Earth Day Activities

Are you new to gardening for wildlife? Learn the basics of creating a wildlife friendly landscape in your backyard- no matter the size! Kerry Wixted is a Maryland naturalist with over 15 years’ experience studying flora and fauna of Maryland. She has previously worked for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and has taught classes for Nature Forward’s Natural History Field Studies Program. Kerry holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Frostburg State University, and a M.S. in Biology from West Virginia University.

The Howard County butterfly survey was started in 2014. During the past 12 years, hundreds of people have submitted over 10,000 reports, and recorded 81 species and OVER A QUARTER MILLION BUTTERFLIES. This talk is about the history and results of the survey to date and goals for the future. Kevin Heffernan has been a member of the Howard County Bird Club for more than 40 years and is a past president. He has been an avid birder for years, but recently, has turned his attention to butterflies and native plant pollinator gardening. He is the Chair of the Howard County Butterfly Survey, where, in addition to understanding the status of the local butterfly species, he is getting people interested and involved. He is also a member of the Howard County Bee City committee

In recent years, the value and contribution of citizen science has been growing. The participation of people in collecting data through observations about the natural world increases both the volume of information on a subject as well as the dedication to and the understanding of the conservation issues in the citizen scientist. Bob Hirshon is a MD Master Naturalist, lifelong natural history fan, founder of Springtail Media and author of the citizen science chapter of the new Maryland Master Naturalist Handbook. He hosted and produced the podcast Citizen Science: Stories of Science We Can Do Together.

Fast fashion is a growing concern due to its detrimental effects on the environment. Poor quality clothing ends up landfills much sooner, the use of polyester and other synthetic materials has a  large carbon footprint. The massive amounts of water and dye that are used to produce much more clothing than we need is unsustainable on a global level.

There are 30% fewer birds in North America than there were just a half-century ago. However, our very smallest feathered friend, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird can rather easily be attracted to our yards. Come learn about the extraordinary physical capabilities and migratory feats of these remarkable birds, the environmental challenges they still face, why they make such desirable neighbors, and what you can do to encourage the presence of these feisty and charismatic charmers in your own backyard! Brian Rollfinke earned a BS in Biology and an MS in Ecology with a focus on forest songbirds. Upon becoming an empty nester, Brian returned to his first passion, working as Director of Education at a local nature center for 3½  years and now, for the past 2 years, as Director of Education & Outreach at several Maryland stores in the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise.

Join us for an insightful presentation on the benefits of planting native species in the fall. Discover how fall planting reduces the need for watering, as cooler temperatures and increased rainfall support plant establishment. Learn about the cost-effectiveness of using plugs which allow plants to develop robust root systems over the winter. We'll also explore the advantages of direct seeding, particularly for species requiring cold stratification. Additionally, we'll discuss eco-friendly practices like "leaving the leaves" and creating "soft landings" to enhance biodiversity and provide habitat for local wildlife. Embrace the season and transform your landscape sustainably! Lisa Kuder is the UMD Extension representative for the Maryland Native Plants Program, a collaborative effort involving the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and the MD Native Plant Society. The program's primary goal is to enhance the appreciation, availability, and use of native plants in both natural and developed environments.

Join us to hear about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, its significance to Maryland, how it has changed over the years, and what has and hasn't worked in trying to rehabilitate it. Tim Wheeler, Associate Editor & Senior Writer, has covered the Chesapeake Bay and other environmental issues for most of his career, including 10 years with the Bay Journal and nearly 32 years with the Baltimore Sun and Evening Sun. He's a former president of the Society of Environmental Journalists and has won many awards, including the 2010 Excellence in Journalism Award from the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation.