Spend a beautiful spring day on a bird and a native plant hike with us at Adkins Arboretum, the only public garden that focuses on plants native to the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain. We’ll take two casual hikes, each with a different goal, and a picnic lunch break in between.
Our morning hike will feature birds and wildlife with long-time birder Jim Wilson. Spring migration will be at its peak, with most of the migrants that breed at Adkins already arrived. We’ll listen for bird song and learn a few tips to help us identify species by calls. Potential bird sightings may include Eastern phoebe, Eastern wood pewee, wood thrush, ovenbird, summer and scarlet tanagers, blue-gray gnatcatcher, yellow-breasted chat, common yellowthroat, orchard and Baltimore orioles, purple martin, white-eyed vireo, indigo bunting, and prothonotary warbler. The Arboretum is designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon MD-DC Chapter.
After a quick picnic lunch on the grounds, we’ll meet up with Cristina Niciporciukas, Chair of the Maryland Native Plant Society’s Eastern Shore Chapter. We will be on the lookout for spring beauties and late-blooming ephemerals in addition to pink lady slippers, false and true Solomon’s Seal, and a profusion of berries. In addition, dogwood should still be blooming as well as Virginia bluebell, golden ragwort, pawpaw, Jack in the pulpit, sassafras, and Pinxter azalea.
All trails are well-maintained and free of obstacles. The distance will be less than two miles for both of these hikes. The Arboretum’s location lies where the Piedmont plateau and the coastal plain intersect, allowing both northern and southern plant life to overlap. This diversity supports habitats for more than 600 species of native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, grasses, and ferns. Birds and wildlife also take advantage of this plant diversity in the Arboretum’s natural settings, ecological restoration projects, and cultivated gardens.
- 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.
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.
Registration
Levels:-
NHSM Member: $20
Guest names must be listed on your family membership to qualify for this discount. Extra adults with individual memberships should register independently. -
MNPS Member: $15
Complimentary discount for our friends in the Eastern Shore Chapter - Non Member: $25