Natural History Society of Maryland upcoming events

World Turtle Day 2026 (24 May 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Rarely is there an animal more beloved by humanity than the turtle. At World Turtle Day at the Natural History Society of Maryland, part of our Nature Connections series, meet and interact with over a dozen species of turtles, learn about the latest conservation efforts, and see specimens from the NHSM collections. Engage in hands-on educational activities, play turtle games, make turtle crafts, dress in your finest turtle gear, and feed a giant tortoise.

Check-in Times

At registration, please select one of these check-in times to begin your visit:

10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00PM
1:00PM
2:00 PM

Please arrive during your selected time slot and head to the check-in tent. There is no limit to how long you can stay, so enjoy your visit! All kids – FREE!

Keynote Speaker at 2:45 pm – admission is included with your ticket!

Our keynote speaker for World Turtle Day, Dr. Nicole Barbour, will share her experience tracking leatherback sea turtles in Costa Rica and green sea turtles in the Cayman Islands. As a movement ecologist, her research focuses on innovative quantitative approaches to understanding animal movement and its implications. Her work with many different species, including turtle species, continues to inform conservation and management strategies for non-profit and governmental conservation organizations. Dr. Barbour currently teaches and conducts research at Towson University.

History of World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day was created in 1990 as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect these beloved creatures and their vanishing habitats around the world. There are 17 types of turtles that call Maryland home. Of those, 12 species are threatened by habitat loss and 9 are experiencing population decline. All four sea turtle species found in Maryland are protected by the ESA.

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. At Nature Connections events, you will:

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

Turtles and Movement Ecology, World Turtle Day Keynote with Dr. Nicki Barbour (24 May 2026)

Sun, 24 May 2026 18:45:00 GMT

Our keynote speaker for World Turtle Day, Dr. Nicole Barbour, will share her experiences tracking leatherback sea turtles in Costa Rica and green sea turtles in the Cayman Islands. As a movement ecologist, her research focuses on innovative quantitative approaches to understanding animal movement and its implications. Her work with many different species continues to inform conservation and management strategies for non-profit and governmental conservation organizations. Dr. Barbour currently teaches and conducts research at Towson University.

May Lep Club: Carnivorous Butterflies? Unexpected food sources for unlikely predators. (27 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Did you know that there are some caterpillars that don’t eat plants for food?

There are numerous butterfly species worldwide that eat other insect larvae or nymphs as their food source during their developmental stages and there are even some species that live here in Maryland. These are primarily members of the Lycaenidae family (Hairstreaks and Blues) and these have very specific relationships with certain ants and with one species consuming wooly aphids. This lecture will examine the relationship, with specific examples, of different butterfly species with their host ants and explain the reasons of how this is possible as well as their delicate balance of existence.

Fred Paraskevoudakis (Paras) is a Professor at Baltimore City Community College where he has taught microbiology, as well as biotechnology and environmental science, since 1992. His passion for insects (and natural history) began as a kid growing up in Puerto Rico and has continued to this day. He is the President of the Maryland Entomological Society and the Curator of Shells for the NHSM. He has travelled all over the world, as well as the United States, in pursuit of insects and his other passions of shells, minerals and fossils.

This will be a Hybrid meeting in person and on Zoom. To receive the zoom link you must register. We encourage you to attend in person to see specimens of the butterflies that will be discussed.

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.

What Trees Remember: Climate, Water, and Change in Western Maryland (28 May 2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Trees are invaluable record-keepers of the past. Since their annual growth is intrinsically related to a combination of environmental factors, tree ring data can be used like a Rosetta Stone. Dr. Karen King will demonstrate how her research in biogeography and climate change is informed by tree-ring data. We will focus on regional examples from western Maryland to learn what tree rings can tell us about temperature, hydroclimate, and ecological variability.

Dr. Karen King, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, runs the Tree Ring Lab in the Department of Geography and Sustainability. She holds both a BS and an MS from Frostburg State University and a PhD from the University of Idaho. As a biogeographer, Karen’s research interests focus on Quaternary landscape dynamics and paleoenvironmental reconstruction from intra-annual to multi-century time scales. She uses dendrochronology and spatial analysis as research tools to investigate landscape‐scale dynamics. Her research integrates present‐day climatic and ecological processes with those that functioned in the past and those that are likely to be altered in the near future due to human‐induced changes.

Find Your Spark: A Naturalist Weekend with NHSM (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Have you heard the saying “spark bird”? It’s a popular phrase among birders that describes the one special species that caught their eye, igniting their passion for birds. What is your “spark” species? What stoked your passion for nature? Spend the weekend with us and some of the state’s top naturalists to find your spark and turn that flame up to high.

Our weekend will begin with check-in on Friday, starting at 4 pm, and checkout is 11 am on Sunday, after breakfast and a morning class session. A diverse set of classes is in the works with instructors from around the state. Details are still being finalized, but you’re guaranteed to have fun with these talented instructors:

Bird identification and night sounds program with Kevin Dodge, Program Director/Professor of Natural Resources & Wildlife Technology at Garrett College.
All that is fungi with mycologist Serenella Linares, Programs Chair of the Mycological Association of Washington, DC.
Wildflower identification and natural crafts activity with naturalist Clare Walker, instructor at Nature Forward, the US Botanical Gardens, and Irvine Nature Center.
Mammal tracks with naturalist Kerry Wixted, Vegetation Ecologist with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
What you should know about the Maryland Biodiversity Project with co-founder Jim Brighton.
Painting with watercolor with Molly Hoopes, artist-naturalist with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.
Bats with Sarah Witcher, Wildlife Education and Outreach Specialist for DNR, and Katie Dell, Resource Teacher- Naturalist, Baltimore County Public Schools.
Everything bees with Clare Maffei, Bee Biologist, Division of Conservation Science and Partnerships, US Fish and Wildlife.
Forest bathing with Ana Ka’ahanui, cofounder of the nonprofit, Capital Nature.
Moths, anthropods, and bird ID with Dave Webb, longtime birder and editor at Maryland Biodiversity Project.
Herps with Tori Schneider, Associate Professor of Biology, Montgomery College – Rockville Campus.
The geology of Maryland, every day weather, and astronomy with NHSM’s Geology Curator, Martin Schmidt.
Mammal skull identification with NHSM Fossil Club volunteer and avid collector, Tom Farrell.
With more to come!

Plus canoeing, birding, and hiking, all on the property at the Western Maryland 4H Center, 1100 acres of private and public land with a lake. The class schedule will be finalized in early April, and you will be able to sign up for one class per session, with four or five sessions available, all based on the finalized number of classes available.

Meals provided include Friday dinner, three meals on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast. Accommodations will be in rustic bunkhouses with same-gender rooms, if requested, and with only the bottom bunks in use. If you have concerns about menu items or sleeping arrangements, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org. Not all dietary concerns can be addressed since this is a camp setting. Lactose-free and vegetarian options will be available. This weekend is designed for adults ages 18 and above.

NEW PRICING FOR DAY USE ONLY: For those who do not want to sleep on site, look for the revised price and register under that option.

Volunteers are needed to help with setup, class moderation, and cleanup. Full weekend volunteers will receive a discounted rate of $100. Saturday-only volunteers’ fee will be $120. Registration code needed to sign up for those discounted rates. Email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org to secure your volunteer spot.

Carpooling is encouraged. If you would like to join a carpool, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.

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.

NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 30 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 30 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.

Late Night with Horseshoe Crabs (30 May 2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

What do thousands of horseshoe crabs do when the evening tide is high, and the spring moon is full? Grab your flashlight to see a spawning so huge that people travel to view it from around the world.

The scene begins with male horseshoe crabs waiting along the water’s edge. As a female moves with the tide onto the beach, the male grabs her shell with his claws, hitching a ride on her shell. As she builds nests or leaves egg clusters along the beach, the male is pulled with her, fertilizing the eggs. Once the mating is complete, both head back to the water. Most of the action happens late into the evening, after 10 pm. Over multiple trips over multiple nights, one female can lay up to 88,000 eggs per year.

Let’s watch these living fossils ride the tide at Slaughter Beach in Delaware. We’ll learn about their behavior and how they contribute to the ecosystem of the Delaware Bay. The beach is known for having some of the highest counts of horseshoe crabs in the area, with over 60,000 in May 2022 and over 5,000 on the new and full moons in June 2022.

Our guide is Brad Stevens, Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Brad recorded a Zoom session for us last year, and we encourage you to check it out on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/eOEM4uUEVK0?si=ey7mXWTQbmGTCqoB. This is an excellent introduction to horseshoe crab behavior and their important role in the Bay ecosystem. Dr. Stevens worked in Kodiak, Alaska, for over 20 years before coming to UMES, where he used scuba and underwater video to study fish, crabs, conch, and corals. He tells his graduate students, “Always study something you can eat.” Would that apply to a horseshoe crab?

Slaughter Beach is about a 2-hour drive from Baltimore. There is adequate parking and restrooms. Plan to stay up very late to see the most action. Google map link here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uhvu5JULE4VVXg6BA. If you would rather stay the night than drive back late, hotels are plentiful in Milford.

Difficulty: Moderate with the possibility of cold conditions, definitely wet, and darkness

Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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.
Children older than 10 years old are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
No more than two children per adult. Children must be able to listen and follow along with the group, and be aware of their surroundings to keep the animals safe.
Heavy-duty flashlight with extra batteries. It may get wet.
Wear clothes that may get wet. Bring extra clothes in case you get wet.
Wear sturdy closed-toed shoes that can get wet. You do not want to step on a horseshoe crab’s spikey tail.
A UV light can be fun – the crab eggs glow in the dark.
You may leave at any time or stay as long as you like.
Restrooms are available.
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 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.

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

June Fossil Club: On the Heels of Dinosaurs- Fossil Tracks and What they Reveal (03 Jun 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

NEW DATE JUNE 3rd!

Dinosaur tracks and other trace fossils provide important insights into the behaviors, locomotion, postures, and environments of ancient creatures that are often difficult to glean from body fossils alone. Glen Kuban’s presentation will include an overview of the dinosaur tracks, including basic types of tracks, where they are found, and how they are studied and documented. Glen will also discuss his 45+ years of first-hand research on the remarkably abundant, varied, and well-preserved dinosaur tracks in Texas, and various debates and controversies surrounding them. These include claims by some young-Earth advocates that “giant human tracks” occurred alongside tracks in Glen Rose, Texas. Glen’s work spearheaded the resolution of the controversy, and led to new insights into dinosaur locomotion and variations in track preservation.

Glen will also discuss exciting new finds during severe droughts in central Texas in 2022 and 2023, when he and many volunteer coworkers uncovered hundreds of new tracks, including new types of tracks and evidence of new trackmaker behaviors. The talk will thus illustrate the great scientific value of dinosaur tracks, as well as the thrill and challenges in studying them. As Glen wrote, “Some trackways are so fresh-looking that it is not hard to imagine the trackmakers having strode by only moments before. Unless the fantasy of cloning dinosaurs becomes a reality, this is probably the closest we can come to standing beside a living, breathing dinosaur.

To learn more about Glen’s work you can visit his Paluxy website, which contains many of his articles and papers, as well as a large photo gallery of Texas tracks, and links to other info and articles. http://paleo.cc/paluxy/ovrdino.htm

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.

Translating the Universe: How Webb Images Come to Life (04 Jun 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Alyssa Pagan is a Science Visuals Developer in the Office of Public Outreach at the Space Telescope Science Institute, where she blends her dual backgrounds in Art & Design (Towson University) and Astronomy (University of Maryland, College Park). Her work transforms raw space‑telescope data into color images that are both scientifically accurate and visually compelling, helping audiences connect with the Universe in ways that are accessible, inspiring, and deeply human.

In this talk, Alyssa will guide us through the story of the James Webb Space Telescope—its development, its infrared vision, and why telescopes like Webb are essential for revealing parts of the cosmos our eyes can’t see. She’ll then take us behind the scenes into the image‑making process: how data becomes color, how choices are made to balance accuracy and aesthetics, and how visual storytelling helps the public understand and feel the science. Using Webb examples, she’ll show how art and astronomy work together to shape the images that have captured the world’s imagination.

Fossil Hunt at Stratford Hall- Fossil Club Only (06 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 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, sting ray 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.

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 to break up the drive. Hotels can be found 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 that will result 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 can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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 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.

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.

For questions, please email Rebecca at RBaldwin@marylandnature.org.

Explore the Native Tree Collection at Glen Arboretum (06 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

With approximately 120 native tree species living in Maryland, Glen Arboretum features about 100 of these natives, all found on 10 acres of land on the Towson University campus. Let’s explore this inner city forest on the lookout for these species, which range from large, fully established trees to newly planted saplings, with the help of Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp, associate professor of Botany. We will learn about the diversity of trees, the challenges of meeting each tree’s individual needs in one urban environment, and discuss the basics of woody plant identification to distinguish one species from others.

Our hike will be low-impact, on mostly flat ground, and with some uneven grass, slopes, and stairs. Glen Arboretum encompasses ten acres of green space on the Towson campus. Established in 1936, the arboretum is the largest and most vegetated green space on campus. A Southern red oak and an umbrella magnolia grow here, both registered with the Big Tree Program, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Our field trip leader, Dr. Beauchamp, received her PhD in plant biology from Arizona State University and her bachelor’s in Biology from the University of California, Irvine. Her research involves work as a plant community ecologist exploring deer impacts and forest succession, ecology and impacts of invasive plant species, and restoration of riparian and wetland habitats.

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.
Appropriate for high-school-age children and older.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
Bring water, snacks, a pen, or something to take notes on.
Bring binoculars for birding and a hand lens or loupe, 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.

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

Traditional Appalachian Broommaking (07 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn this traditional technique to create a sturdy and attractive hand broom in either the turkey wing or pot scrubber style. These brooms are made with natural broomcorn, a type of sorghum grass known for its durability and flexibility, with your choice of thread color. You will leave with a beautiful and unique broom and a deep appreciation for the traditional craft of broom making. The process requires some hand strength, and we create tension with our feet on a pole wound with thread, so be prepared to remove your shoes and socks.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Clare Walker previously worked as a naturalist for State Parks and then as an environmental outreach specialist for Maryland DNR. She now teaches plant and pollinator identification as well as classes on natural basketry and more around Maryland including for 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 everyone to cherish our local plants whether through basketry using natural materials, making herbal remedies, enjoying foods from foraged plants or by gardening with natives.

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 $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.

Wild Edibles: Early Summer Plants with Nick Spero (07 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join master forager Nick Spero to learn about the varied wild edibles available in June. Focusing on the Cromwell Valley area, we will sample plants such as spicebush and learn how to prepare native milkweed and American Pokeberry for safe eating. Come along to see how many other tasty and nutritious wild plants can be found in this easy-to-moderate, low-intensity hike. Nibble along the way to learn valuable foraging tips and techniques. We will discuss collection methods and how to prepare our findings for optimal taste and nutrition. 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 gatherer, hunter, and fisherman. Primitive technology has piqued his interest since childhood. Nick was featured in an NPR video here.

Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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 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.

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

NHSM Fossil Club Only: trip to Lehigh Coal Mine (07 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:15:00 GMT

The NHSM Fossil Club is hosting a club-only trip to Lehigh Coal Mine in Lansford, PA, on June 7th. This site is known for its carboniferous fern and plant fossils from the Pennsylvanian Period (318-299 million years ago). The fossils will be found in spoil piles of shale, quartz crystals, and pyrite also may be found. After collecting, participants may wish to visit the No 9 Coal Mine Museum and Tour https://no9coalmine.com/.

Because this is an active coal mine, you must follow the safety requirements listed below.

We will meet in Lansford, PA, at 9:15 AM—we will leave the parking lot promptly at 9:30 AM to caravan to the collecting site, then have 3.5 hours to collect carboniferous fern and plant fossils. The meeting location will be sent to registrants upon registration.

Participants must be 18 years old or older.

The deadline for registering for this trip is May 31.

Attendees must wear:

steel-toe boots (or sturdy all-leather hiking boots with ankle support)
hard hat (available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, Walmart)
eye protection
leather gloves

You will need to bring:

rock hammer and chisel, (putty knife optional, but useful),
containers to put your finds in (such as drywall buckets or large roasting pans)
wrapping material to protect finds (newspaper, bubble wrap, aluminum foil)
bag lunch and snacks
drinking water
dress for the weather
wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty with coal dust

There is no fee to fossil hunt in the coal strip mine. If you choose to take the optional No. 9 Mine Museum and Tour, there is a $15 fee (bring a light jacket or sweater to wear into the mine).

The walk from the mine’s parking area to the fossil collection area is less than one-half mile. Participants must be able to walk unassisted on rough ground.

Group size will be limited to 15 people. A waiting list will be created. The trip leader will contact people on the waiting list if spaces become available.

An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Fossil Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

Water Chestnut Harvest (09 Jun 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and NHSM for a hands-on experience harvesting invasive water chestnuts (Trapa natans) by canoe. These fast-spreading plants threaten native bay grasses, block waterways, and create mosquito breeding grounds, but with your help we can clear them out and keep our waters healthy. Some paddling experience needed. Participants are welcome to bring their own boat. Registration is required for this event, as space is limited.

***Water chestnut seed pods have strong, sharp, needle-like points and should be handled with caution.

What will be provided:

Life Jacket/ PFD
Paddle
Canoe

What to bring:

Meal/ Snack
Water
Appropriate clothing that can get dirty and/or wet.
Please wear sturdy shoes that will stay on your feet.
Sun protection/ Bug Spray
Binoculars, if you’d like!
Camera (optional)
Coast Guard approved PFD, If you’ve got it

Donations are appreciated. The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, your donation 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.

Herp Club June: How to Photograph Herps with Herp Hero (10 Jun 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Have you been wondering how to level up your photography skills for the reptiles and amphibians you encounter in the wild or the ones you care for at home? If so, this is the meeting for you!

Join wildlife filmmaker, conservationist, and herpetologist Jacob Jackson of Herp Hero for a presentation focused on photographing reptiles and amphibians in both captive and wild settings. The talk will cover camera gear, field techniques, lighting, ethical wildlife photography practices, and how storytelling through imagery can help inspire conservation. Jacob will also share behind the scenes experiences from documenting herpetofauna, conservation projects, and environmental fieldwork across the U.S. and abroad.

Jacob Jackson is a wildlife filmmaker, conservation storyteller, and herpetologist based in Maryland. He is the founder of Herp Hero Wildlife Foundation and has over 6 years of experience in wildlife research, education, animal husbandry, and environmental media production. Jacob has worked with organizations including the Maryland Zoo, National Aquarium, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and multiple conservation initiatives focused on reptiles, amphibians, wetlands, and climate resilience. Through photography and documentary filmmaking, his work highlights the connection between people, wildlife, and conservation action.

You can learn more about Jacob and see some of his work at the Herp Hero website : https://realherphero.com/

This presentation will be in person.

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 on 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.

Texas Quarry (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 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 miles: a mile long and a half mile wide, to be exact. This massive pit 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. On this tour, let’s watch the heavy equipment dig and haul while discovering the stories of those immigrants.

We will learn the history of the quarry, 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. There is no public access to the quarry pit or operations, as it is a working job site. The crew is working about a mile away — binoculars are recommended for closer viewing.

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.
Everyone aged 5 years and older is welcome to attend. However, children must be able to sit and listen to the presentation for the duration of the talk. You are welcome to 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. No one has access to the interior of the operation except personnel.

In case of inclement weather, this tour may be canceled by Martin-Marietta, and you will be notified by NHSM. 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.

The Maryland Liberty Tree Project (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Maryland Liberty Tree Project is a statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. Using seedlings grown from the only surviving genetically identical Liberty Tree scion in the United States—descended from Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree in Annapolis—the project will plant a tree in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City by the end of 2026. This talk will explore the history of the Liberty Tree, Maryland’s Semiquincentennial efforts, and how strong partnerships with communities and organizations across the state have shaped each planting and its story.

Dana Cohen serves as Director of Communications at Preservation Maryland, where she leads strategic messaging and storytelling that advance the organization’s mission and impact. An award-winning communications professional, she brings more than two decades of experience supporting nonprofit and development clients. Dana specializes in developing and managing integrated campaigns, with expertise in crisis communications and public affairs. She works closely with colleagues and partners to share the stories behind Maryland’s preservation efforts, highlighting the people, places, and histories that make the state’s communities and landscapes distinctive. A first-generation Marylander, Dana was raised in Ellicott City and is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park.

The Gardens at Mt Cuba, Hike & Private Lecture (12 Jun 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Goldenrod is an adaptable native plant that provides beauty and ecological value to almost any garden. Goldenrods native to the eastern temperate forest region of North America can be found growing in a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, rocky cliffs, bogs, and coastal dunes. The trial evaluated 70 types of Solidago, including 50 distinct species as well as cultivars and ecotypes native to the eastern United States. The evaluated plants included goldenrods that were commercially available, wild-origin collections of commonly available species, and additional species that are relatively obscure and rarely cultivated. The release of their latest research report from the Trial Garden is here: Solidago for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

There will be plenty of time after our Trial Garden tour to wander the grounds on your own. We can have a picnic lunch together, then we can break off to explore on our own or with a newfound friend from our group. Your registration fee includes admission to the garden and the special speaker. You are welcome to stay until closing. If you are a member of Mt Cuba Center, you may use that pass for garden entrance and purchase the discounted ticket here for the lecture.

Mt. Cuba Center’s native plant collection was established by the Copeland family, who were pioneers in conservation. Many of their plants are grown from seeds collected in the wild, propagated in their greenhouse, and then cultivated and displayed in the gardens. The research team evaluates plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value, highlighting what those plants provide to the ecosystem. In addition, Mt. Cuba Center’s greenhouse studies how to propagate difficult or underutilized plants so they can be re-established in the natural landscape. Adding new cultivars of native plants expands the availability of high-quality, improved plants for the gardening community. Plant introductions made by Mt. Cuba Center are typically sent to the nursery industry to be propagated and distributed for sale to the public.

Our leader is Sam Hoadley, Manager of Horticultural Research, where he evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden. He earned his degree in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture from the University of Vermont. Some of his favorite native plants include Amsonia, Baptisia, Clematis, and Silphium.

Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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, and a lunch, if you would like to join us to eat after the tour.
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.

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

Birds and Brews - Summer Time (13 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

It’s not a problem to work up a thirst on this birding hike. Let’s check out the property of Waredaca Brewing Company, looking for great blue herons, green herons, and various species of hawks, warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. And as a bonus, our hike ends in the taproom, sharing 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.

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 can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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.
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 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.

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

Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology Class (14 Jun 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This course looks at stream ecology through the lives of stream invertebrates and macroinvertebrates, large organisms (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.

We will learn about their life histories, ecological interactions, and benefits to people, explore how they relate to their surrounding riparian and watershed environments, and how both are affected by people. In addition to the lecture, the class will include hands-on labs with live specimens and learning to use the website macroinvertebrates.org to see them up close, to both learn to identify them, and to learn about how they deal with environmental stress.

NOTE: Late summer and fall, NHSM hosts Go With the Flow Community Stream Days at Leakin Park, where you can put your new skills to practical use collecting andidentifying stream invertebrates. More info here: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6606820

Dr. Ken Belt has studied urban streams and their ecology in Baltimore for 40 years. He has worked for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, the USDA Forest Service, and the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, and now teaches at the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at UMBC. His perspective has been holistic, with an eye for both the engineering of the urban landscape and the connections to aquatic ecosystems. He is also a new curator for NHSM, where he is starting an aquatic insect collection and planning various identification training and education venues. Ken’s research interests focus on the interactions between stream biogeochemistry and ecological structure and function, and how these are affected by the mosaic of forests and engineered infrastructure on and within urban landscapes. Currently, he is encouraging the use of ecohydrological principles in the design of stormwater management networks, in particular those using a Nature-Based Solutions approach.

Transforming Southern Maryland Landforms: 40 years of Archaeological Observations (17 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

For the June meeting of the NHSM Archaeology club we will be joined by James G. Gibb, Research Associate at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center/Smithsonian Environmental Archaeology Laboratory to discuss issues surrounding the movement of soil and its effects on archaeological sites in Maryland.

Conducting archaeological investigations in Maryland, and particularly in the five southern counties, since 1987, one observation consistently emerges from each of the 300 projects I have completed: the landforms—the topography and hydrology—that we see today are products of radical changes. Some were intentional, most were not. In this presentation I provide a handful of seemingly unrelated research projects that intersect at a 300 year old process in the region: the erosion and redeposition of soils, in some cases blanketing and protecting sites, in many others destroying them.

Jim Gibb majored in anthropology as an undergraduate at Stony Brook University (1978). He earned his master’s degree (1985) and doctorate (1994) at Binghamton University, and a certificate in computer-aided design and drafting at Anne Arundel Community College. He has run his own consulting firm since 1989. Jim Gibb also is the founder and chief archaeologist of the Smithsonian Environmental Archaeology Laboratory (SEAL) at Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. Jim lives just outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

This meeting will be over Zoom to receive the Zoom link you will need to register for this event.

Creek to Beak 2026 - Eastern Shore Birding Paddle (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 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 Linda Yungbluth, a seasoned naturalist and longtime volunteer at Pickering Creek Audubon Center. As a current board member and officer of the Talbot County Bird Club, Linda will bring a wealth of Eastern Shore birding knowledge.

This paddle takes place on a tidal river that may experience windy conditions. 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.

Hart-Miller Island Boat & Bus Tour (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 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 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 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 for free from MES, we appreciate your donation to 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 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.
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 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.

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

The Mid-Appalachian Shale Barrens (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The mid‑Appalachian shale barrens are one of the rarest ecosystems on the planet — found only in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Perched on the steep, south‑facing slopes of the Ridge and Valley Province, these barrens form where thin soils, crumbling Devonian shale, and intense solar exposure combine to create an environment so harsh it resembles a desert more than an eastern forest.

Out of these extreme conditions emerges a community of drought‑tolerant, heat‑adapted, and highly specialized species, including plants found nowhere else on Earth.

This talk explores the natural history of the mid‑Appalachian shale barrens, the geologic forces that shape them, and the remarkable suite of rare and endemic species that call these fragile habitats home.

Bio: Clara Thiel is a lecturer of Biology at Frostburg State University, where she teaches courses in plant taxonomy, forest ecology, and economic botany. She is the curator of the Frostburg State University Herbarium and coordinates the Interpretive Biology & Natural History program. Her research interests include rare plants and ecosystems of the mid-Atlantic region, with current work focusing on pollination dynamics of the mid-Appalachian shale barrens.

Rock Bottom - Rock Collecting in the Pit at Texas Quarry (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 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 history of the quarry, including past and current ownership, and get an overview of their 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 will need to be dressed in full safety gear, including a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, a reflective safety vest/shirt/jacket, safety glasses, and gloves. Most specimens can be found by surface collecting. A bucket is needed to carry your finds, plus 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 be able to carry their own equipment, or have a partner to help. It may be hot and dusty: please consider that, also.

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.
All safety equipment and protocols as outlined above and in our opening talk on site must be followed, 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 the age of 14 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 will need to 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 at 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.

In case of inclement weather, this tour may be canceled by Martin-Marietta, and you will be notified by NHSM. 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.

Black-Crowned Night Herons of Thames Street Park (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Baltimore birder Kevin Marshall invites you on a journey to one of the city’s most unexpected wildlife intersections: the thriving black‑crowned night heron rookery tucked into the trees of Thames Street Park.

Kevin discovered birding in 2023 and quickly became captivated by this rare urban colony. Since then, he has spent two spring seasons documenting the herons’ return, their nesting behavior, and the daily drama of raising young above a busy waterfront. As of early May, the rookery includes 30 active nests across nine trees, with 24 currently on eggs.

In this NHSM Zoom program, Kevin will:

Introduce the humble, resilient night heron and why their presence in Fells Point is so unusual.
Peek into the lives and nests of our urban rookery through photos and field notes.
Share observations from the 2024 season — from cold‑weather lulls to frantic bursts of nest‑building.
Explore how wildlife adapts to city life with anecdotes, stats, and a bit of heron humor.

Come along for a close‑up look at what it’s like to grow up as a night heron in the city — the challenges, the resilience, and the everyday hullabaloo happening high above Thames Street.

If you would like to meet these herons, please join us for our field trip on Saturday, June 27. More information here: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6702756.

Follow ongoing updates at @thamesstreetnightherons on Instagram.

Two Homes - A Night Heron Colony Amid Colonial Houses (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

We’ll feature two very different types of homes on this walking tour in Fell’s Point. We’ll start the morning with Baltimore birder Kevin Marshall on a journey to one of the city’s most unexpected wildlife intersections: the thriving black‑crowned night heron rookery tucked into the trees of Thames Street Park.

Kevin has spent two spring seasons documenting this unique opportunity, noting the herons’ return, their nesting behavior, and the daily drama of raising young above a busy waterfront. As of early May, the rookery includes 30 active nests across nine trees, with 24 currently on eggs. Let’s see what it’s like for these resilient birds to choose to return to this busy area year after year. To learn more about night herons, Kevin will be presenting at our Must-Learn Thursday program on June 25. Register here: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-6700173.

Next up on our itinerary is a quick walk to tour the historic Robert Long House, the oldest surviving residence in Baltimore’s original city limits. Long built his 28 x 28 square foot home in 1765 on land purchased from Edward Fell, who first established Fell’s Point in 1731. Two centuries later, in 1975, after years of neglect, The Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fells Point began restoration of the home and garden, showcasing the life of an ordinary merchant in the eighteenth century rather than the usual wealthy landowners and their upper-class culture of the time.

Inside, historic objects like the beaded baseboard, molded chair rail, baluster staircase, and plaster walls made with deer or cow hair reflect the period construction and design. By 1984, the Preservation Society had completed most of the interior, and the Perennial Garden Club had finished roughly half of the gardens with “of the era” plants and herbs.

From there, we’ll walk to the Captain Daniel McMeal House, built in 1809. This house is a rare surviving example of early maritime waterfront architecture, featuring the original trim and floor plan. The house is listed in the Historic American Buildings Survey, which works to preserve a detailed look at the floor plans and structure of original 1700s Baltimore row homes. Note that access to the second floor and third floor is a tight winding staircase with higher-than-standard risers. If you are not comfortable using the stairs, you are welcome to wait on the first floor while the group goes up.

Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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.
Recommended to wear a long-sleeve shirt to protect from falling bird poop.
Bring binoculars 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.

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

Petroglyph Canoe Paddle (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Take a step back into history with this unique paddling experience! Located on the Susquehanna River just south of the Safe Harbor Dam is one of the largest concentrations of ancient American Indian petroglyphs in the eastern United States. Found primarily on Big Indian Rock and Little Indian Rock, these carvings are thought to be nearly 1,000 years old and can only be accessed by kayak, canoe, or small boat. Carved directly into the river’s hard bedrock, these remarkable images remain one of the most outstanding and accessible examples of Native American rock art in the Northeast.

This paddle begins on the fast-moving Conestoga river and requires upstream paddling on the return trip. Windy conditions are also possible. Intermediate paddling experience is required.

***In the case weather is too severe to paddle; the outing will be cancelled.***

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

Petroglyph Canoe Paddle (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This paddle begins on the fast-moving Conestoga river and requires upstream paddling on the return trip. Windy conditions are also possible. Intermediate paddling experience is required.

***In the case weather is too severe to paddle; the outing will be cancelled.***

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

Sail250 Maryland Air Show - View From Aboard the Sigsbee (28 Jun 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the trifecta of marine science and American history learning with the impressive aviation skills from around the world, all while on the water aboard the Sigsbee. We’ll cruise out to the Spectator Area near Ft McHenry, and enjoy the scenery while we test for water quality, trawl for plankton, dissect an oyster, and learn about bird morphology as we wait for the Air Show to begin. Our location serves as a great prompt to learn about the history of Fort McHenry, the Battle of Baltimore, and the War of 1812, too.

The Air Show teams who are scheduled to perform include the US Navy Blue Angels (confirmed), with the British Royal Air Force’s Red Arrow acrobatics team, the Patrouille Acrobatique de France (France Acrobatic Patrol), and the US Air Force’s F-16 Viper demonstration team. The schedule and teams may change and will be finalized 30 days before the show.

Bring snacks and lunch, and you’re welcome to bring beer and wine onboard, too.

The US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team showcases the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country. The team is stationed at Forrest Sherman Field, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, during the air show season. The squadron spends January through March training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, and serves as ambassadors of goodwill by bringing naval aviation to men, women, and children across America.

Due to the special nature of this trip, no refunds. Final sales only. Tickets are transferable.
Adults only, over the age of 18.
Flight teams are subject to change, with the final schedule published 30 days before the event by Sail250 Maryland.
The Air Show and the cruise may be canceled due to weather. Full refunds will be available if NHSM cancels this trip.
Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when 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.
Waivers are mandatory and will be available at the dock.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. You will not be allowed on the boat with open-toed shoes, and refunds will not be available.
Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Temperatures can be 10 degrees cooler on the water.
Bring water, snacks, lunch, and sunblock.
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.

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

Clubapalooza Nature Connections (28 Jun 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Since 1929, NHSM has connected people with natural history in all its various forms. Whether you want to learn a little bit about a lot of different topics or take a deep dive into a specific subject, you can do that at NHSM.

For those who want to explore a particular area of interest over a period of time, NHSM offers various clubs. Club members meet monthly to share their enthusiasm, sponsor guest speakers, go on field trips, and participate in various citizen-science projects. Led by volunteers, the clubs rely on contributions from top experts in their fields alongside interested amateurs of all ages. All you need is curiosity and a little bit of time!

Right now there are four clubs, focusing on the following topics:

Lepidoptery (Butterflies and Moths)
Herpetology (Amphibians and Reptiles)
Archaeology
Fossils

At Clubapalooza, you can meet and interact with members of each club, while exploring exhibits, hands-on activities, and crafts representing each club’s area of expertise. Join us to learn more about the NHSM clubs and how you can get involved!

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.

Fossil Club July: The earliest known Sequoia fossil is from the Potomac Group (01 Jul 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join us for this engaging talk from Fossil Club member Valerie Horn as she explores her citizen science project researching the unique locally found sequoia fossils.

The giant redwoods are iconic trees whose height and age inspire awe, but their fossil history is unclear. At our local MNCPPC Dinosaur Park in Prince George’s County, small sequoia-like cones are abundant. They were described in a limited way a hundred years ago and have been mostly ignored since. Dr. Horn and her co-authors have re-evaluated these cones, along with the associated twigs and foliage. Phylogenetic analysis of their morphology shows that the species is a member of Sequoioideae. Its presence in the Early Cretaceous Potomac Group makes this fossil the earliest known sequoia.

Valerie Horn has a dental degree from the University of Maryland and a PhD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Anatomy and Cell Biology. She was in private clinical dental practice until 2022. During her retirement, she explored her fascination with fossils and returned to College Park to learn more about paleontology. The research for her work on sequoia fossils began during the COVID-19 pandemic and is ongoing.

Please join us for this in-person presentation at the Natural History Society Building located at 6908 Belair Rd.

Longleaf Pine Needle Coaster (05 Jul 2026)

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Discover the traditional process of working with pine needles to create a beautiful and functional coaster basket. You will start your basket with a hand-made wood base or walnut slice, then coil and stitch long-leaf pine needles along the base, using waxed linen thread. We will learn shaping, different stitch techniques, and finishing on this smaller project, giving you the skills to move to larger projects. Although suitable for beginners, this class is designed for those who enjoy working with crafts or have some basketry/sewing experience.

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 $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.

Herp Club July: The Ins and Outbacks of Australian Herp Husbandry at the National Aquarium (08 Jul 2026)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This presentation will encompass “a day in the life” of a herpetologist in the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit at the National Aquarium. Topics covered will include species highlights, basic husbandry practices, specialty enclosure setups, species-specific breeding strategies, and animal training & enrichment necessities for a captive care lifestyle. This talk will take you through the innovations and accommodations keeper staff must incorporate into their care routines that satisfy the needs of guest-facing, authentic exhibits and the recreation of ideal habitats based on the Northern Territory of Australia reimagined in downtown Baltimore.

Matthew Benedict is a Senior Herpetologist in the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit at the National Aquarium. He has worked professionally with reptiles and amphibians for 10 years and has had a lifelong passion for herpetological husbandry, behavior, and conservation. Matthew is most notably known for breeding endangered species of Australian turtles at the National Aquarium and devising clever training and enrichment strategies for turtles and tortoises at the Fort Worth Zoo and Mystic Aquarium as well. His interests go beyond captive care environments with community driven snake & turtle outreach programs, BioBlitz events, and turtle behavioral research. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut with a degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and his master’s from Towson University in Biology.

In person attendance is preferred but this meeting will be hybrid in person and on zoom. If you wish to participate via Zoom, you need to register to receive the link.

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.

Fifteen Thousand Years of Prehistory at the Barton Site, Allegany County, Maryland (15 Jul 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This presentation from Dr. Wall a professor of Archaeology at Towson University will explore the exciting work that has been done at the Baton Site in western Maryland. This site has yielded exceptional Archaeological information over the years and thanks to new technologies such as the Paleo Digger has been the site of incredible finds dating back 13,000 years to the Clovis a paleo-American culture.

The Barton site has been the focus of excavations for the last 30 years via field schools with Towson University and with the assistance of the Archeological Society of Maryland. In the 1990s, beginning with exploratory excavations of the Late Woodland components of the site, research has subsequently focused on the latest occupation, the Susquehannocks (ca. AD1600). This was followed by more recent excavations on the deepest part of the site, the Paleoindian (Clovis) component. The results of the excavations and artifacts recovered will be summarized for this presentation.

Robert Wall received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Maryland and his M.A. and Ph.D. at Catholic University. He teaches at Towson University where he has been teaching for more than 30 years. His research interests include Paleoindian and Archaic sites, Lithics and Ceramics, and Potomac and Susquehanna Valley prehistory. He has worked extensively in the Middle Atlantic region, mostly in Maryland and Pennsylvania with a focus in the last 3 decades on the Barton site, a multi-component stratified site in western Maryland.

Go with the Flow - Explore Life in a Stream at Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (July) (19 Jul 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 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).

July Lep Club: How to be Successful in Raising Lepidoptera (22 Jul 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Interested in raising butterflies and moths at home? Join us to learn the proper practices for successfully caring for these fascinating insects through every stage of their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis or cocoon, and finally to adult butterfly or moth.

In this program, we will cover:

Choosing and identifying proper host plants and food sources
Tips for keeping plants fresh in water while preventing caterpillars from crawling in
Understanding the insect life cycle, including growth stages and instars
Proper habitat setup and cleanliness practices to keep caterpillars healthy
How to overwinter butterflies and moths so they can emerge healthy in the spring

Whether you are a beginner, educator, gardener, or nature enthusiast, this presentation from lep club members will provide practical guidance to help you successfully raise and enjoy native butterflies and moths.

Constance Scott has been raising butterflies since she was 8 years old (1973). Around 2014, along with Nick Spero, she helped start the Lep Club at the Natural History Society of Maryland. Through Nick’s guidance, Constance has learned how to raise just about all the native Leps in Maryland.

Eric Warner is a newer member of the NHSM Lepidoptera Club, but he has loved rearing Saturnids since he was a little kid, having always been fascinated with their size and beauty. He has successfully reared most of our largest species of native moths and has experience rearing them in very large numbers. Eric actively gives presentations about Lepidoptera conservation and care to various garden clubs, nature centers, museums, and other forums. He thinks there is something very special that happens when people of all ages can experience these amazing creatures firsthand, and loves being able to advocate for Lepidoptera by offering such rich sensory experiences.

Chomp & Charm –Shark Tooth Necklace Make n Take (01 Aug 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:00:00 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.

Herp Club Aug: The Conowingo Dam & the Microbiome of Maryland’s Endangered Northern Map Turtle (12 Aug 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) are an endangered species in Maryland that faces significant habitat disturbances due to human activity and urbanization. One of the main factors contributing to habitat alteration of Northern Map Turtles in Maryland is the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam, which bisects the population and contributes to its fragmentation. The combined effects that these anthropogenic stressors have on Map Turtle health is not known, but could be explored by studying the microbiome. Defined as the microorganisms living on and within a host, the microbiome has been studied as an indicator of organismal health and used to inform wildlife management. This presentation discusses the potential impact that the Conowingo Dam and other man-made stressors may have on Northern Map Turtles by exploring the microbiome. The work discussed here has the potential to impact future conservation efforts of Northern Map Turtles in Maryland.

Hailey Christoph received her M.S. in Biology in August 2025 from Towson University, where she worked under Dr. Steve Kimble. Her thesis research focused on the microbiome and metabolome of Maryland’s endangered Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), with a particular interest in understanding the potential impacts that human activity may be having on them. In addition to her thesis work, she assisted Dr. Kimble in sampling box turtles at multiple sites in the DMV, visual encounter surveys on artificial basking platforms on the Susquehanna, and mentoring an undergraduate student on an independent project focused on the map turtle microbiome. Possessing an intense passion for science education, she currently works as a Park Naturalist at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, MD and an Adjunct Professor of Microbiology at Prince George’s Community College. She will also be conducting amphibian surveys with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) throughout the DMV region this summer to build her field skills further. She wants to continue to pursue research and education opportunities related to molecular ecology and the conservation of herptiles, with the hope of one day becoming a full-time research professor. In her free time, she loves to run, hike, cook, and hang out with her three geckos.

In person attendance is preferred but this meeting will be hybrid in person and on zoom. If you wish to participate via Zoom, you need to register to receive the link.

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.

Marine Science Sail & Camp Overnight (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Sail the weekend away aboard a traditional oyster boat of Maryland, the Skipjack Sigsbee. We’ll cruise from the Inner Harbor to our campsite at Swann Creek Marina in Rock Hall with a full complement of hands-on activities, including setting the sail and steering the boat; trawling for plankton, fish, and crabs; water testing; oyster dissection; and bird morphology and identification along the way.

When we reach dry land, we’ll explore the beach, wade, swim, and make camp. We’ll end the day with a warm meal and a fire, complete with all the s’more fixings. Come morning, we’ll pack up camp and head back to the boat to make our way up the bay for home. Be prepared to swab the deck, no joke! All food is included, cooking is done by the staff, and most camping supplies, including tents, are provided. Participants will be responsible for their personal camping gear, such as a sleeping bag and pad. Participants will be expected to help with some camp set-up and dinner cleanup. The camping site is in a field adjacent to the marina with access to a restroom with running hot and cold water and showers.

This program is for both adults and families with children over the age of 9. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a suitable parent or legal guardian. NHSM thanks the generous supporters of the Living Classrooms Foundation, which receives 50-60% of its funding from donations. With their help, we are able to offer this trip at half the normal cost.

Meals include two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast. A sample menu would include bagels, with a gluten-free alternative, for breakfast, sandwiches and wraps for lunch, and tacos or burritos for dinner. Meat alternatives will be available. Snack items could include fruit, granola bars, Goldfish, and pretzels.

Rock Hall is a quaint fishing, sailing, and recreational boating town on the upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. There is an unguarded swimming beach a short walk from the marina. The little town center is a long walk or a short drive away, and they have a playground, a little grocery store, and some places to get ice cream.

Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory on the boat.
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.
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.
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 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.

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

Fossil Collecting at Ramanessin: Fossil Club Only (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Fossil Collecting at Ramanessin

Ramanessin (Hop Brook) is a Cretaceous-period marine fossil site. Fossils found here are primarily shark teeth, as well as mosasaur teeth and bones, and ray plates.

We suggest bringing a hand shovel and a sifter. While surface hunting is possible in theory, it may not be as successful. We will be wading through water, so please come prepared with water shoes, rain boots, or waders. Wearing gloves is also recommended due to the occasional presence of broken glass in the stream.

The event is scheduled for August 15 at 10:00 AM, with a rain date of August 22 at 10:00 AM. We will notify you during the week of the trip to confirm the date.

We will be meeting at a local school in Holmdel, NJ. Details about the exact time and meeting location will be shared with registrants prior to the trip. Be aware there are no public restrooms near the site. You must be a current member of the NHSM Fossil Club to sign up. Please note that children under 5 years old are not permitted.

It is recommended that you bring:

Hand shovel and sifter
Wear water shoes, rain boots, or waders
NO BARE FEET ALLOWED
Gloves
Containers to put your finds in
Bag lunch and snacks
Drinking water
Dress for the weather

For questions, contact the club coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org.

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.

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. An annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Fossil Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families.

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. Learn more about NHSM Clubs: https://youtu.be/pIA7naRjXws

Go with the Flow - Explore Life in a Stream at Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (August) (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 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.

Aug Lep Club: Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly Ecology and Conservation (26 Aug 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly, Maryland’s state insect, has experienced significant population declines across the state. Join us for an informative talk hosted by John Garrison, Conservation Director of the Susquehannock Wildlife Society.

In this presentation, John will explore the life history of the Baltimore Checkerspot, discuss its current conservation status, and highlight the work Susquehannock Wildlife Society is doing to help restore a population of Maryland’s iconic state insect.

John Garrison is a wildlife ecologist specializing in freshwater turtle ecology, herpetology, and the management of imperiled species. He is currently studying Wood, Bog, Box, and Spotted Turtle populations in central Maryland, with the goal of better understanding how to protect populations through management actions. In addition to his work with turtles, he is involved in conservation efforts for the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly, and is restoring a population at the Susquehannock Wildlife Conservation Center through vegetation management and population augmentation.

This will be an in-person presentation. So feel free to bring plants and caterpillars to exchange.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

FALL DATES: Explore Puerto Rico (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

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: No more than eight adults will participate, plus two trip leaders.
Our 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.
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. 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.

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.

After our hike, we’ll relax in the van while we make our way to visit the Museum of Natural History and Conservation of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla. The museum is the first natural history museum in Puerto Rico in more than 100 years and is newly opened. We’ll take a tour with the museum founder and several members of the team, who are all very excited about our visit.

After the museum, 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 have a short drive to our next hotel situated on the Caribbean oceanfront. We’ll settle in for a bit, then grab our snorkeling gear and head to the dock on site. We will take a quick boat ride out to snorkel and explore Gilligan’s Island for the rest of the afternoon. No, this isn’t the set for the ‘60s sit-com, but it is famous for crystal-clear shallow lagoons ideal for snorkeling and for exploring a protected mangrove forest.

Back at the hotel, you are free to eat dinner, rest, swim, and enjoy the hotel property.

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.

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: it’s time to shift our focus to tropical forests. We’ll drive for a bit over an hour to the Sabana Field Research Station in El Yunque National Forest. This research station, managed by the US Forest Service, is part of the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. We will learn about the different research projects being conducted in the area, including the Luquillo Experimental Forest. At 28,516 acres, it is the largest tropical forest within the experimental forest and the only experimental forest with the same boundary as a national forest (El Yunque National Forest).

The Sabana team will share presentations and take us to visit one of their experimental sites as well as give us a tour of the station setup, complete with a demonstration of their field equipment.

After our tour, we will head to the seaside village of Luquillo for two nights’ accommodation next to the beach. Your afternoon is free. But you may want to take a nap for tonight’s adventure.

After dinner, we’ll head out to boat the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande on an all-electric boat out of Fajardo. We’ll learn what makes the water glow in a one-hour excursion. Please note that the intensity of the bioluminescence directly corresponds to the intensity of moonlight. For this evening, the moon phase will be waning gibbous, not a full-moon bright, but not a waning crescent moon. While the water may not glow as brightly as wished, we’ll enjoy an evening boat ride and learn about the phenomenon.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 San Juan for the final night of our journey together. The afternoon is free. Later, we will meet up for a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 9: Saturday, Nov 14

We will meet after breakfast, then head off for a morning tour of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The afternoon is free for you to explore.

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. 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.

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

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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!