The first flower of spring may surprise you. It’s skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus. This perennial native has been growing in low lying wet areas since the Cretaceous period. It’s unusual flowers with a distinctive smell mimicking that of dead and decaying animals attracts beetles who unsuspectingly become their pollinators. The bitter taste also deters hungry herbivores. Two reasons that make this plant so successful and unusual. But that is but the tip of the calyx. Join skunk cabbage expert and Master Naturalist, Siobhan Percey on an interpretive hike to learn first hand about these extraordinary harbingers of spring in Northern Baltimore County (exact Location will be given to those who register)
Spaces are limited to limit impact on habitat and maximize personal experiences. There are two sessions – each 2 hours in length. We will start with a brief presentation learning about the natural history of the plant followed by a short hike (.20 miles easy – flat) to see the flowers in the wild.
Due to the pop-up nature of this trip, full refunds are not available. you will receive 50% refund if cancellation is made more than 7 days ahead of trip.