The 5 Million Trees for Maryland initiative, mandated by legislature in 2021, set the lofty goal to plant five million native trees on public and private land by 2031. How did the crew at the John S. Ayton State Nursery react to this increased need for mass seedlings and saplings of Maryland native trees? Join us for this tour to see how this 300-acre facility grows three million trees each year and ships 250,000 in a day during the harvest season. We will see the current seedling crop and learn about the growing, harvesting, grading, and packaging process. Crews should be hard at work with seedbed preparation, fall planting, and seed collection and cleaning.
Growing seedlings requires attention to the seasons. The seed is harvested during late summer and the fall. Planting occurs during the fall and spring. Seedlings are harvested and shipped from February through early May. During spring and summer, seedlings are watered, fertilized, and weeded. This never-ending cycle results in healthy, vigorous seedlings planted across the state. Watch the crew in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrFBLsua-50.
We’ll finish up at the nursery, eat a picnic lunch, then head over to the White Marsh Park Edible Garden. We’ll walk the Edible Forest Trail as it wanders through what might be called a “food forest” or a “forest garden.” This example of agroforestry incorporates native fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs, herbaceous species, and even fungi into the landscape. This combination of forestry and sustainable agricultural practices creates multi-purpose areas that benefit people and the environment. We may find lingering hazelnuts and persimmons to sample. Any leftover produce is donated to the Maryland Food Bank.
A sample of some of the plants and trees located in the six plots at the garden contains blueberries, American plum, hazelnuts, pawpaws, and black chokeberry. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/yWYdx6h2SXs.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent 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, lunch or 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 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.
