In addition to the science, the crew is very knowledgeable about Baltimore sights and local history, and they love to share stories with guests.

Children ages 10 and up. No more than two children per adult.
Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
Temperatures drop when out on the water, especially in the evening. Bring a jacket.
Bring drinks and a light dinner. An ice chest will be available. Beer and wine are permitted.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory on board.
Illegal drugs, marijuana, or firearms are not allowed.
Allow plenty of time to park in the garage, walk to the dock, and check in. The ship leaves promptly at 6 pm.
A restroom is available at the dock and onboard.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

September Herp Club: Snakes of Maryland (09 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This presentation will go over identifying characteristics of the common snakes and serpents of Maryland in an effort to make folks more comfortable with recognizing them, demystify common misconceptions (venomous vs. non-venomous, etc), and broaden our horizons with one of our most important herps.

NeighborSpace Land Steward, Conor Harrington, will be leading us on this ID and demystification journey. Conor has a B.S. in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.S. in Biology from San Francisco State University. After recently moving back to Maryland, he is thrilled to be able to protect and improve natural areas for community benefit. To learn more about the work that Conor does with NeighborSpace, please visit them at their website here: https://www.neighborspacebaltimorecounty.org

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Are you fascinated by reptiles and amphibians? The Natural History Society of Maryland’s Herp Club promotes the proper husbandry, conservation, study, and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians. Amateurs, professionals, and kids of all ages are welcome. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month and are open to the public.

Although you don’t need to be a member to attend a meeting, membership gives you access to additional experiences. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Herp Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

The Green Nuclear Option (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This presentation invites participants to explore how nuclear energy fits into today’s evolving climate‑solution landscape as one of several technologies that may help meet rising global energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

The session begins with a clear, approachable overview of how nuclear energy works and how the technology has matured over the past several decades. It then moves through key topics people often wonder about: modern reactor development worldwide, what we’ve learned from past accidents, how waste is managed, and the economics of large‑scale energy production.

The talk concludes with a look toward the future, including the rapidly increasing power demands of AI, the strengths and limits of renewable resources like wind and solar, and how different energy sources might complement one another in a resilient, low‑carbon system.

About the speaker: William Needham is a retired naval officer with 30 years of experience operating and repairing nuclear submarines, followed by two decades as an environmental advocate in the Washington, DC region. He brings both technical expertise and a public‑interest perspective to this engineering‑focused discussion on climate and energy.

Fauna in the Flora -Native Animal Management at Longwood Gardens (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Most visitors to Longwood Gardens come to admire its flowers. But today we’ll explore the wildlife that frequent the garden without regard for the delicacy of the blossoms they snack on. Over Longwood’s 1,100 acres, 15 species of amphibians and reptiles, 200 species of birds, and 10 types of mammals call the gardens home. On any day, one may come across a snapping turtle sauntering across a lawn, a rabbit munching blossoms, or a fox hunting in the meadow.

Let’s meet up with Ryan Pardue, Longwood’s Wildlife Specialist, to discuss how wildlife is managed on site, whether that’s responding to nuisance incidents, providing nesting sites and monitoring various bird species, or managing their abundant deer herd. We will also meet Dr. Paul Reed, Director of Land Stewardship and Ecology, who will discuss the other stewardship and science aspects of their work, including plant community mapping and long-term ecological monitoring plots. We will walk through the Meadow and Forest District, tour the Meadow Garden, and stop at a few other ‘natural’ areas, where we’ll discuss various aspects of their Land Stewardship & Ecology program.

Your registration fee includes garden admission. You are welcome to walk the gardens on your own when our tour ends. Lunch is available in their cafe, or you may bring your own picnic. If you are a Longwood member, see your discounted fee and remember to bring your Longwood membership card for garden admittance.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Geology of Baltimore City Walk (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A large iron ring hangs from a wall, set in place many decades ago. And right below, there’s a big stone step. Look up to see a window encased in bars. Who was spying? Join geologist Kathleen Marasco to find the answer on this walk near the Inner Harbor. We will share the stories of rocks from many of our largest buildings and monuments, and you’ll discover how far away these beautiful slabs of stone traveled to find a home here in Baltimore.

On this 1.25-mile walk, view structures built from igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks that formed roughly 3.8 billion years ago and were erected during the last 200 years of American history. Who knew you could see ancient fossils, touch a stone almost as old as the Earth, and get a feel for Italy all in downtown Baltimore?

Our trip leader, Kathleen Marasco, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geology and a Master’s in Secondary Science Education.

Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
Bring a hand lens or loupe to look at details in the rock, if you have one.
No pets, please.
Suitable for high school-aged children.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Fossil Hunt at Stratford Hall - NHSM Members Only (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

How big is your shark tooth collection? If your answer is between zero and a thousand, join us to search for fossil treasures at Stratford Hall. With private beach access and help from expert volunteers, this trip is a unique opportunity for those looking to learn about ancient life in this area and perfect their fossil-collecting techniques.

Stratford Hall’s cliffs are part of a series of rock layers formed when ancient seas covered the area. Today, the Chesapeake Bay and rivers like the Potomac erode these old sea floor deposits, giving us a window into the past. These cliffs date from about 8 to 16 million years ago, during the Miocene Epoch. This location is one of the most scientifically important exposures of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region and the world.

Fossils that could be found include shark teeth from several different species, including Hemipristis or snaggletooth shark, tiger and tiger-like sharks, sand tiger sharks, C. Hastalis or the ancient white shark, and requiem sharks, and shells such as Chesapecten scallop and the Maryland state fossil, Ecphora, a predatory snail. Bones from whales and dolphin-like marine mammals, turtle shell pieces, stingray dental plates and barbs, crocodile teeth, and fossilized crabs are also possibilities.

This site is part of the Stratford Hall plantation owned by four generations of the Lee family and is now managed by the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation. The estate encompasses 1900 acres of farmland and forests on a high bluff overlooking the Potomac River. Field trip participants have access to tour the estate while at the fossil hunt.

This trip is for NHSM members only. If you are interested in becoming a member, click here.

Travel time: It is an estimated three-hour drive from Baltimore to Montross, VA (on the south side of the Potomac River, adjacent to Westmoreland State Park). Guests are responsible for their own transportation. Many choose to spend the night before or after the drive to break it up. Hotels are available in the towns of King George and Colonial Beach.

Difficulty: This field trip is moderately strenuous, involving hiking, cold water, and uncertain weather. There will be washed-up trees and debris on the beach, resulting in scramble spots. If you do not want to climb over obstacles, you can remain on the beach that is accessible to you. However, please note that you will be wading in the water, and in colder months, we recommend wearing waders. Bare feet are never allowed. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Age Restriction: The minimum age requirement is eight years old. This age limit is set by Stratford, and there are no exceptions. Please respect this policy when registering your family.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
All children must meet age requirements and be registered as a guest of their adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
No equipment is needed except for closed-toe shoes.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory on the property and in the water.
You may leave at any time if you do not want to stay all day.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Tree Ring Printing with Sue Fierston (AM Session) (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this beginner-friendly workshop, students will learn how to print tree rings of many sizes and species. Sue will demonstrate how to prepare the rings, including using a propane torch and wire brush to raise the wood grain for printing. NOTE: The tree rings will be prepared ahead of time for the class. We will not be prepping the rings; Sue is only demonstrating.

We will talk about dendrochronology, the science of tree-ring dating, and try to determine the age of these rings. Participants will take home several tree ring prints in various colors printed on paper suitable for cards and framing.

Bring a mask and an apron or wear old clothes. The soot from the tree rings is sticky.

NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston is a printmaker and the past president of the Nature Printing Society, a worldwide group of artists who are dedicated to nature printing in all forms. NPS members print real fish and leaves as well as tree bark and spiderwebs. Sue holds nature printmaking workshops in the spring and fall at the Smithsonian Associates and with us. Her prints and paintings can be seen at: suefierston.com and on Instagram at: @suefierston.

Sue published her book, Into the Woods: Families Making Art With Nature, in June 2020 with Swinging Bridge Press.

Tree Ring Printing with Sue Fierston (PM Session) (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Bring a mask and an apron or wear old clothes. The soot from the tree rings is sticky.

Sue published her book, Into the Woods: Families Making Art With Nature, in June 2020 with Swinging Bridge Press.

September Archaeology Club- The Northampton Iron Furnace (16 Sep 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

You can’t get blood from a stone, but you can get money from it—the Northampton Iron Furnace.

Bill will talk about the Northampton Iron Furnace, the 10^th iron furnace erected in Maryland. The furnace was built by the Ridgely family, owners of what is now the Hampton National Historic Site. The furnace contributed to early America’s wealth and provided important weapons to the Patriots in the American Revolution. Bill will talk about the history of the furnace and its workers, and a little about transportation history in Baltimore County. He will also discuss the ways that Americans have exploited and changed our natural resources including stone, minerals, wood, and water.

Bill Curtis is retired after a 43-year career with the National Park Service. While a history major at Gettysburg College, he began his career as a Licensed Battlefield Guide. His NPS career has included full time duty as an interpreter, law enforcement officer, and specialist in cultural and natural resource protection. He is a Maryland Master Naturalist, happily married and the proud father of two.

Texas Quarry (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Digging holes seems like child’s play. But not when you’re the crew at Martin Marietta’s Texas Quarry. Their hole isn’t measured in feet, but rather in miles: a mile long and a half mile wide, to be exact. This massive pit supplied marble used to build the walkway to the Capitol in Annapolis and the portico for St. Paul’s Cathedral in NYC. Our Washington Monument in Baltimore and a section of the Washington Monument in DC are also made from Texas marble. The history of this quarry goes back even further to 1802 and the first Irish immigrants to the region. On this tour, let’s watch the heavy equipment dig and haul while discovering the stories of those immigrants.

We will learn the quarry’s history, including past and current ownership and daily operations. This tour is based on a scenic overlook above the quarry. From there, we can view the equipment at work in the distance. The quarry pit and operations are not open to the public, as it is an active job site. The crew is working about a mile away — binoculars are recommended for closer viewing.

We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
Everyone aged 5 years and older is welcome to attend. However, children must be able to sit and listen to the presentation throughout. You may leave at any time if children become a disruption.
Proper outdoor etiquette is required. No climbing, running, or loud voices. Be respectful of our speakers by demonstrating good listening skills.
Photos are welcome.
Bring binoculars to see the trucks working across the pit. It is over a mile wide.
Picnic tables are available for seating. You may bring lawn chairs.
There is no walking except from the parking lot to the viewpoint. Only personnel have access to the interior of the operation.

In case of inclement weather, Martin-Marietta may cancel this tour, and NHSM will notify you. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Martin-Marietta offers this trip only to groups, not individuals. Please consider our registration fees as a donation to NHSM to cover administrative costs.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Shaping Baltimore's Urban Forests: Past Insight for Present-day Ecology (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

More than half of Baltimore’s current forest has been around for nearly 100 years, and almost three‑quarters has persisted since 1953. Another 30% grew in naturally over time, while about 15% formed in places that used to be developed. These patterns have important implications for present day ecology and management. Historical context is often absent from urban landscape ecology but provides information that can inform scientific inference, management approaches, and conservation priorities with limited resources for sustaining urban natural resources. Matthew Baker of UMBC will share results from systematic sampling of Baltimore’s current forest patches, along with ownership and land‑use classifications traced back to 1927 and 1953 aerial imagery, to explore how social and ecological conditions vary depending on each patch’s historical trajectory.

Matthew Baker is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography & Environmental Systems at UMBC. He has broad expertise in Forest, Landscape, and Aquatic Ecology, Hydrology and Geomorphology, as well as GIS and Remote Sensing. A member of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technology Advisory Committee, he has provided advice and expert testimony for cities, counties, states, and federal agencies regarding the hydrologic and ecological impacts of development and subsequent attempts at restoration. For more than 15 years, he has worked with Baltimore Green Space, a nonprofit land-trust within the city, alongside scientists from the USDA Forest Service’s Baltimore Field Station to study Baltimore’s urban forests. Current research interests include studying the effects of forests and trees on urban heat, measuring the effects of urban heat on urban tree growth, understanding patterns of urban pluvial flooding, new methods for documenting the geomorphic signal of urban development, understanding patterns of stream flow permanence, improving approaches for stream assessment, and developing methods for the next generation of stream maps.

Hart-Miller Island Boat and Bus Tour (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, three islands floated in the Chesapeake Bay to the east of Baltimore. While looking like tiny scraps of land to most people, others saw potential. Thirty years and 90 million cubic yards of material later, Hart-Miller Island was born. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources rebuilt the 1,100-acre island to safely dispose of dredging material while adding habitat for bay birds and wildlife. Join us for a morning boat and bus tour of the island, offered through the Maryland Environmental Service. As an important habitat for migrating shorebirds, nesting terns, and grassland-nesting songbirds, the site was developed with upland grassland and wetlands that flow into an extensive pool. A one-acre nesting island was constructed after a Maryland Ornithological Society survey was completed. We will be on the lookout for birds while on the bus and at all stops.

Bring a picnic lunch to eat near the beach on our last stop on the bus tour, Hart-Miller Island State Park. Snow cones and cold drinks may be available for purchase at their small store; however, it may be closed for the year due to budget cuts. If it is open, the store only accepts cash, no credit cards.

Please note that while this tour is offered free of charge by MES, we appreciate your donation to help cover our costs in offering this program.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, participants need to be able to board a boat with assistance, climb stairs, and hike .5 miles on a gravel road.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
Closed-toe shoes are REQUIRED.
High school-aged children welcome. No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details if you have them.
Bring your guidebooks, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Fall for Fungi- September (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Turkey tail, chicken of the woods, and scrambled egg slime. We aren’t talking poultry here. Get your camera out rather than your deep-fryer, and join us for our fall mushroom hunt with master mycologist William Needham. Let’s wander the trails to search for fungi that catch our eyes with unique coloring or gill placement and our ears with their odd name combinations.

And while fall is a perfect time to search for fungi, nothing is guaranteed. Keep in mind that destroying angel or inky cap could be growing just around the next corner, and enjoy the day regardless of how many mushrooms you find on the hike.

Our leader, William Needham, is the former president of the Mycological Association of Washington and has extensive field and practical experience with fungi. He is also a Master Naturalist in Maryland. He is active with several hiking and nature groups in the area and writes and co-edits hiking guides for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. He co-edited Hikes in the Washington Area, Part A, which includes Montgomery and Frederick Counties. His recently published book, The Compleat Ambler, is based in part on the blog Hiker’s Notebook, which was originally hosted on the Sierra Club Potomac Regional Outings website.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike with many stops. One short downhill section may be rocky.

You’ll find the meeting location details in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

NHSM Membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Bat Basics Night Hike (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bats rank at the expert level for scary creatures of the night for many people. But unlike zombies, bats play a vital role throughout Maryland. Let’s meet up for a walk at dusk to discover how bats contribute to our ecosystems, learn about their superpowers, look for clues to identify a few local species, and enjoy their aerial acrobatics on this trip with naturalist Sarah Witcher.

We will probably see big brown bats, with hoary and Eastern red bats also common. With our echolocation detectors, we could see or hear any of the 10 species found in Maryland, although the Myotis species are rare and unlikely.Our leader, Sarah Witcher, works for the Department of Natural Resources as an education biologist. Sarah serves as the state coordinator for Project WILD, a committee member for the Envirothon high school competition program, and the leader of the Wild Acres backyard habitat program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Loyola University, Maryland, and a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. She spends her free time with her family of humans and animals, eating delicious food and exploring new places.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather.
Bring a heavy-duty flashlight with new batteries or fully charged.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Sail Away, Sleep Away (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Sail away for the weekend! Board the Lady Maryland for an all-day sail down the Chesapeake Bay and up through the Magothy River Sanctuary to our overnight destination, Camp Whippoorwill, and return sail the next morning. It’s a nature camp for adults!

We’ll be exploring both on the water and on the land, and be on the lookout for all the critters who call each area home. While on board, you’ll learn about sailing and engage in hands-on marine science with our friends at the Living Classroom Foundation. Activities will include water quality testing, plankton trawling with microscope exploration, trawl fishing for marine life, oyster dissection, bird morphology and identification, setting sail, and steering the ship. Once at camp, we’ll turn to the woods for our inspiration. We can wander the trails, listen for birds, and enjoy a campfire with yummy s’mores. Plus, there’s a whole nighttime of nocturnal pursuits to explore, from owls, moths, and spiders to zombie fungi.

All meals and snacks will be provided and prepared for us, and most dietary needs can be met. Meals include two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast. A sample menu would include bagels for breakfast, sandwiches and wraps for lunch, and tacos or burritos for dinner. Meat, gluten, and lactose-free alternatives will be available. Snack items could include fruit, granola bars, Goldfish, and pretzels. We’ll sleep in rooms with bunk beds in the Big House. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels. No one will need to sleep in an upper bunk unless you are embracing your inner child. Last year, some preferred to sleep on mattresses on the floor in the big main area rather than use the bunk beds—your choice.

Our leaders: A well-versed crew from Living Classrooms will teach us all things marine science and local history while on board. Naturalist Dave Webb will also be traveling with us as our go-to bird and insect expert while both on board and on land. Dave is an editor with the Maryland Biodiversity Project, an online community of naturalists dedicated to cataloging the flora and fauna of Maryland. A birder for over 35 years, Dave shifted his focus about 10 years ago to include insects (especially moths and other nocturnal arthropods), terrestrial isopods, and the arthropods that exploit cattails.

Our transportation and accommodations: The Lady Maryland is a replica of a pungy schooner, originally built in Maryland and Virginia in the late 1800s. Pungies were uniquely adapted to carry perishable cargo on the Chesapeake Bay, with a hull shape similar to that of the famous Baltimore Clippers, which made them extremely fast. She is the only schooner of her kind in existence today. Camp Whippoorwill features 19 acres of woodland along the Magothy River and is operated by the Girl Scouts of America. The property includes a waterfront beach, recreational pier, and several buildings, including a main lodge and the Big House, where we will be sleeping. More information on the camp may be found here: https://www.gscm.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/camp-whippoorwill.html. There is one modern restroom for about every six people in the Big House.

Due to the nature of this trip, refunds will be available minus a 5% processing fee through Aug 19. After that date, refunds will not be available.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email about a week before the date.
Closed-toe shoes are required on board the boat.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
Bring your moth setup if you’d like.
If you would like to supplement our menu with your own specialty items, a refrigerator will be available at camp. You may bring a small ice chest on the boat.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Wild Edibles: Pawpaws Down Yonder with Nick Spero (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

♪♪ Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch ♪ Look for us there! Finding pawpaw trees in our local forests is fairly easy. Finding fruit on a pawpaw tree is the tricky part. Join master forager Nick Spero in search of the pawpaw fruit, a small green potato-shaped fruit with a flavor often compared to bananas, with hints of mango, vanilla, and citrus. The largest edible fruit native to North America, pawpaws are a local commodity made into bread, ice cream, and salsa, just to name a few dishes. And while pawpaws are the goal, we will be sure to keep our eyes open for other wild plants that can be foraged in this easy-to-moderate, low-intensity hike. Nibble along the way to learn valuable foraging tips and techniques.

To limit our impact on the park, let’s concentrate on learning to identify and sample taste rather than foraging, which may damage an area when too much is taken.

Our field trip leader, Nick Spero, spends his retirement outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. Primitive technology has piqued his interest since childhood. Here is a video produced by NPR about Nick.

Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult. No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Paddle the Ghost Forests of Blackwater (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, rising seas and saltwater are transforming coastal forests into striking landscapes known as ghost forests. At the boundary where marsh meets forest, these changes reveal the dynamic relationship between sea level rise, shifting habitats, and the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Our guide will be Dr. Keryn Gedan, Associate Professor of Biology at George Washington University, whose research examines how sea level rise and saltwater intrusion are reshaping coastal forests, marshes, and agricultural landscapes across the Mid-Atlantic. She leads the Gedan Lab, which studies how climate change, nutrient availability, and invasive species influence tidal marshes and other coastal ecosystems through field research across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

As we paddle through this changing landscape, Dr. Gedan will explain how salt marshes gradually migrate into coastal forests, why some tree species such as maples and sweetgums are more vulnerable to salt exposure while loblolly pines and eastern redcedars persist longer, and how shrubs like wax myrtle and invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) reshape the forest as it transitions to marsh. We’ll also explore what these changes reveal about the future of coastal wetlands and whether migrating marshes can continue to replace habitat lost to accelerating sea level rise.

Join us on the water to experience this remarkable landscape firsthand and discover how one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most dynamic ecosystems is adapting to a changing world.

This paddle takes place on an open and exposed marshy pond. Intermediate paddling experience is recommended. If conditions become too severe, the paddle will be canceled.

Our canoes seat 2 adults, so individuals will be paired up with another paddler. If you are not comfortable paddling with a stranger, sign up with a buddy!

For questions, please email Bex at BLyons@marylandnature.org.

Nature Connections: Life Under a Rock - What Lives On the Forest Floor? (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Ever turn a rock over in the woods and find all sorts of mysterious creatures? Find out more about them and the rest of the “decomposers” that make plant and animal life on earth possible! We will:

look through a microscope to see fungi and bacteria
get a closer look at the creepy crawlies who spend their lives on the forest floor
make crafts and play games
sample mushrooms from ALL CAPS Farm

The keynote speaker for our “Life Under a Rock” Nature Connections event will be Felipe Martin, founder of of ALL CAPS mushroom farm

Felipe is an experienced mushroom cultivator specializing in innovative agricultural techniques. He began his journey in agriculture on an aquaponics farm, mastering mushroom cultivation and sustainable practices. His work sourcing coffee in Latin America for Cambio Coffee deepened his appreciation for ethical sourcing through direct engagement with producers.

At All Caps, Felipe is also working with his team to develop the Mush Hub, a creative hub that brings together mushrooms, art, and education.

All Caps began as a curiosity-driven space for fungi, and today we’re building the Mush Hub: an education, experience, and innovation platform where we explore mycelium through workshops, art, materials, and design to turn curiosity into creative, real-world impact. Felipe’s presentation will cover how the Mush Hub started, current and future projects we have coming up, and what kind of collaborators we are looking for.

The program is free, but for planning purposes, we ask that you RSVP.

ABOUT NATURE CONNECTIONS: Nature Connections is a signature program offered to you by the Natural History Society of Maryland with financial support from the Citizens of Baltimore County. Programs, held on select Sundays, are free and open to the public. Each Nature Connection focuses on a different natural history topic.

Learn from presentations and displays from local experts and organizations • Explore specimens and artifacts from natural history collections • Hear about related citizen science projects • Talk to scientists who can answer your questions and guide your discoveries of the natural world • Enjoy games, art, crafts, stories, music, and drama

Story Makers with Common Tone (ages 1-5 years) (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

This fall, we are teaming up with Common Tone to bring Story Makers to the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences. Designed for children aged 1-5 and their caregivers, each session will include a family craft and music event that explores a story through songs, art, movement, and play. Children will create and take home a craft inspired by the story. The stories we select will be nature-based, and the museum will have specimens from the collection for children to explore, making this a truly unique program.

This is an 8-week program, meeting on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:15 am from September 22 to November 17 (no session on Nov. 3). You can register for the whole series or just a single session.

ABOUT COMMON TONE: Common Tone™ arts enrichment programming promotes authentic exploration of performing and visual arts for children of all ages.

Founded in 2024 by Baltimore-based teachers Mike Feathers and Beth Pacione, Common Tone encourages students of all ages to develop a love and appreciation for music, movement, visual art, and drama. Common Tone believes in cultivating a community of dedicated educators and musicians who engage and inspire students by implementing the use of authentic instruments and encouraging self-discovery through music.

Listen to Mike & Beth on Tiffany Aurora’s Entrepreneurs & Artists podcast!
“Better Together with Mike Feathers and Beth Pacione of Common Tone Music”

Read about Mike & Beth’s Common Tone journey in Voyage Baltimore Magazine.

September Lep Club: Creating Native Habitats to Support Butterflies and Moths (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Creating a safe haven for butterflies and moths goes beyond just planting beautiful flowers to attract them to your space. In this presentation, we’ll explore:

How to select and nurture native plants (esp. keystone species) that host Lepidoptera (specialists and generalists),
How to recognize and remove the most common non-native invasives &
How to provide sanctuary for butterflies and moths throughout the seasons.

Lindy Fine is a Lep Club member, has a Master’s Degree in Microbiology from the VCU Medical College of Virginia, where she did graduate research on spirochetal pathogens. In addition, she contributed to studies of estuarine microbial ecology along the Pacific Coast with UMCES. Lindy has had a lifelong interest in the natural world, including native plants, but entomology remains her first love.

Maureen Fine has an MA in Earth Literacy, has been a native plant gardener for 25+ years, a habitat advisor with Prince George’s Audubon, and a MD Master Naturalist.

Kathy Shollenberger has Master Gardener and Master Naturalist training and worked as an ambassador for Northern VA Bird Alliance’s Wildlife Sanctuary program. She is a retired teacher, lifelong gardener, and Prince George’s Audubon Society (PGAS) Board Member. She co-founded and leads the Wildlife Habitat Program associated with PGAS, an all-volunteer program that has provided free garden consults for more than 600 county residents.

—

Everyone is welcome to attend, but for planning purposes, we appreciate RSVPs. If you would like to bring something to swap, please let the Club Coordinator (rbaldwin@marylandnature.org) know in advance.

If you love butterflies and moths, consider joining the NHSM Lep Club. Made up of novice and expert lepidopterists who meet to exchange knowledge and support concerning habitat, threats, food sources, identification, and life cycle of butterflies and moths, the Lep Club encourages the sharing of knowledge for the raising and breeding of moths and butterflies through hands-on lessons and guest speakers.

The NHSM Lepidoptera Club meets the fourth Wednesday of every month from March-October at 6908 Belair Rd or over Zoom. Club members are also involved in outreach in the greater Baltimore community through educational programs and service projects. If you have questions feel free to email the club coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org

Annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Lep Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Although you don’t need to be a member to attend our meetings, your membership dues support our programs and give you access to exclusive field trips and other events.

Our Class Pet Is A Living Fossil (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Our Class Pet Is A Living Fossil is a photographic nonfiction book that follows Mr. Eric Jayne’s fifth‑grade “horseshoe crab scientists” as they raise and study one of Earth’s most extraordinary animals. This unique classroom project blends hands‑on science, stewardship, and storytelling, showing how students, their teacher, and scientist Stephanie Tuckfield work together to protect a species that has outlived dinosaurs.

During this presentation, coauthors Jennifer Keats Curtis and Eric Jayne will share the behind‑the‑scenes story of creating the book. Eric will show what it’s like to rear horseshoe crabs—and young scientists—in his classroom. At the same time, Jennifer will talk about the deep research, surprising discoveries, and unforgettable experience of joining the students for a horseshoe crab release. Her coauthor, Eric, is the only elementary school teacher in the country raising horseshoe crabs.

Curtis has published 29 books, including Kali’s Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue (Children’s Choice Book Award Winner), Moonlight Crab Count (International Literacy Association Award Winner), and Pooper Snooper (Kirkus starred review). Many of her titles are National Science Teaching Association/Children’s Book Council Outstanding Science Trade Books, including Maggie: Alaska’s Last Elephant, After A While Crocodile: Alexa’s Diary, and Moonlight Crab Count.

Her book Return of the Terns: How Scientists Are Saving Island Birds earned multiple 2026 Children’s Book Council Kids Favorites Awards. Her relentless curiosity has led her into the field with crocodiles, pelicans, horseshoe crabs, and many other wild animals. When she’s not pestering experts, she’s in her happy place: schools. Her mission is making science accessible, accurate, and engaging for young readers.

Eric Jayne has been an elementary school teacher for 24 years and has earned numerous awards, including Wal‑Mart Local Teacher of the Year and the Mister Car Wash Teachers Who Shine Award. He holds a Master’s degree in teaching from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in business from Towson University.

Before teaching, Eric worked as a data analyst in both the public and private sectors, including at America Online (AOL) during its peak as the world’s largest internet provider.

In 2009, Eric began raising horseshoe crabs in his classroom. Since then, he and his students have successfully raised and released 191 horseshoe crabs into the Chesapeake Bay. Our Class Pet Is A Living Fossil is Eric’s debut book and fulfills a lifelong publishing dream with more to come.

Creek to Beak Fall 2026 - Eastern Shore Birding Paddle (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Grab your binoculars and join us for an early morning expeditionary paddle from Wye Island Natural Resource Management Area to Pickering Creek Audubon Center! This 2.5-mile paddle will take us through a dynamic coastal environment as we explore the quiet and protected waters surrounding Wye Island before making our way up Pickering Creek to the Center’s new living shoreline.

From there, we will begin our walk through a mile and a half of the Center’s winding wooded trails. This diverse habitat is home to five species of woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, and an array of colorful songbirds. Keep your eyes and ears open for all the possibilities.

Our journey will be led by members of the Talbot County Bird Club, all seasoned naturalists and longtime volunteers at Pickering Creek Audubon Center. Their experience and local knowledge will help us spread our wings and discover the hidden stories of this landscape.

This paddle takes place on a tidal river that may experience windy conditions. If weather is too severe the paddle will be cancelled. Intermediate Paddling experience required.

Our canoes seat two adults, so individual participants will be paired with a fellow paddler. If you prefer not to be paired with someone you don’t know, we encourage you to register with a buddy. Participants are also welcome to bring their own boats.

The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible.

For questions, please email Bex at BLyons@marylandnature.org.

Hodge Podge Birds (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Remember Hodge Podge Lodge? If you’re of a certain age and grew up on the East Coast, you may have fond memories of this children’s television series from the 70’s, featuring Miss Jean Worthley and her animal friends. Relive those moments on this birding walk, which includes a visit to the Lodge, now at Howard County Conservancy.

We’ll walk at an easy pace, watching for birds migrating to their winter homes, including songbirds, flycatchers, woodpeckers, raptors, and many warblers. The walk should take about two hours and cover 1-1.5 miles of mostly flat terrain, with a few hilly sections.

Miss Jean was also a longtime member of NHSM, serving as a board member and editor of the newsletter.

For 30 years, the Lodge was located on the back lot at Maryland Public Television and moved to the Conservancy in 2008. Twelve years later, the interior was renovated as a project sponsored by the American Heritage Girls organization. Today, it hosts field trips with students from around the area, connecting people to nature.

Our trip leader is Mike Kerwin, a highly experienced birder who walks these trails daily and knows the migrating and year-round birds in the property’s meadows, woodlands, and riparian borders. He leads many hikes for Conservancy members and guests throughout the year. Mike is the past president of the Howard County Bird Club.

We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Into the Almost Ancient Cypress Swamps: A Weekend Exploration on the Eastern Shore (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join the Natural History Society of Maryland for a weekend exploration of one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most remarkable and least understood ecosystems, the bald cypress swamps of the Delmarva Peninsula. Maryland and Delaware lie at the northern edge of the bald cypress’s natural range, making these forests an exceptionally rare feature of our region. While bald cypress is widely planted throughout Maryland, naturally occurring cypress swamps are found only in a handful of places on the southern Coastal Plain, where they have persisted for thousands of years.

Bald cypress wetlands are a distinctive feature of the Chesapeake watershed. In these forested swamps, bald cypress trees grow along dark, tannin-stained blackwater streams, with broad trunks supported by buttressing and specialized root structures known as “knees” that extend above the water’s surface. Unlike most conifers, bald cypress shed their soft needles each fall in a brilliant display of gold before standing bare through winter. These swamps support an extraordinary diversity of life, from swamp tupelo, sweetbay magnolia, and royal fern to rare amphibians, migratory birds, and countless wetland species adapted to this unique habitat.

Our home base will be Trap Pond State Park, a 3,653-acre park centered around one of the northernmost natural stands of bald cypress trees in the United States. With nearly nine miles of water trails and more than 12 miles of hiking trails, the park offers a unique opportunity to explore a landscape shaped by both natural processes and human history.

We will be camping at a primitive group site with restrooms and a water spigot located within a stone’s throw. The site includes picnic tables, a large fire ring, and plenty of room to set up tents. If sleeping outdoors isn’t your thing, you are welcome to attend and book your stay anywhere nearby.

Throughout the weekend, we will explore these remarkable ecosystems from multiple perspectives, experiencing the cypress swamps by paddle, pontoon, and land.

Weekend Exploration Plan:

Friday evening, we will settle into our group campsite at Trap Pond State Park and enjoy a private ranger-led pontoon tour of Trap Pond, learning more about the park’s history and the role of cypress swamps in this landscape.
Saturday morning we’ll paddle the quiet waters of Nassawango Creek with Chase from The Nature Conservancy, exploring one of Maryland’s finest remaining bald cypress swamps. This remarkable waterway winds through a forest of towering bald cypress and black gum trees, where massive trunks, shaded waters, and the sounds of the swamp create an unforgettable paddling experience.
That afternoon, we will return to Trap Pond for a guided hike through its surrounding forests. Joan Maloof, Professor Emeritus at Salisbury University, author, and founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network, will guide us through the forest and share her knowledge of the region’s ecology and the stories these forests hold.
As the sun sets, we will return to the water for a night paddle and watch the Harvest Moon rise over Trap Pond, experiencing this unique landscape from the natural light of night.
We’ll conclude the weekend with a guided off-road tour of the Great Cypress Swamp alongside Delaware Wild Lands, exploring one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most significant freshwater wetlands. We’ll caravan through the property in our own high-clearance vehicles, following a network of dirt roads with frequent stops to explore restoration sites, discuss efforts to restore the swamp’s natural hydrology, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Along the way, we’ll admire towering bald cypress with their distinctive knees, black tupelo trees rising from tannin-dark waters, vernal pools shaded by swamp cottonwoods, and remnant stands of Atlantic white cedar that offer a glimpse of what this remarkable forest once looked like.

Whether you are drawn by the almost ancient forests, blackwater paddling, or the natural history of the Delmarva Peninsula, this immersive weekend offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most distinctive and ecologically significant landscapes in our region.

This program is designed for adults, ages 18 and above. Specific details about locations and timing will be included in the registration email.

All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Fungi 101 (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Before you spot a single mushroom cap, an entire hidden kingdom is already at work beneath the forest floor. We begin by breaking down the core biology and identification groups that help you recognize fungi in the field.

This call starts with the basics of fungal biology and the major identification groups used in the field. Participants will learn how to recognize agarics, boletes, polypores, puffballs, jellies, cups, and other common forms through clear photos and simple diagnostic features. From there, the program moves into fungal ecology—how fungi decompose wood, form symbiotic partnerships with plants, and build the underground networks often called the wood‑wide web. The class concludes with a nod to fungi’s cultural and practical significance: edible species, poisonous lookalikes, and the medicinal and biochemical compounds that have shaped human history, from penicillin to modern psychedelic research.

An optional outdoor foray extends the learning as the class practices real‑world identification.

About the speaker: William Needham is a Maryland Master Naturalist and past president of the Mycological Association of Washington, DC. He has extensive field experience, contributes to regional hiking and nature groups, and co‑authors guides for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. His books include The Compleat Ambler and The Green Nuclear Option, which examines nuclear energy’s role in reducing carbon emissions.

Go with the Flow - Explore Life in a Stream at Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (September) (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Discover the underwater world of macroinvertebrates. See them up close and learn how they indicate stream health and what roles they play in stream ecology. NHSM volunteers will show participants how to catch and identify macroinvertebrates. Suitable for ages 6 and up. All equipment will be provided. Dress for the weather and prepare to get wet and muddy.

Macroinvertebrates are organisms that are large (macro) enough to be seen with the naked eye and lack a backbone (invertebrate). They inhabit all types of running waters, from fast-flowing mountain streams to slow-moving muddy rivers. Examples of aquatic macroinvertebrates include insects (in their adult, larval, or nymph forms), mollusks, crustaceans, and worms (Viklund, 2011).

Location – Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Baltimore (exact meeting location will be provided upon registration)
Free, but please RSVP for planning purposes. Donations are accepted and much appreciated.

ABOUT Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is one of the largest woodland parks in an East coast city, constituting a contiguous area of 1000 acres (400 hectares), 84% of which is forest. Envisioned as a “stream valley park” to protect Baltimore’s watersheds from overdevelopment and to preserve their natural habitats, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park today offers a rare opportunity for the public to explore a diverse natural environment characterized by stream valleys, ridge tops, and meadows; enjoy opportunities for active recreation; and experience historic structures from an earlier era.

Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, designated as part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area, is managed and maintained by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, assisted and supported by volunteers of the Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (FoGFLP).

Reading the Landscape: Jug Bay by Canoe (01 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join the Natural History Society of Maryland for an exploratory paddle through the expansive tidal freshwater wetlands of Jug Bay. This nationally recognized research area is one of the Chesapeake region’s most significant examples of the long relationship between people and the landscape. Archaeological evidence reveals a continuity of human habitation spanning more than 13,000 years, offering insight into how Indigenous communities and later residents adapted to and relied upon the resources of the Patuxent River.

Our guide will be archaeologist Drew Webster from Anne Arundel County’s Cultural Resources Section. Having spent more than a decade researching and interpreting the archaeology of Jug Bay, Drew will share how archaeological sites throughout the area continue to shape our understanding of the people who have lived along the Patuxent River for thousands of years. Traveling by canoe offers a unique opportunity to experience these waterways from the same perspective that connected generations of people long before roads existed.

The wetlands of Jug Bay also provide critical habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including freshwater marsh birds such as least bittern, sora, and Virginia rail. As we paddle through this expansive marsh, we’ll explore the connections between the natural environment and the people who have called this landscape home.

This paddle takes place on a tidal river and is subject to windy conditions. If conditions become too severe, the paddle will be canceled.

Our canoes seat 2 adults, so individuals will be paired up with another paddler. If you are not comfortable paddling with a stranger, sign up with a buddy!

For questions, please email Bex at BLyons@marylandnature.org.

Conserving Species with Genomics and Artificial Intelligence (01 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Species are not distributed equally throughout their ranges. They occupy a mosaic of habitat patches, and the populations within those patches range from well connected to nearly isolated. Genomic surveys, paired with analytical tools drawn from artificial intelligence, let biologists map where populations actually occur, measure how connected and how healthy they are, and forecast how each may respond to a changing environment. These insights help set priorities for conserving species and the ecosystems they depend on.

BIO: Dr. Zbinden (zuh-BIN-den) is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Appalachian Laboratory, where he conducts basic and applied research on the distribution and dynamics of biodiversity. Combining fieldwork, laboratory methods, and advanced analytics, he takes a “genes to ecosystems” approach, advocating for multispecies population genomic research to address ecological questions at broad scales. Although he specializes in freshwater fish communities across entire watersheds, his interests span a wide range of taxa and systems.

A central goal of his work is to support conservation and management by providing insights that guide the protection of species and ecosystems. His current research asks how to strengthen species’ resilience to climate change by drawing on adaptations already present in wild populations — using nature’s own genetic toolkit rather than engineered alternatives.

Shark Tagging Marine Science Expedition (02 Oct 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Step off the shoreline and into the heart of shark conservation and marine research. Join us for an immersive marine science weekend in Miami, where we’ll go beyond observation to become active participants in shark research as we catch and tag sharks, explore what’s behind the scenes at a NOAA lab, and submerge ourselves in marine creatures living in Biscayne Bay.

Friday afternoon: Go behind the scenes – Discover the research in progress to protect marine environments at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory at the University of Miami. Our tour will include the Experimental Reef Laboratory, featuring 16 completely independent aquarium systems, each programmable to adjust pH, oxygen, temperature, and light, with a fully automated logging and control system that facilitates real-time manipulation of dynamic levels for temperature, pH, oxygen, and/or light treatments. We’ll also stop by the robotic aquaculture aquaria, CT scanning, and 3D printing facilities.
Saturday – Aboard the research vessel Garvin – In our highlight adventure, we’ll work alongside marine conservation biologist Dr. David Shiffman and his expert team from The Field School to better understand the ocean’s top predators, sharks. Spend the day deploying gear, measuring, tagging, and collecting vital data from sharks and other species in Miami Bay. You’ll be contributing to active research by collecting data to monitor the health and movement of several shark species found there, as well as other top predators such as barracuda.
Sunday: Into the sea – Snorkel the vibrant ecosystems of Biscayne National Park. Depending on the day’s conditions, we will snorkel among coral reefs or quiet mangrove nurseries to see the incredible juvenile marine life these habitats support. This area is known for its waters full of nursery animals, including hundreds of baby barracudas.

ABOUT THE SHARKS: Twenty-five species of sharks are found in the waters around Florida. The most commonly tagged sharks are nurse, black-tipped, bonnethead, and, occasionally, great hammerhead, tiger, bull, and Caribbean sharks. The data gathered from tagging is used in population monitoring research. There is no guarantee of the number of sharks we may catch, but the crew usually averages three sharks per outing.

Our shark tagging leader is Dr. David Shiffman, a marine conservation biologist at Arizona State University. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, National Geographic, and Scientific American, and he writes a monthly column in Scuba Diving Magazine. Dr. Shiffman is the author of the book, Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator. In the book, Shiffman explains that sharks are among the most fascinating, ecologically important, threatened, and misunderstood animals on Earth. Their role as predators has earned them a reputation as a major threat to humans. But the truth is that sharks are in danger from us.

The minimum number of participants is 10 to make this trip a go. If less than 10 register, we will need to cancel and all fees will be fully refunded.

A portion of our tour fees paid to The Field School directly subsidizes on-the-sea experiences for Miami-area high schoolers, helping to inspire the next generation of marine scientists.

Accommodations: We have secured a rate of $160/night at Tru by Hilton West Brickell. Book by September 9 to lock in this rate. The booking link will be available in your confirmation email after registration. This hotel is located 3 miles from our boat charter for shark tagging; the snorkeling location is approximately 52 minutes and 41 miles away; and our NOAA tour is 11 min and 4.2 miles away. You’re welcome to stay anywhere you like; however, all group meetups and shared transportation will begin at this hotel.

Transportation, food, and all other expenses are the participant’s responsibility. The registration fee covers the charter boat and crew for shark tagging, the NOAA tour, the snorkeling charter, and transportation to and from the hotel to the marina on Saturday. We can coordinate between participants to share car rentals or explore other transportation options to NOAA and the Biscayne Bay snorkel.

Due to the costs and nature of this trip, refunds are available through September 12, minus a 5% cancellation fee. After September 13, cancellations are not refundable.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Rice & Rails: The Delicate Ecology of Wild Rice Marshes (07 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join naturalist Greg Kearns in a remarkable opportunity to learn about our sora rail population and its tight link with wild rice in the Patuxent River marshlands. While out on a pontoon boat, we hope to see rail on the mudflats at low tide and possibly watch the banding of a few individuals. We will learn about wild rice as it ends its seasonal bloom and its strong connection to the rail population. Greg began investigating this secretive small marsh waterbird in 1987, leading to groundbreaking research and a better understanding of the bird’s natural history, as well as an amazing restoration effort at Jug Bay under Greg’s direction.

Sighting Sora rail is highly dependent on the weather, which initiates their migration, and will be reflected in the number of rails in our vicinity. Please note that all bird observation and handling techniques match or exceed the practices outlined in the Bird Banders Code of Ethics. All banding is conducted under a federally authorized bird banding permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Greg Kearns, a MNCPPC naturalist/biologist for over 37 years at Patuxent River Park, is an accomplished photographer, birder, and authority on the sora rail, osprey, and the wetland ecology at Jug Bay. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources named him Conservationist of the Year in 2006 for his work restoring the wild rice marshes on the river, which has been recognized as one of Maryland’s best wetland recoveries.

We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Delmarva Bays: 23 Years of Research (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Delmarva bays are among Maryland’s most distinctive and least understood wetland systems, and once numbered in the thousands across the peninsula. A Caroline County property containing several of these natural bays and more than 200 acres of active farmland was acquired by The Nature Conservancy in 1978. When restoration efforts began in 2002, the site became a rare living laboratory: a natural bay, a rehabilitated bay, and a newly created wetland, all developing side‑by‑side.

For more than two decades, the Lamp Lab has documented how aquatic macroinvertebrate communities respond to these changing landscapes. In this talk, Dr. Bill Lamp will introduce the structure and ecological function of Delmarva Bays, trace the collaborative restoration process, and then dive into what 23 years of monitoring reveal about wetland succession. Using three major collection periods from 2005–2007, 2012, and 2025, he’ll compare how insect and other invertebrate assemblages shift across natural, restored, and created wetlands. Expect mysteries, surprises, and a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity tucked into Maryland’s quietest water bodies.

Dr. Bill Lamp is a Professor of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park, whose interdisciplinary research spans aquatic entomology, plant–insect interactions, biological control, and sustainable agriculture. Since joining UMD in 1985, he has authored three books, 15 book chapters, and 76 refereed articles; secured 78 research grants; and delivered more than 60 invited presentations. His teaching portfolio includes integrated pest management, insect biodiversity, freshwater biology, and the book Insect Apocalypse: Real or Imagined. A decorated mentor and educator, Dr. Lamp has guided 26 graduate students, served as president of the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America, founded the EntoQuest student–professional retreat, and contributed as a science editor for 16 National Geographic Kids books.

Bird Banding at Masonville Cove (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Masonville Cove Bird Banding Station to learn about how Baltimore’s greenspaces support local birdlife and how scientists employ bird banding to study ecology—regionally and beyond.

At the station, the southbound fall migration is busier and sees a more diverse cast of species than spring; more than a dozen species of sparrow, two dozen species of warbler, along with thrushes, tanagers, buntings, and grosbeaks, are all among the myriad possibilities. Attendees will learn how our banders capture and process this great diversity of birds, and will have the chance to observe up close how they discern age, sex, and other demographic details of the banded individuals.

The distance from the work table to the furthest net and back is about a mile; most of the walking is on a fairly level, rock-and-gravel path. We recommend sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Attendees don’t have to walk out to the nets and back if the distance is a challenge. Benches and a few folding chairs are available around the worktable, and people are welcome to wait there.

Now in its fourth year, the Masonville Cove Bird Banding Station is run by Birds of Urban Baltimore in partnership with the Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Please note that while this tour is free for qualifying groups, we appreciate your donation to help cover our administrative costs.

We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
Middle school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Rock Bottom - Rock Collecting in the Pit at Texas Quarry (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

We’ve peered over the edge into the pit at Texas Quarry for years, dreaming of the treasure waiting below. That dream is now a reality with this newest adventure – a trip to the bottom to search for calcite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and other less common minerals at Martin Marietta’s Texas Quarry.

We’ll start at the scenic overview to learn the quarry’s history, including past and current ownership, and get an overview of daily operations and equipment. From there, we will caravan down into the pit, stopping at three or four spots, with time at each to collect. Since this is a working quarry, everyone must provide their own full safety gear, including a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, a reflective safety vest/shirt/jacket, safety glasses, and gloves. No safety equipment will be provided. Most specimens can be found by surface collecting. Bring a bucket to carry your finds, and you are welcome to bring hand tools such as a chisel and rock hammer.

The pit is about a mile long and a half mile wide and was the source of marble used to build the walkway to the Capitol in Annapolis and the portico for St. Paul’s Cathedral in NYC. Our Washington Monument in Baltimore and a section of the Washington Monument in D.C. are also made from Texas marble. The history of this quarry goes back even further to 1802 and the first Irish immigrants to the region.

A moderate level of fitness is required to walk on uneven surfaces unaided and carry your own equipment, or have a partner to help. It may be hot and dusty: please consider that, also.

You can find our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
Participant must supply all of their own safety equipment.
You must follow all safety equipment and protocols outlined above and in our opening talk on site, or you will be asked to leave. It is a privilege for us to attend, and we must respect all rules and requests.
No one under 14 is allowed. Children must be able to sit quietly and listen to the safety and history presentation, and demonstrate proper outdoor etiquette. No climbing, running, or loud voices.
No more than two children per adult.
Everyone must sign a liability waiver, available on site. Minors will need their waiver signed by a parent or guardian. If you are bringing a child without their parent, please request a waiver to be emailed from JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Photos are welcome.
Bring binoculars to view the pit from the overlook. It is over a mile wide.
Bring a lunch, snack, water, and sunscreen.
We will carpool into the pit, using high-clearance vehicles. If your car is not 4-wheel drive, we highly recommend carpooling with another participant.

In case of inclement weather, Martin-Marietta may cancel this tour, and NHSM will notify you. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Martin-Marietta offers this trip for groups only, not individuals. Please consider our registration fees as a donation to NHSM to cover administrative costs.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Herp-O-Ween and Trunk-or-Treat at the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

At the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences, we look forward to October all year long- so that we can finally celebrate HERP-O-WEEN!

Whether you’re a long-time herp lover or just a little curious- this event is for you! Come hang out with some friendly herps (reptiles and amphibians) and their conscientious owners at the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences on Wednesday, October 14th at 6:30pm and participate in a family-friendly trunk-or-treat at HERP-O-WEEN!

More information coming soon.

Meet the Magnificent Marbled Salamander (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Spring is typically when one thinks about salamander reproduction, but here’s an opportunity to learn about the marbled salamander, a fall breeder. Nature photographer David Hand, who has spent many hours finding and examining salamander nests and eggs and documenting every stage of the salamander’s development from embryo to adult, will present incredible still photos and videos of the marbled salamander and its life cycle.

David Hand is a nature photographer and naturalist who lives in western Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, with his wife of 40 years, Beverly, and their two dogs, Maddie and Sam. His main interest is studying the lives of salamanders, particularly the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum). He will share the life cycle of this amazing salamander through his own pictures and video, along with stories from his field observations. David’s work has been featured in Reptiles Magazine.

Go with the Flow - Explore Life in a Stream at Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (October) (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Location – Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Baltimore (exact meeting location will be provided upon registration)
Free, but please RSVP for planning purposes. Donations are accepted and much appreciated.

Weave a Cattail Tote with Clare Walker (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Learn to weave with one of nature’s amazing, strong yet flexible materials: cattails. Native peoples in the Americas and around the world have used this versatile plant for everything from mats, baskets, and cordage to house insulation and food from its roots, shoots, and pollen.

In this class, we will make a strong and useful tote bag (approx.12×8”) and learn several weaving techniques, including under-over weave, twining, twilling, and finishing. Cattail is soft on the hands compared to many weaving techniques but does require some hand dexterity.

Rare Forest Plants at Antietam: The Lasting Influence of Geology and Land-Use History (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Antietam National Battlefield is widely recognized for its historical significance, but its forests also hold a rich natural history that reflects both the region’s geology and centuries of human land use. The battlefield supports populations of several rare native plant species, many of which are restricted to specific habitats associated with limestone geology, mature forests, and unique topographic conditions. Understanding why these species occur where they do is important for conserving Maryland’s botanical diversity, particularly as forests continue to face pressures from habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and changing land-use patterns.

This presentation discusses a recent study of rare forest plants at Antietam National Battlefield that combines botanical surveys with soil data, topographic analyses, and historical aerial imagery to investigate the factors influencing rare plant occurrence. The research reveals how interactions among geology, landscape features, and past land use help explain the distribution of rare species across the battlefield’s forests and provides insights for conserving native plant communities in Maryland and beyond.

Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Towson University, where she teaches classes in plant ecology and botany. With a BS in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and a PhD in Plant Biology from Arizona State University, she has 25 years of experience working with plant communities from the desert Southwest to the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont. Her other research interests include urban forest succession, effects of deer browse on ecosystem processes, and ecology of streamside (riparian) plant communities. A large part of her research program involves practical applications related to management, conservation, and restoration of plant communities.

Felt a Mushroom (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Arguably the most iconic toadstool species, Amanita muscaria, the fly agaric is one of the most recognizable fungi in the world, and is widely encountered in popular culture. In this class, instructor, Gayle Matheus will guide you through dry and wet felting techniques to create a clump of mushrooms with some embellishments that will look like moss, soil all of wool situated on a piece of wood. No prior experience is required.

Each Participant is asked to bring with them, a couple hand towels, wire cutters, needle nosed pliers, small scissors and also a piece of wood (either foraged or purchased) no smaller than 6″ long, on which to pose the mushrooms. The class size is kept purposefully small to ensure personalized instruction.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Gayle Mathues has been needle-felting since 2014. She is a Sarafina Certified Instructor and has a felting business called Animal Faire. She has taught several years at Common Ground on the Hill at McDaniel College. Her specialties are realistic animals and gnome –type figures. Her work can be found at Off Track Art Gallery and at various craft shows throughout the area. Read more about Gayle in the Baltimore Sun article from 2020

TERMS and CONDITIONS: This is an adult only class. Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

Fossil Kits for Classrooms: Educator Training (October) (25 Oct 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Put Ancient Life in Your Students’ Hands

The Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences’ Fossil Kit Training is a hands‑on workshop designed for educators of all subjects and grade levels who want to teach Earth’s story using real specimens.

During this interactive session, participants explore Maryland’s geologic timeline, fossilization processes, extinction events, and the ancient plants and animals that once lived here. Educators leave with the knowledge and confidence to integrate fossils across science, social studies, literacy, and STEM curricula.

Each attendee receives a classroom fossil kit containing 39 fossil types and ~200 labeled specimens—representing multiple phyla, geologic eras, and global localities—assembled thanks to a generous donor.

Training Dates

August 16 • 12–2:30 PM
October 25 • 8–10:30 AM
December 29 • 2–4:30 PM

Educators will:

Understand Maryland’s geologic history and major extinction events
Learn how fossils form and how to identify different fossil types
Explore ancient Maryland life through real specimens
Gain strategies for using fossil kits to support curriculum across disciplines

To reserve a spot, educators pay a $10 deposit, returned as museum gift store credit upon attendance. If you do not attend, the deposit becomes a donation supporting future education programs. Programs that are $20 and below are not refundable. If your plans change, and there is space, you may attend a different session, otherwise the registration fee converts to a donation.

October Lep Club: Photo-sharing! (28 Oct 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Please join us for our final meeting for the season as we set up the projector for some of our Lep Club members to showcase a few of the leps they have observed during NHSM moth nights and in the garden this season. This format will also provide an excellent opportunity for discussion about species observed in different areas!

Many Legs, Many Lives, the Natural History of the Myriapoda of Eastern North America (29 Oct 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Sure, you’ve spotted a millipede on a hike — but have you ever met its 200 cousins?

Sure, you’ve spotted a millipede on a hike, but have you met its 200 cousins?

The myriapod world is far richer and stranger than most people realize. Dr. Derek Hennen will introduce you to the full cast of millipedes, centipedes, symphylans, and pauropods. Some are familiar, some are nearly invisible, and all of them play essential roles in breaking down leaf litter, cycling nutrients, and keeping the forest floor alive. In this talk, Dr. Derek Hennen reveals the full diversity of these arthropods and introduces you to the species you’ve walked past your whole life without ever noticing.

Dr. Derek Hennen is one of the leading myriapod experts in the United States. As an entomologist, naturalist, and taxonomist, Dr. Hennen has reshaped our understanding of Appalachian biodiversity.

He has described more than 60 new millipede species, many from the eastern U.S.
His fieldwork spans the Appalachians, Mexico, and Vietnam, with a focus on millipede evolution and systematics.
He authored Millipedes of Ohio, the first field guide of its kind for the region.
He regularly leads public hikes, workshops, and ID trainings that make the leaf‑litter world accessible to everyone.
He serves as a Research Associate with the Virginia Museum of Natural History and as Secretary of the Virginia Natural History Society.
He currently works as a Field Zoologist for the Virginia Natural Heritage Program.

Poplar Island: History, Restoration, and a Year of Native Bees (05 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

On islands, change is always visible. Poplar Island is a prime example of this ecological construct. In this presentation, Gene Scarpulla will provide a clear overview of Poplar Island’s long history in the Chesapeake Bay, beginning in the 1500s and tracing its major phases of change. He will cover early settlement, the origins of the island’s various names, British activity during the War of 1812, the period of farming and small communities, the era of bootlegging, and the Jefferson Islands Club, visited by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. He will also outline the island’s steady erosion into several smaller islands,reducing it to just four acres, and the modern effort to rebuild it using dredged material from Bay shipping channels.

That restoration work connects directly to the second part of Gene’s talk. In 2015, he and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists conducted a yearlong native bee survey on the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island. Gene will describe the survey methods and summarize the results, including the 94 bee species documented, three first Maryland records, a rare western species, several non‑North American species, cuckoo bees, and plant‑specialist bees.

Explore Puerto Rico (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Let’s go beyond the usual tourist stops to experience the whole island of Puerto Rico from coast to coast. This active trip highlights lesser-known spots and offers unique interactions with endemic flora and fauna. We’ll hike through the karst region to explore caves, look for a 1,000-year-old tree in the Guánica Dry Forest, and admire a nursery full of young corals and sea urchins. There’s a stop to learn about leatherback turtles and a chance to see turtles in the wild on a snorkel trip in the mangroves. Along the way, we’ll meet park rangers and research scientists who are making a difference every day in protecting Puerto Rico's biodiversity. Don’t worry, we’ll enjoy the ever-popular El Yunque National Forest on an all-day bird adventure to search for those endemics, too.

Small group travel
This itinerary is subject to change. Participants will receive updates before departure.
Please note that inclusions, the cancellation policy, and payment terms are described following the itinerary. You may secure your spot today with only a deposit.
Puerto Rico is known for having power blackouts and water rationing. Participants should be flexible and able to adapt to varying situations.
Questions: Email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Day 1: Friday, Nov 6

Welcome to San Juan! Check in to your room any time after 3 pm. Settle in, then let’s get acquainted.

5 pm – Welcome Meeting at our hotel. We’ll meet up in the front lobby of our hotel for introductions. From there, we’ll walk to dinner as a group.

Day 2: Saturday, Nov 7

8:15 am – Meet in the lobby with luggage ready for the van. Remember to check out and pay for any incidentals. Have your day pack ready with any supplies you may need for the day, including your refillable water bottle, snacks, walking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket.

We’ll head out for our first stop of the day, a 9 am tour of Old San Juan and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristóbal. As the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, San Cristóbal was constructed between 1634 and 1783 to defend against land-based attacks. The site covers 27 acres and features complex tunnels, moats, and bastions, protecting the city from English and Dutch invaders. We'll also tour its sister fort, El Morro, a massive 16th-century fortress built by the Spanish Crown to defend the entrance to San Juan Bay. El Morro is both a National Historic Site and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

We will also eat lunch and spend a short time wandering the streets of Old San Juan to admire the architecture and history, ranging from native archaeological finds to modern construction.

Finishing our tour around midday, we’ll hit the road for our drive west to the small town of Carrizales. We'll relax for the rest of the day, plus the beach, Playa Sardinera, is nearby. You may choose to eat dinner on your own or with the group at your leisure. Shop for lunch, snacks, and drinks for tomorrow’s hike, too.

Day 3: Sunday, Nov 8

7 am – Let’s meet in the lobby with your bag and day pack with lunch, water, and snacks ready for the van. We’re up early to meet our guides and leader, Angel Acosta-Colon, for an all-day hike through the karst hills and valleys to explore four caves in this special section of the island. Breakfast will be at a nearby bakery at your cost.

The limestone mountains in this region of the island have dissolved over time due to rain and groundwater. This creates a characteristic landscape full of caves, rivers, and springs. We will explore four of these limestone caves as we hike through the karst forest. We will see and learn about cave art created by the Taíno people, view speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites, and admire a crystal cave. We’ll look for endemic and common plants, trees, and birds along the way, too.

Our hike will be guided by staff from the Cabachuelas Project, a community-based education and ecotourism project created for the Las Cabachuelas Nature Reserve. Safety equipment provided includes a helmet and flashlight.

About our Leader: Angel Acosta-Colon works as the Interim Director of the Physics and Chemistry Department at the University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo campus. He has an environmental geophysical background and currently works in the characterization of karst and cave systems in Puerto Rico. His main interest is in LiDAR and photogrammetry applications in geosciences. His projects have been sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the EPA.

We’ll head to our hotel in Mayagüez, about a 40-minute drive. The hotel is located near the historic center of town, and you are welcome to spend the evening exploring on your own or as a group.

Day 4: Monday, Nov 9

8 am – Let’s meet with our gear, ready for a day exploring the coast. We’ll drive about 40 minutes to our first stop, the Institute of Socio-Ecological Research, known as ISER Caribe. This marine nursery, located on a nearby island, focuses on restoring coral reefs through an ecosystem-based approach. It is part of the Center for Research and Restoration of Marine Organisms. We will tour their coral nursery as well as their long-spined sea urchin and Caribbean king crab nurseries to learn how to raise these herbivores, which are released onto reefs to control algae and promote coral health.

After our time on the island, we’ll grab our snorkeling gear and head to the dock for a quick boat ride out to snorkel and explore some of the best shallow reefs in Parguera. After, you’ll head out for the second part to swim in the famous bioluminescent bay there.

Day 5: Tuesday, Nov 10

7:45 am – Today is all about the Guánica Dry Forest. We’ll meet with all our gear and day packs, ready to take a short drive back to town to meet up with our guide. From there, we’ll drive to the trailhead to begin our two-hour hike through the Bosque Seco de Guánica. This 10,000-acre forest tract was designated as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and is both the best-preserved subtropical dry forest and the best example of a dry forest in the Caribbean.

Our hiking destination is to view the Guayacán Centenario, an old-growth guaiacwood tree estimated at 1,000 years old. In addition to this historic tree, other plants, animals, and birds thrive here. We will learn about the last remaining natural population of Puerto Rican crested toads, found here in vernal pools. More than half, 9 of 16, of the endemic bird species also occur here, including the Puerto Rican vireo and the Puerto Rican nightjar. Endangered plant species include the sebucan cactus, the violeta tree, and the critically endangered bariaco.

After our hike, lunch will be fast food on the road as we head out for our longest drive of the week to Centro Educativo Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas, about two hours away. This facility has been dedicated to protecting sea turtles since 2001. We will meet the leatherback turtles and, hopefully, new hatchlings in their care, learn tagging methods, and walk the beach to see nesting sites.

We’ll say goodbye to the turtles and head to our hotel for the night, it’s just down the street. You are welcome to relax this evening or hang out with the group. There are several restaurants within walking distance.

Day 6: Wednesday, Nov 11

7:45 am – Grab your gear and hop in the van: we're caretakers for the day for those floating sea potatoes known as manatees at the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center. We'll focus on their conservation and care as we help prepare their daily food and assist in feeding as well as other daily rehabilitation and animal care chores.

This afternoon we'll play and explore at the nearby ecopark of Parque Forestal La Marquesa. This wooded park is home to a funicular, an aviary, a butterfly exhibit, and more. You are free to explore on your own.

In the afternoon, we will head to the seaside village of Luquillo for three nights’ accommodation next to the beach.

Day 7: Thursday, Nov 12

5:30 am – Early bird gets the worm, rather, it gets the bird! We’ll meet early for an all-day birding tour of two sites with staff from the nonprofit organization Para la Naturaleza. As part of the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, this group manages more than 40,000 acres of protected natural areas and historic sites on the island. Our first stop is Medio Mundo y Daguao, the largest Natural Protected Area under their management and the second-largest mangrove forest in all of Puerto Rico. The area’s varied ecosystems provide habitats for some 26 species of rare, endemic, vulnerable, and endangered species, including the West Indian Manatee, yellow-shouldered blackbird, Puerto Rican boa, and several species of sea turtles.

After our hike, we’ll eat lunch at a local restaurant, then make our way to our second stop, Estación Palo Colorado in El Yunque National Forest. Here we will bird along the trails and some sections of the road.

Endemic birds that we can potentially see are the Puerto Rican oriole, Puerto Rican woodpecker, Puerto Rican flycatcher, Adelaide’s warbler, Puerto Rican tody, Puerto Rican emerald hummingbird, green mango hummingbird, Puerto Rican tanager, Puerto Rican spindalis, Puerto Rican bullfinch, and yellow-shouldered blackbird. Other birds of interest are the scarlet ibis, American flamingo, Caribbean elania, green-throated carib hummingbird, Antillean or Hispaniolan mango hummingbird, and other migratory birds.

After our bird tour ends, we will head back to our hotel. You are free to enjoy the evening on your own or with the group.

Our birding tour guides: José Pedrogo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communications and is pursuing a Master’s degree in History. He started exploring the island on his own and then pursued certification as a tour guide. After working in the industry, José decided he needed to offer the public more than just recreation. He learned about environmental interpretation through his tourism professor and completed the training, leading to his position as an environmental interpreter. He enjoys learning and fulfilling his dream of teaching. Our second guide is José Torres. He graduated from Agricultural Sciences with an emphasis on Entomology. He has been associated with Para la Naturaleza for many years, starting as a volunteer with the Summer Immersion Workshop and then as a mentor. He’s always been involved with nature and has an extensive background, knowledge, and experience. José has been a pioneer in the work that has been done by the organization in El Yunque, such as the creation of tours.

Day 8: Friday, Nov 13

7:30 am – We will meet with luggage and gear ready for another hike in the tropical rain forest of El Yunque. Our trip leader will take us through the rainforest on a short hike, keeping an eye out for birds, plants, flowers, orchids, amphibians, and fungi, ending at the Rio Mameyes. If you choose, wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes, and bring water shoes and a towel for a cooling dip in the river. After our swim, we’ll walk back up to the El Portal Visitor Center to purchase lunch.

We’ll spend our early afternoon at the visitor center, learning about the endangered Puerto Rican Amazon parrot with the project leader of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program, Marisel Lopez. Marisel will explain the program and introduce us to three rehabilitated parrots living there that are unable to live in the wild. Unfortunately, we are unable to tour the aviary this time of year due to the parrot’s breeding season. The aviary is a part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Our Amazon parrot leader, Marisel Lopez, manages the El Yunque National Forest aviary and oversees critical efforts to rebuild the wild population, including managing captive breeding, monitoring releases, and ensuring the survival of this endangered species

From here, we will head back to Luquillo for our last night there. The afternoon is free to explore the town or the beach.

Day 9: Saturday, Nov 14

We will pack up the van one final time as we make our way back to San Juan. We will spend the morning on a tour of Old San Juan, learning about the walled city, the old grid, the ethnic mix and stopping to admire the view, and explore the delicate balance of preserving local community neighborhoods amid modern travel. We'll end our walk with an indulgence in an exclusive tasting at a local, women-owned chocolate factory. After the tour, you'll have a chance to explore on your own before meeting the bus for a ride to our hotel. In the evening, we'll meet for a farewell dinner, and reminiscent on our time spent on the island.

Day 10: Sunday, Nov 15

We make our way to the airport and say one last goodbye. We can coordinate ride-shares based on everyone's flight schedules.

OUR NHSM LEADERS:

Jayne Ash, NHSM’s Field Trip Coordinator, designed this trip to reflect the diversity in landscapes, flora, and fauna that is often overlooked when traveling to Puerto Rico. Her love of all things nature inspired her to fill an itinerary with learning opportunities from experienced leaders on a diversity of topics. Her travel style has been honed over the last 15 years, during which she has extensively traveled to more than 40 countries, often for a month or more at a time. This will be our first trip off the continent for NHSM. She welcomes all those with a spirit of adventure to join her on this new avenue for NHSM.

Our second NHSM leader is Dave Webb, an editor with Maryland Biodiversity Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cataloging the flora and fauna of Maryland. An avid birder for many years, Dave has broadened his interests to anthropods, especially those found in soil. Dave also edits BugGuide.net, vetting the identifications of arthropods photographed by other outdoor enthusiasts, including his own photos.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

All accommodations in two- to three-star hotels. Double rooms will be shared by two people, with two beds available. Single supplements are not available. Hotel costs are very high, and this is an attempt to keep your price point lower.
All activity fees, including guiding fees. Tips will be paid through our tip kitty. See details in the “What you Need to Know” section below.
All entrance and admission fees to sites visited.
All transportation during the trip is in an 11-passenger van driven by a private driver.
Meals included: four breakfasts only. All other meals are at the participant’s expense.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare
Airport transfer to and from the hotel
Food, snacks, water, and drinks
Any items of a personal nature

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

NHSM requires everyone to have valid travel insurance covering personal injury, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation (minimum $200,000) for the entire duration of the trip. Proof of insurance, including the policy number and 24-hour emergency contact information, must be printed and given to the group leader at the Welcome Meeting; otherwise, you cannot join.
Every participant will be required to sign a Terms and Conditions Agreement before arrival. It will be provided in advance for you to read.
A tipping kitty will be created at our Welcome Meeting on Day 1. Every participant will need to add $100 in cash for tipping hotel and restaurant staff and trip leaders, including our driver. A running tally of expenses will be kept, and any leftover funds will be divided equally among participants on the final day of the tour.

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU? Moderate Activity Level

This itinerary contains many early-morning starts and full-day activities that include moderate hiking, up to three hours a day of van transportation, and snorkeling in tidal waters. The pace for all activities, especially hiking, will be set by the slowest member of the group. You must always remain with the group while in the field. No one will be allowed in front of the leader.
Participants must be able to travel independently and have the physicality needed to safely participate in all activities.
Participants must respect fellow travelers, staff, and local cultures. This includes listening to others, respecting identities and local customs, and altering behavior if making others uncomfortable.
Participants are responsible for their actions, including managing punctuality. If a participant sleeps in or misses an activity, they are responsible for finding their own way to the next destination.
Participants must understand and follow all safety standards. Participants are responsible for wearing the appropriate footwear and equipment as requested.
As with any travel experience, participants must be open to changes to this itinerary, food options and costs, and other minor inconveniences as may become necessary due to weather, time constraints, or unforeseen circumstances. Being flexible and adaptable to new and changing situations remains a key component of successful travel, even with the best-planned vacation.
Noncompliance with these policies can result in removal from the tour and/or being blocked from future travel with NHSM. If asked to leave the tour, the participant would be responsible for onward travel.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

NHSM must receive cancellations in writing – email to JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Deposit due at booking.
Final payment due by Sept 26, 2026.
Cancellations received by Oct 6, 2026, will forfeit 50% of the final payment and 100% of the deposit.
No refunds for cancellations received after Oct 7, 2026.
Your travel insurance plans should cover your cancellation costs.
Paid participants who cancel may substitute another individual in their spot. NHSM is not responsible for filling the vacancy.
No refunds will be issued for missed group activities on the trip, including meals, transportation transfers, tours, and other services that were not taken voluntarily.
If, for any reason, NHSM cancels this trip, NHSM will use reasonable efforts to work with travelers to refund all recoverable funds, but does not guarantee that a full refund will be available. NHSM reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule the trip for any reason and at any point in time, up to and including during the period of travel.

Let’s explore the natural sciences beyond the usual tourist stops to experience the whole island of Puerto Rico from coast to coast. This active trip highlights the lesser-known spots as well as offers unique interactions with its endemic flora and fauna. We’ll hike the karst region to explore caves, look for a 1000-year-old tree in the Guánica Dry Forest, and admire a nursery full of young coral and sea urchins. There’s a stop to learn about leatherback turtles and a chance to see turtles in the wild on a snorkel trip in the mangroves. Along the way, we’ll meet park rangers and research scientists who are making a difference every day in protecting the biodiversity of Puerto Rico. Don’t worry, we’ll enjoy the ever-popular El Yunque National Forest on an all-day bird adventure to search for those endemics, too.

Small group travel
This itinerary is subject to change. Participants will receive updates before departure.
Please note that inclusions, the cancellation policy, and payment terms are described following the itinerary. You may secure your spot today with only a deposit.
Puerto Rico is known for having power black outs and water rationing. Participants should be flexible and able to adapt to varying situations.
Questions: Email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

Day 1: Friday, Nov 6

Welcome to San Juan! Check in to your room any time after 3 pm. Settle in, then let’s get acquainted.

5 pm – Welcome Meeting at our hotel. We’ll meet up in the front lobby of our hotel for introductions. From there, we’ll walk to dinner as a group.

Day 2: Saturday, Nov 7

We’ll head out for our first stop of the day, a 9 am tour of Old San Juan and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Cristóbal. As the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, San Cristóbal was constructed between 1634 and 1783 to defend against land-based attacks. The site covers 27 acres and features complex tunnels, moats, and bastions, protecting the city from English and Dutch invaders. Please note that we will not have enough time to visit its sister fort, El Morro. There may be time on our last day of the tour, or you can add an extended stay to your trip to allow time for a visit on your own.

We will also wander the streets of Old San Juan to admire the architecture and history that range from native archaeological finds to modern construction.

Finishing our tour around midday, we’ll grab some lunch, then hit the road for our drive west to the small beach town of Carrizales. We’ll take the scenic route along the ocean, then move inland to experience Cueva Ventana, or Window Cave. We’ll see stalagmites, stalactites, and other cave structures, and we’ll discuss the flora and fauna in this tropical setting. Our walk ends with a picture-window view from the 700-foot-high cliff, gazing out into the forest below.

After arriving at our hotel for the evening, you are welcome to walk to the beach, a short distance away, and eat dinner at your leisure. Shop for lunch, snacks, and drinks for tomorrow’s hike, too.

Day 3: Sunday, Nov 8

7 am – Let’s meet in the lobby with your bag and day pack with lunch, water, and snacks ready for the van. Yesterday’s cave was a bite-sized sampling of today’s adventure. We’re up early to meet our guides and leader, Angel Acosta-Colon, for an all-day hike through the karst hills and valleys to explore four caves in this special section of the island. Breakfast will be at a nearby bakery at your cost.

We’ll head to our hotel in Mayagüez, about a 40-minute drive. The hotel is located near the historic center of town, and you are welcome to spend the evening exploring on your own or as a group.

Day 4: Monday, Nov 9

Day 5: Tuesday, Nov 10

7:45 am – Today is all about the Guánica Dry Forest. We’ll meet with all our gear and day packs, ready to take a short drive back to town to meet up with our guide. From there, we’ll drive to the trailhead to begin our two-hour hike through the Bosque Seco de Guánica. This 10,000-acre forest tract was designated as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and is both the best preserved subtropical dry forest and the best example of dry forest in the Caribbean.

Our hiking destination is to view the Guayacán Centenario, an old-growth guaiacwood tree, estimated to be 1,000 years old. In addition to this historic tree, other plants, animals, and birds thrive here. We will learn about the last remaining natural population of Puerto Rican crested toads, found here in vernal pools. More than half, 9 of 16, of the endemic bird species also occur here, including the Puerto Rican vireo and the Puerto Rican nightjar. Endangered plant species include the sebucan cactus, the violeta tree, and the critically endangered bariaco.

Day 6: Wednesday, Nov 11

This afternoon we'll play and explore at the nearby ecopark of Parque Forestal La Marquesa. This wooded park is home to a funicular, an aviary, butterfly exhibit and more. You are free to explore on your own.

In the afternoon, we will head to the seaside village of Luquillo for three nights’ accommodation next to the beach.

Day 7: Thursday, Nov 12

5:30 am – Early bird gets the worm, rather, it gets the bird! We’ll meet early for an all-day birding tour of two sites with staff from the nonprofit organization Para la Naturaleza. As a part of the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, this group manages more than 40,000 acres of protected natural areas and historical spaces on the island. Our first stop is Medio Mundo y Daguao, the most extensive Natural Protected Area under their management and the second largest mangrove forest in all of Puerto Rico. The area’s varied ecosystems provide habitats for some 26 species of rare, endemic, vulnerable, and endangered species, including the West Indian Manatee, yellow-shouldered blackbird, Puerto Rican boa, and several species of sea turtles.

After ending our bird tour, we will head back to our hotel. You are free to enjoy the evening on your own or with the group.

Our birding tour guides: José Pedrogo has a Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communications and is working toward a Master’s degree in History. He started exploring the island by himself and then pursued a certification as a tour guide. After working in the industry, José decided he needed to offer something more than recreation to the public. He learned about environmental interpretation through his tourism professor and completed the training, leading to his position as an environmental interpreter. He enjoys learning and fulfilling his dream of teaching. Our second guide is José Torres. He graduated from Agricultural Sciences with an emphasis on Entomology. He has been associated with Para la Naturaleza for many years, starting as a volunteer with the Summer Immersion Workshop and then as a mentor. He’s always been involved with nature and has an extensive background, knowledge, and experience. José has been a pioneer in the work that has been done by the organization in El Yunque, such as the creation of tours.

Day 8: Friday, Nov 13

7:30 am – We will meet with luggage and gear ready for another hike in the tropical rain forest of El Yunque. Our trip leader will take us through the rainforest, on the lookout for potential birds, plants, flowers, orchids, amphibians, and fungi on this short hike, ending at the Rio Mameyes. If you choose, wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes, and bring water shoes and a towel for a cooling dip in the river. After our swim, we’ll walk back up to the El Portal Visitor Center to purchase lunch.

Our El Yunque hike leader, Mónica Rosario, or Momo, was born, raised, and still lives on the island of Puerto Rico. Originally from San Juan, she now resides in Guaynabo. Momo has a double Bachelor’s in Visual Arts and Education and is currently a full-time art teacher at a private school. Her love of nature is a hobby that gives her an overall sense of peace. She enjoys exploring a place to find the little hidden gems, like fungi, flowers, small critters, and birds; those are all things she loves to see on walks. She draws and paints botanical illustrations, which is why she concentrates on observing flora. She collects specimens when the opportunity arises, too.

From here, we will head back to Luquillo for our last night there. he afternoon is free to explore the town or beach.

Day 9: Saturday, Nov 14

We will pack up the van one final time as we make our way back to San Juan. Once there, we will head off for a morning tour of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The afternoon is free for you to explore old San Juan. We'll gather together for a good-by dinner this evening.

Day 10: Sunday, Nov 15

We make our way to the airport and one last goodbye. We can rideshare based on everyone's flight schedules.

OUR NHSM LEADERS:

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

All accommodations in two- to three-star hotels. Double rooms will be shared by two people, with two beds available. For two nights in Luquillo, a couple of us will share a common room with single and bunk-style beds, which may include mixed genders. No upper bunks will need to be used unless a top bed is preferred. Single supplements are not available. Hotel costs are very high, and this is an attempt to keep your price point lower.
All activity fees, including guiding fees. Tips will be paid through our tip kitty. See details in the “What you Need to Know” section below.
All entrance and admission fees to sites visited.
All transportation during the trip is in an 11-passenger van driven by a private driver.
Meals included: four breakfasts only. All other meals are at the participant’s expense.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare
Airport transfer to and from the hotel
Food, snacks, water, and drinks
Any items of a personal nature

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

NHSM requires everyone to have valid travel insurance covering personal injury, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation (minimum $200,000) for the entire duration of the trip. Proof of insurance, including the policy number and 24-hour emergency contact, must be printed and given to the group leader at the Welcome Meeting, or you cannot join.
Every participant will be required to sign a Terms and Conditions Agreement before arrival. It will be provided in advance for you to read.
A tipping kitty will be created at our Welcome Meeting on Day 1. Every participant will need to add $100 in cash to be used for tipping hotel and restaurant staff and trip leaders, including our driver. A running tally will be kept of expenses, and any leftover funds will be divided equally between participants on the final day of the tour.

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU? Moderate Activity Level

This itinerary contains many early-morning starts and full-day activities that include moderate hiking, up to three hours a day of van transportation, and snorkeling in tidal waters. The pace for all activities, especially hiking, will be set by the slowest member of the group. You must always remain with the group while in the field. No one will be allowed in front of the leader.
Participants must be able to travel independently and have the physicality needed to safely participate in all activities.
Participants must respect fellow travelers, staff, and local cultures. This includes listening to others, respecting identities and local customs, and altering behavior if making others uncomfortable.
Participants are responsible for their actions, including managing punctuality. If a participant sleeps in or misses an activity, they are responsible for finding their own way to the next destination.
Participants must understand and follow all safety standards. Participants are responsible for wearing the appropriate footwear and equipment as requested.
As with any travel experience, participants must be open to changes to this itinerary, food options and costs, and other minor inconveniences as may become necessary due to weather, time constraints, or unforeseen circumstances. Being flexible and adaptable to new and changing situations remains a key component to successful travel, even with the best planned vacation.
Noncompliance with these policies can result in removal from the tour and/or being blocked from future travel with NHSM. If asked to leave the tour, onward travel would be the responsiblity of the participant.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

NHSM must receive cancellations in writing – email to JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Deposit due at booking.
Final payment due by Sept 26, 2026.
Cancellations received by Oct 6, 2026, will forfeit 50% of the final payment and 100% of the deposit.
No refunds for cancellations received after Oct 7, 2026.
Your travel insurance plans should cover your cancellation costs.
Paid participants who cancel may substitute another individual in their spot. NHSM is not responsible for filling the vacancy.
No refunds will be issued for missed group activities on the trip, including meals, transportation transfers, tours, and other services voluntarily not taken.
If, for any reason, NHSM cancels this trip, NHSM will use reasonable efforts to work with travelers to refund all recoverable funds, but does not guarantee that a full refund will be available. NHSM reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule the trip for any reason and at any point in time, up to and including during the period of travel.

Mud to Music: Flute-Making with Clay (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Since the dawn of human culture, musical instruments have served as tools for communication, creativity, and connection. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the rich legacy of Pre-Columbian sound technologies by learning about indigenous ceramic instruments—and creating their own.

By shaping clay into flutes, we deepen our appreciation for ancestral cultures and awaken a felt sense of connection to the natural world. This process invites us into embodied presence, cultivates creative expression, and fosters a
sense of community.

Working with earth and sound side by side, we remember music not only as art, but as a vital thread in the fabric of human experience—joyful, grounding, and timeless. All are welcome, and no previous experience with clay, instruments, or music is necessary. Everyone can enjoy turning mud into music!

Intended Audience: Adults

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Melissa Hyatt Foss is an instrument-maker, musician, composer-performer, and teaching artist who co-creates with an ever-growing collection of instruments she handcrafts from clay. Her instruments, which are both visual and sonic objects, both sculptural and functional, recreate and reimagine Pre-Columbian sound artifacts of the Americas through the lens of personal narrative and regional mythology.

Melissa received her training in Argentina under the tutelage of composer and educator Alejandro Iglesias Rossi and musicologist and educator Susana Ferreres, and developed her career as a performer, instrument-maker, teaching artist, and researcher for nearly a decade in connection with the National University of Argentina. There she completed her master’s degree in Musical Composition, New Technologies, and Traditional Arts, taught in the Bachelor’s program in Indigenous, Classical, and Popular Music of America, and performed as a soloist for seven years with the Orchestra of Indigenous Instruments and New Technologies.

Melissa has created and delivered innovative, bilingual educational programming with the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, the National Gallery of Art, Yale University, UMBC, the Enoch Pratt Libraries, Creative Alliance, and Baltimore Clayworks, as well as numerous early childhood through 8th-grade classrooms across Maryland.

Catalog of work: catalogue.melissahyattfoss.com

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

Lichens 101: Biology, Ecology and Diversity (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This introduction to the biology, ecology and diversity of lichens will begin in the classroom with an introduction to lichens and a discussion of some of the ways and places that lichens grow. Then we will go on a short walk to find some of the common lichens of Maryland and demonstrate how to collect, label, and store specimens. The class will conclude back in the classroom viewing the features of the lichens we’ve collected under the microscopes and using keys to identify them. NOTE: Participants will also have the option to bring their own specimens to identify.

Natalie Howe has been studying lichens with high or low intensity for the past 16 years, and currently lives in Washington DC. She is a Biological Scientist at the U.S.D.A., and an adjunct teacher of Mushrooms, Molds, and Society class at George Mason University. In the pre-Covid times, she was volunteering with the lichen team at Patuxent Research Refuge in MD, Rock Creek Park in DC and at Liberty State Park in NJ to document the lichens there. For her dissertation research at Rutgers University in New Jersey, she studied the ecology of lichens in the NJ Pinelands.

Recommended text: Urban Lichens: A Field Guide for Northeastern North America Paperback – November 23, 2021 – by Jessica L Allen (Author), James C Lendemer (Author), Jordan R Hoffman (Illustrator). Purchase is optional. Copies will be available during the class for reference.

December Fossil Club: Tyrant Lizard Queen- A deep dive into the life of T. rex (02 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Please join us on Wednesday, December 2nd at 7pm for a highly anticipated presentation by author Riley Black. Tyrannosaurus rex is an icon. Everyone knows the dinosaur. But how much do you really know about how this giant carnivore lived? In this talk based on her new book, bestselling and award-winning science writer Riley Black will introduce you to the intimate details of what T. rex life was really like.

Riley Black is the author of The Last Days of the Dinosaurs, When the Earth Was Green, and many other books about fossils. A winner of the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education for her enduring efforts to tell the world about the ancient past, Riley’s been a repeat guest on programs such as NOVA and Science Friday and is a frequent contributor to publications such as Smithsonian, National Geographic, and SIERRA.

This event will be offered in a hybrid format. You will receive Zoom information upon registration.

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Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon (06 Dec 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Save the Date! Please join us on Sunday, December 6th at 12pm at the Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences (6908 Belair Road) for a volunteer appreciation luncheon to celebrate all of the hard work you’ve done this year. We can’t thank you enough, but we’ll try!

Chomp & Charm –Shark Tooth Necklace Make n Take (12 Dec 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

You are never fully dressed without a fossilized shark tooth necklace you make yourself! Drop into the museum between 10-2 to create a wearable piece of history featuring an authentic Otodus shark tooth from Morocco—an ancient ancestor of the massive megalodon.

For centuries, shark teeth have been worn as symbols of protection, strength, and effortless cool. We provide all materials—you bring your creativity.

No experience needed
All materials included – You can buy more and different shark teeth, fossils and minerals in the gift shop to add…
All ages welcome (kids must be accompanied by an adult)
Pre-registration required—spots are limited!

Join us for a fin-tastic time and leave with a piece of prehistoric power around your neck! Come anytime between 10am and 1pm to give yourself enough time to create a masterpiece. We will start cleaning up at 2PM.

Fossil Kits for Classrooms: Educator Training (December) (29 Dec 2026)

Tue, 29 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Put Ancient Life in Your Students’ Hands

The Maryland Museum of Natural Sciences’ Fossil Kit Training is a hands‑on workshop designed for educators of all subjects and grade levels who want to teach Earth’s story using real specimens.

Training Dates

August 16 • 12–2:30 PM
October 25 • 8–10:30 AM
December 29 • 2–4:30 PM

Educators will:

Understand Maryland’s geologic history and major extinction events
Learn how fossils form and how to identify different fossil types
Explore ancient Maryland life through real specimens
Gain strategies for using fossil kits to support curriculum across disciplines