Go Native at Adkins Arboretum

Spend a beautiful fall day with us at Adkins Arboretum, the only public garden focusing on plants native to the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain. We’ll take two casual hikes, each with a different focus, with a picnic lunch break in between.

The Arboretum’s location lies where the Piedmont plateau and the coastal plain intersect, allowing both northern and southern plant life to overlap. This diversity supports habitats for more than 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, grasses, and ferns. Birds and wildlife also take advantage of this plant diversity in the Arboretum’s natural settings, ecological restoration projects, and cultivated gardens.

Our morning hike will feature birds and wildlife with long-time birder Jim Wilson. We’ll be on the lookout for the usual summer residents, including cardinals, chickadees, red-winged blackbirds, and vultures. We’ll listen for bird song and learn a few tips to help us identify species by calls. The Arboretum is designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon MD-DC Chapter.

After a picnic lunch on the grounds, we’ll meet up for a “What’s in Season” hike to check out what plants, bushes, and trees are currently growing. All trails are well-maintained and free of obstacles. The distance will be less than two miles for both of these hikes.

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
• 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 cancelled 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.

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.