Challenge yourself to see, really see. How many organisms can we find in one hike across various habitats? With the editor at the Maryland Biodiversity Project, Dave Webb, to guide us, we may be surprised with our findings.
For the very small, we’ll sift soil and leaf litter and use magnifiers to search for little detritivores in the dirt, such as millipedes, centipedes, springtails, and terrestrial isopods. The black squirrels may be easy to spot with just our eyes, flitting between branches. But for those spring migrant birds, let’s don our binoculars to spot Rusty Blackbirds, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Orchard Orioles, and Yellow-throated Warblers.
A quick fact about those black squirrels: they are not a different species but a melanistic Eastern gray squirrel. Their origin in Maryland goes back to the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt when eighteen melanistic gray squirrels were introduced into the forest at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The squirrels spread from there, establishing these genetics in the region, and are still spreading.
We will be learning from Dave Webb, an editor with Maryland Biodiversity Project which is a non-profit organization dedicated to cataloging the flora and fauna of Maryland. The project promotes conservation, science, and education by building a nature study community. Dave also edits BugGuide.net, vetting the identifications of arthropods photographed by other outdoor enthusiasts, including his own photos. Check out the project here: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/
Dave, like most of the people who lead NHSM field trips, is a volunteer. Your money directly supports the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Donate or become a member of the Natural History Society of Maryland by visiting https://marylandnature.org/support-maryland-nature/.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (low-intensity hiking)
Remember to
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or sneakers with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and for your camera, an extra battery, memory card, and lens-cleaning cloth.
- Bring binoculars. Two will be available to borrow.
- Bring a loupe, hand lens, or magnifying glass. Some will be available to borrow.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- No pets, please.
The exact meeting location will be listed in your confirmation email after payment has been received.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.