Orchids of Calvert County: Hidden Treasures of Our Forests

Calvert County is home to a surprising diversity of native orchids—beautiful, elusive, and often overlooked jewels of our local forests and wetlands. Karyn Molines, Division Chief for Calvert County Natural Resources, will highlight the orchid species found right here in Southern Maryland, from the spring-blooming pink lady’s slipper to the fringed orchids of summer and the autumn coralroots.

Through photographs and field observations in Calvert County parks, twelve species of orchids have been documented in over 100 locations. We will discuss efforts taken to  monitor these locations and learn how to protect the habitats. This program offers an opportunity to appreciate the rare beauty of Maryland’s wild orchids and the importance of conserving the ecosystems dependent to their survival.

For more than 30 years, Ms. Molines has been a naturalist and educator, leading field trips and natural history workshops. She has a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Maryland, College Park, a M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University, and a Certificate in Natural History from the Graduate School, USDA. She is a member of the first class of the Maryland Climate Leadership Academy and became a Certified Climate Change Professional®.

Her day-job as the Division Chief for Calvert County Natural Resources includes managing the county’s nature parks including Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, Flag Ponds Nature Park, Kings Landing Park, Gatewood Preserve, and several boat and kayak launches. She manages a certified Tree Farm, most recently overseeing a selective thinning of approximately 36 acres. Other areas under her direction include the preservation of the cultural resources found in the county’s natural areas. She oversees environmental education programs for the public, families, adults, school children, and teachers. She is responsible for implementing the County’s deer management program. Karyn is a founding board member of the Maryland Native Plant Society and manages their membership and website and leads field trips on plant identification.