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May 13, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Ecosystem Eco Notes

Environmental Concern Commemorates 50 Years

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Environmental Concern (EC) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1972. In recognition of this milestone, EC will host a series of events next spring highlighting the non-profit’s accomplishments over the last 50 years.

In the early seventies, when most people thought wetlands were worthless, mucky swamps filled with mosquitoes, EC’s founder, Dr. Ed Garbisch, recognized the importance of wetlands and the disastrous effects of losing tens of thousands of acres of this critical ecosystem in the Maryland watershed.

Living Shoreline Restored by Environmental Concern located on the Chesapeake Bay in Tilghman, MD.

Garbisch decided to take a new path, leaving his career as a University professor and devoting his life to restoring wetland habitats. EC was born! After months of trial and error, Garbisch and a team of research assistants developed the propagation protocols for over 20 species of marsh plants, growing the plants from seed to mature plant. EC staff propagated tens of thousands of plants in two glass greenhouses, using the plants to create the first successful wetland restoration project on Hambleton Island in Talbot County.

EC has always focused on the practical work required to grow native plants and restore wetlands throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The staff members are practitioners, planters, and planners, expanding and refining the processes developed in the seventies to maintain the quality and sustainability of its restoration projects.

Over 50 years, the organization has restored 40 miles of shoreline. With the help and support of staff members, interns, and wetland stewards, this small non-profit has propagated over 30 million native plants. In the spring and fall, Retail Native Plant Sales are held at EC’s campus in St. Michaels. These annual community events allow the public to purchase native species that are not readily available in large retail plant outlets. EC’s growing operation has resulted in the increase of thousands of acres of critical natural habitat for songbirds, bumblebees, and endangered monarch butterflies in backyard gardens.

“The last five decades have given us plenty of reasons to celebrate,” said Suzanne Pittenger-Slear, president of Environmental Concern. “Our initiatives have expanded in all areas, including native plant sales and living shoreline restoration. In addition, EC has been a pioneer in wetland restoration, developing the wetland restoration protocol still used today to control erosion and restore wetlands in Maryland, and establishing the nation’s first Native Wetland Plant Nursery.”

Evidence of EC’s impact can be found around Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Poplar Island, once on the verge of disappearing, is now a model of the beneficial use of dredging materials and habitat restoration for diamondback turtles, egrets, and monarch butterflies. EC was awarded the contract to plant 650,000 plants in Cell 3D on Poplar Island. Dorchester County selected EC to design and construct a Living Shoreline on Elliott Island to protect the only road access to this quaint waterfront village.

Spring Retail Plant Sale held at Environmental Concern’s Campus in St. Michaels.

On behalf of the Town of St. Michaels, EC designed the St. Michaels Nature Trail and secured a $471,000 grant from the State to build the Trail. EC is recognized as one of the four founding Sponsors. EC employees enjoy watching the activity from EC’s Campus located between the Boundary Lane and Chew Street section of the Trail. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts linger on the covered bridge, waiting to observe the green heron in its natural habitat along the Trail.

“While we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of all of our accomplishments to date, and we look forward to the future,” said Pittenger-Slear. “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but one thing remains the same – our commitment to restoring the Bay…one wetland at a time.”

About Environmental Concern
Environmental Concern, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, is committed to improving water quality and creating, restoring, and conserving wetlands, living shorelines, and other natural habitats. This is accomplished through education and outreach, propagation of native species, and professional design and installation.

To learn more, please visit www.wetland.org or e-mail Suzanne Pittenger-Slear, at [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Environmental Concern Joins Global Wetlands Celebration

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The professionals at Environmental Concern work every day to advance wetland restoration and education in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One of the many ways they do this is by raising awareness of the importance of wetlands for water quality and natural habitat within the watershed community.

On February 2nd, Environmental Concern (EC) joined more than two thousand Wetlands of International Importance in 171 countries as well as National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, Wetland Centers and environmental facilities across the US to celebrate World Wetlands Day.

World Wetlands Day commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. The Convention on Wetlands is a global treaty supporting the conservation and wise use of wetlands, and the designation of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ (“Ramsar Sites”). The Sites are recognized for rare and unique habitat, wildlife, and biological diversity. The United States has designated forty-one Ramsar Sites since 1986, covering more than five million acres of wetland habitat.

Photo: Front row – Chris Blizzard, Connor Burton, Chris Oakes, Marcia Pradines (refuge manager), Ashley Roe, Suzanne Pittenger-Slear (EC president); Back row – Lyndsey Pollock, John Sandkuhler, Sam Eisenhower, Joe Miller, Nick Sparacino, Anne Sindermann, Josie Aikey and Gene Slear.

The World Wetland Theme this year is Inseparable: Wetlands, Water and Life, which shines a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore wetlands.

“We are fortunate to have a Ramsar site here on Maryland’s eastern shore,” said EC president Suzanne Pittenger-Slear. The Chesapeake Bay Estuarine Complex, which includes Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, was designated as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ in 1986. The refuge consists of more than 30,000 acres of tidal marsh, loblolly pine forests, and freshwater wetlands, and serves as an essential stopover for migrating and wintering waterfowl. The Wildlife Drive, which includes access to four trails, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. “The winter season offers amazing views of the vast wetland ecosystems and natural habitats,” said Pittenger-Slear. Learn about the importance of wetlands by planning a family outing to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge this month (check website for hours of operation). World Wetlands Day events continue through the month of February. The US activities are posted here:https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/events.

Each year, Pittenger-Slearcoordinates an annual trip to Blackwater NWRon World Wetlands Day with Refuge Manager, Marcia Pradines. This year, Pradines greeted 15 members of EC’s staff in front of the refuge Visitor’s Center before they started their journey on the four-mile Wildlife Drive. Pradines reported that just after sunrise, the refuge staff counted over twelve thousand snow geese (Chen caerulescens), three white pelicans (Pelecanuserythrorhynchos), and two hundred tundra swans (Cygnus columbiannus). Watching the white pelicans resting along the shoreline on the Blackwater River was an amazing sight. The group also observed two adult eagles in a nest in a loblolly pine tree (Pinustaeda) near the Wildlife Drive. “We were all so excited to see the majestic eagles in their natural habitat,” said Pittenger-Slear. The refuge is the center of the largest density of breeding bald eagles on the east coast, north of Florida.

The trip offered EC staff the opportunity to see firsthand the impact of their work for wetlands. Whether working in the nursery growing thousands of native plants, getting wet and muddy restoring living shorelines, or organizing events to educate the community –they all left the refuge with a heightened awareness of the significance of their work and the understanding that their work serves a broader purpose that goes far beyond the borders of EC’s campus.

For more information about World Wetlands Day, visit: www.worldwetlandsday.org. Free posters and activities are available to download from the site.

Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. For the last 49 years, Environmental Concern has been working to restore the Bay…one wetland at a time.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Eastern Shore Seed Steward Program Increases Natural Habitat

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Environmental Concern (EC), in celebration of 48 years since the first native plant seed collection expedition, is pleased to announce the launch of the Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative. EC’s Native Plant Nursery, operating in St. Michaels since 1972, has learned from experience that it takes more than a ‘village’ of experienced native plant specialists to collect enough seed to grow over 110 species of native plants.

Ginger, a local high school student, who collected and donated thousands of swamp milkweed seeds.

EC’s annual native seed harvesting process starts in the summer and continues through the fall. The nursery specialists collect seeds from herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees planted on EC’s campus. We harvest in our backyard – a practice that generated the idea to teach gardeners and plant enthusiasts how to collect seed in their backyard gardens.

In 2018, EC founded the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. Due to the 90% decrease in the Monarch population, the increased demand for milkweed plants resulted in a milkweed seed shortage. The Monarch butterfly is a “Near Threatened” species due to the dramatic loss of Monarch habitat. The Seed Stewards for Monarchs program accomplished two important goals: increasing the Monarch butterfly’s critical milkweed habitat and increasing seed inventory for EC’s milkweed crops. Over 250 volunteers are currently participating in the program. EC benefits from the generous seed donations from the Seed Stewards and the Seed Stewards receive discounts on plants, seed harvesting education programs, and invitations to appreciation events.

The Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative is an extension of the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. The program goals are consistent with the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. EC is educating the community about the importance of growing native plants, plant identification, and native plant seed harvesting. Seed Stewards collect seeds to propagate and grow in their gardens and donate a percentage of their seeds to EC. This activity is appropriate for all ages – from 4 to 94. Families, garden clubs, 4-H groups, neighbors, religious groups, and all Eastern Shore communities and organizations are welcome to join the program. Your participation will increase habitat for all native creatures that need the food, cover, and protection that native plants provide on shorelines and in rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and wetlands.

Deena, a Seed Steward from Nanticoke, sends her seeds by US mail – always with a fun note included. She has sent six envelopes filled with seeds since July.

Seed Stewards communicate by email, virtual education sessions, and social media – and with each other to share helpful suggestions and tips for successful seed harvesting. Visit EC’s website to sign up for the Eastern Shore Seed Stewards program, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Consider adding a variety of native species to your garden this fall to prepare for seed collection in 2021. EC’s nursery is accepting retail orders now. Many species are ready for pick-up or free local delivery (within 20 miles of EC). Plant availability is posted on the website at https://wetland.org/retail/. Place your order with Lyndsey at [email protected] or call 410-745-9620 for more information.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Environmental Concern Celebrates World Wetlands Day

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World Wetlands Day (WWD) will be celebrated in 171 countries on Sunday, February 2. This day commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, the oldest Treaty seeking to conserve natural resources on a global scale. The Convention on Wetlands provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Around the globe, there are over 2,300 wetland sites, totaling 557 million acres designated as Wetlands of International Importance. The United States has designated 40 sites, covering over 5 million acres. On October 3, 2019, the Niagara River Corridor was designated as a Wetland of International Importance. Millions of people visit this site every year to see one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the world, and to enjoy hiking, fishing and birdwatching.

We are proud to have a Wetland of International Importance on the Eastern Shore. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is part of the larger Chesapeake Estuarine Complex, designated in 1986. Environmental Concern (EC) staff will join visitors and staff at the refuge on Monday, February 3, to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting wetlands. Visit the Refuge this weekend to observe the many species of migrating birds that depend on wetlands for food and protection from the harsh winter weather. Take a photograph of one of the many migrating species at the Refuge. Send your photos to [email protected] to be included in Environmental Concern’s WWD activities. The pictures will be added to EC’s event on the Convention’s website at www.ramsar.org.

Male Canvasback duck diving for food in the Choptank River. Photo copyright: Environmental Concern Inc.

Environmental Concern will also participate in a Shoreline Clean-Up to observe the day. Joining EC in this celebration are National Wildlife Refuges, Wetlands of International Importance, and many other environmental centers around the globe, commemorating World Wetlands Day with a variety of activities and programs all focused on wetlands. EC staff will walk the shoreline along the San Domingo Creek in St. Michaels, picking up trash along the banks of the Creek.

“Celebrating World Wetlands Day supports the mission of Environmental Concern by raising awareness of the importance of wetland resources, and encouraging the public to participate by learning about the benefits of wetlands,” said EC’s president, Suzanne Pittenger-Slear. This year, the World Wetlands Day theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”. For more information about the celebration, visit: www.worldwetlandsday.org. Free posters and activities are available on the site.

About Environmental Concern

Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote the stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through the restoration, construction and enhancement of wetlands, growing native plant species, and educating the public about the importance of wetlands. For the last 48 years, Environmental Concern has been working to restore the Bay…one wetland at a time.

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EC Vice President to Follow the Monarch Butterfly Migration in Epic Ultra Run

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Environmental Concern’s (EC) Vice President of Restoration, Jessica Lister, is participating in the “Monarch Ultra” Relay Run and Documentary – a dream come true for this monarch butterfly and running enthusiast. The relay race and documentary film is the first attempt to run across North America (Canada, United States & Mexico) in order to raise awareness of monarch butterflies who make this amazing migratory journey every year. Environmental Concern is working in partnership with the “Monarch Ultra” group to increase habitat for the “Near Threatened” Monarch butterfly on the east coast, one of the goals of EC’s Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative.

Lister has been passionate about the monarch butterfly since her high schooldays when she first learned about this fascinating insect. Lister says, “My hope is that the monarch butterfly will become a symbol of resiliency, strength and empowerment for thousands of people, motivating them into conservation action.”

Lister will join approximately 70 ultra runners following the 4,300 km (2,760 miles) migratory path of the monarch butterfly. The relay started on September 19 in Peterborough, Ontario, and will continue for 47 days through the United States to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. A team of filmmakers will be following the runners telling the story of the flight of the monarch butterfly. Lister is running the 50K segment in Harrisburg, Illinois on October 2. She also has the amazing opportunity to run with a select chosen few that are running the last leg of the relay on November 4 up the mountain to the Cerro Pelón Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico.For Lister, this will be her first ultra run. “I could not be more excited to embark on this journey and support this amazing project. I have been putting in the training, working hard…I am slowly transforming just like the monarch butterfly”, commented Lister.

Jessica has been training since February for her 50k Monarch Ultra relay in Harrisburg, IL on October 2nd. Photo credit: Environmental Concern Inc.©

The “Monarch Ultra”project has already received international recognition. Lister and EC president, Suzanne Pittenger-Slear, were honored to receive an invitation from the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation & Management to present the “Monarch Ultra” and EC’s “Mini Monarch Ultra” Program to the delegates from Canada, the United States and Mexico at their annual meeting in Victoria, British Columbia. The project has been identified by the Committee as a trinational program that is consistent with the committee’s priorities.

EC has been working with the “Monarch Ultra” team founders (Carlotta James, Rodney Fuentes, and Clay Williams) and other Global Partners to raise human awareness and interest in the monarch butterfly and habitat conservation. Both Lister and Pittenger-Slear are Monarch Ambassadors, supporting the goals of the Monarch Ultra project; promoting meaningful conversation at the local level; and supporting the relay run logistics.

EC is also coordinating the “Mini Monarch Ultra” Program for local school-age children that will coincide with the “Monarch Ultra” run. Students will participate in their own “Mini Monarch Ultra” run/walk while following the progress of the ultra runners. Students will learn about the monarch migration, connect with other schools and students throughout North America, and will receive a milkweed plug to plant in their very own pollinator habitats. “This is a unique opportunity to expand the students’ connection with nature and the monarch butterfly’s challenging journey. The Program also provides a process for students to communicate with other schools across North America who are participating in the “Mini Monarch UItras”. Environmental Concern is proud to support the “Monarch Ultra” and Jessica’s journey…one step at a time”, comments Pittenger-Slear.

To learn more about the “Monarch Ultra”relay run and the “Mini Monarch Ultra Program”, visit www.wetland.org/mid-atlantic-monarch-initiative/.

About Environmental Concern
Environmental Concern is a 501(c)3 public non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration and enhancement of wetlands. For the last 47 years, Environmental Concern has been working to restore the Bay…one wetland at a time.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Environmental Concern Intern Receives Prestigious Award

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Pictured is David Kramer with his mother Mary Kramer.

Environmental Concern (EC) student intern, David Kramer, was presented with the 2018 Outstanding Intern Award from the Frostburg State University (FSU) Career and Professional Development Center at a luncheon held on October 26th. The award honors students for excellent performance in off campus internships. The Career and Professional Development Center “empowers students to make career decisions and pursue the skill development necessary to achieve success in a rapidly changing, global workplace”. Kramer, a Talbot County native, graduated from Saints Peter & Paul High School in 2015. He is a senior at Frostburg State University, majoring in earth science with a concentration in environmental science. David first joined Environmental Concern’s team as an intern in July 2017. He wanted to learn about shoreline restoration, and to experience all aspects of the process. EC Senior Vice President, Gene Slear, commented that, “David was always eager to jump in where needed – every day, a different challenge and new process to learn. David started and ended every day with a positive, respectful attitude”. Kramer returned to his intern position during his winter break in 2017, and again in June 2018 after his spring semester ended. EC welcomed Kramer’s return to EC. He needed very little direction over the unusually hot summer months, and made significant contributions to EC’s initiatives during his internship. Jessica Lister, Vice President of Restoration at Environmental Concern, mentored Kramer during his internship experience. Lister commented, “David was a wonderful addition to Environmental Concern’s team during his internship, and we were thrilled to have him. This is wonderful news and well deserved. We are looking forward to having David work with EC in the future.” Lister also received a commemorative award from the University for mentoring Kramer. Dr. James Saku, a professor of geography at FSU, visited EC’s campus and toured several of their shoreline restoration projects with Kramer. Saku noted, “I was impressed with the work David had done within a short period of time. Using the skills he had acquired from taking a class, he was involved in excessive surveying of a shoreline.” Environmental Concern has offered training and intern opportunities to college students, graduate students, wetland professionals and teachers since 1985. As practitioners in the wetland field, EC has the resources to support and guide students and professionals through their career journey. About Environmental Concern Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration, creation and enhancement of wetlands. For more information about training opportunities visit www.wetland.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Environmental Concern’s “Seed Stewards for Monarchs” Increase Milkweed Habitat

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Environmental Concern’s (EC) Seed Stewards for Monarchs program is increasing critical habitat for the “Near Threatened” Monarch butterfly. Monarchs only lay eggs on milkweed plants, and the Monarch caterpillar only feeds on milkweed leaves.No milkweed – no Monarchs!

In 2004, an estimated 550 million Monarchs completed their winter migration. In 2013, only 33 million arrived at their overwintering grounds in Mexico….a 94% decrease over 9 years. In 2016, many non-profit and state organizations located on the west coast and the mid-west U.S. Monarch flyway zones responded to the drastic decline in the population by increasing habitat – one of the major reasons for the decline. In 2016,EC formed the Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative© (MAMI) to fill the need for an East Coast action plan to increase milkweed habitat. MAMI is working to activate conservation initiatives to benefit the Monarch butterfly.

Taylor Gordon, EC’s Program Coordinator, delivered plants and a welcome bag to Seed Steward, Lynda Shade.

EC introduced the first MAMI program, Seed Steward for Monarchs, to the public at their annual Spring Plant Sale in May. The goal of the program is to increase milkweed seed inventory for the 2019 milkweed crop. Seed Steward volunteers receive three free swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) or butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) plants to start a Monarch habitat garden. In addition to the plants, Seed Stewards receive a MAMI welcome bag filled with milkweed tools, tips, and tags for their plants.

The Seed Stewards communicate with EC throughout the summer and fall. Kathleen, one of our local volunteers, commented on EC’s Facebook page that the “milkweed pods were forming and opening, but the seeds were white”.  Taylor Gordon, EC’s Program Coordinator, posted a picture of a healthy, mature pod filled with seeds to help Kathleen identify healthy seeds.Seed Stewards also communicate with each other by posting pictures and videos on the Seed Steward for Monarchs Facebook Group Page. This is

As the milkweed blooms die off, the seed pods form. As the pods mature, and the seeds are ready to collect, EC volunteers exchange their seeds for more milkweed plants grown in EC’s nursery. Sixty volunteers and two 5th grade classes are currently growing milkweed plants for the Seed Steward program.

EC educators will be available to sign up volunteers for the Seed Steward for Monarchs program at EC’s Fall Native Plant Sale on Friday, September 7th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.Seed Stewards receive free milkweed plants to start a backyard Monarch habitat when they sign up for the program. Community Workshops will be offered to the public to increase awareness about the “Near Threatened” Monarch butterfly. Monarch Butterfly Rearing will be presented from 10am to 11am and Seed Stewards for Monarchs: Collecting Milkweed Seeds is scheduled from 11am to Noon. A donation of $10 is requested to support the program. The sale is located on EC’s campus at 201 Boundary Lane in St. Michaels. For more information or to register call 410.745.9620 or email [email protected].

About Environmental Concern

Environmental Concern is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in 1972 to promote public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. The organization accomplishes its mission through wetland outreach and education, native species horticulture, and the restoration, creation and enhancement of wetlands.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Environmental Concern Holds 18th Annual Fall Native Plant Sale

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St. Michaels, MD-Environmental Concern’s (EC) annual Fall Native Plant Sale will be held on September 7th. EC invites the public to purchase plants from the grower. Choose from a variety of native plants that are propagated from seed and grown in EC’s nursery. Seeds are collected from shorelines, ponds and gardens restored by EC over the years.

Making the wise choice to use native plants in your landscape provides food, a safe nesting area, and cover from harsh weather conditions for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. You can make a difference by replacing invasive, ornamental and exotic plants that have little or no wildlife value with native plants that have high wildlife value. Planting a butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) plant gives the Monarch butterfly a place to lay eggs – the only plant that the Monarch will lay its eggs. You are supporting a “Near Threatened” butterfly by adding milkweed plants to your garden. Planting native is one step that everyone can take to support wildlife. Choose from a selection of plants for a variety of garden sites and conditions – from backyard ponds to upland pollinator gardens.

Seaside Goldenrod, a beneficial pollinator plant, will be available for purchase at the plant sale.

EC’s featured plant this fall is the Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempivirens). The photograph, taken in one of three pollinator gardens located on EC’s campus, captured two Monarch butterflies drinking nectar from the flowers.  Vibrant yellow, dense flowers bloom from July through November. The goldenrod is a major food source for fall migrating monarch butterflies, and provides benefits to birds and small mammals. Growing to a height of 3-4 ft., the goldenrod is a low maintenance native plant that is often blamed for causing hay fever – it does not! The goldenrod pollen is sticky, and travels on the feet and bodies of pollinators, not by the wind.

Our staff will be ready to welcome visitors on Friday, September 7th from 9 am to 4 pm. EC’s Professional Landscape Architect, Diane Miller, will be on hand to answer your questions and to help you with your plant selections. The sale will take place on EC’s campus located at 201 Boundary Lane at the head of San Domingo Creek by the St. Michaels Nature Trail – rain or shine.

Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative Workshops will be presented during the sale. The “Monarch Butterfly Rearing” Workshop is scheduled from 10am-11am, and “Seed Stewards for Monarchs: Collecting Milkweed Seeds” follows from 11am until Noon. A$10 donation for workshops is requested. Visit www.wetland.org for more information and to register for the workshops.

EC is a 501(c)(3) public not-for-profit organization. For more information, visit www.wetland.org or call (410)745-9620. Celebrating 46 years working for wetlands and water quality.

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Environmental Concern Holds 18th Annual Fall Native Plant Sale Set for September 7

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Environmental Concern’s (EC) annual Fall Native Plant Sale will be held on September 7. EC invites the public to purchase plants from the grower. Choose from a variety of native plants that are propagated from seed and grown in EC’s nursery. Seeds are collected from shorelines, ponds and gardens restored by EC over the years.

Making the wise choice to use native plants in your landscape provides food, a safe nesting area, and cover from harsh weather conditions for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. You can make a difference by replacing invasive, ornamental and exotic plants that have little or no wildlife value with native plants that have high wildlife value. Planting a butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) plant gives the Monarch butterfly a place to lay eggs – the only plant that the Monarch will lay its eggs. You are supporting a “Near Threatened” butterfly by adding milkweed plants to your garden. Planting native is one step that everyone can take to support wildlife. Choose from a selection of plants for a variety of garden sites and conditions – from backyard ponds to upland pollinator gardens.

EC’s featured plant this fall is the Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempivirens). The photograph, taken in one of three pollinator gardens located on EC’s campus, captured two Monarch butterflies drinking nectar from the flowers. Vibrant yellow, dense flowers bloom from July through November. The goldenrod is a major food source for fall migrating monarch butterflies, and provides benefits to birds and small mammals. Growing to a height of 3-4 ft., the goldenrod is a low maintenance native plant that is often blamed for causing hay fever – it does not! The goldenrod pollen is sticky, and travels on the feet and bodies of pollinators, not by the wind.

Our staff will be ready to welcome visitors on Friday, September 7th from 9 am to 4 pm. EC’s Professional Landscape Architect, Diane Miller, will be on hand to answer your questions and to help you with your plant selections. The sale will take place on EC’s campus located at 201 Boundary Lane at the head of San Domingo Creek by the St. Michaels Nature Trail – rain or shine.

Mid-Atlantic Monarch Initiative Workshops will be presented during the sale. The “Monarch Butterfly Rearing” Workshop is scheduled from 10 am-11 am, and “Seed Stewards for Monarchs: Collecting Milkweed Seeds” follows from 11 am until Noon. A $10 donation for workshops is requested. Visit www.wetland.org for more information and to register for the workshops.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Upcoming Programming by Environmental Concern Inc.

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Here are the upcoming events by Environmental Concern Inc.

“Native Plants Create Healthy Habitats”
March 5th
630 pm – 730 pm
Talbot County Public Library – Easton
Environmental Concern will be presenting “Native Plants Create Healthy Habitats: Attracting Butterflies, Bees & Birds to Your Garden” with Tips from the Grower. After the presentation EC will open their Pre-Orders for the upcoming Spring Native Plant Sale featuring the plants that benefit the Birds, Bees and Butterflies.
$5 donation is requested to help fund our Education Outreach Initiatives.
For more information and to register please call 410.745.9620 or visit our website at www.wetland.org.

“Basic Wetland Delineation”
April 30th -May 4th
Environmental Concern has opened registration for“Basic Wetland Delineation” for Wetland Professionals. The course is held from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at EC’s picturesque waterfront campus and includes field trips to various project sites for field-keying and practice.
For more information or to register call 410.745.9620 or please visit https://www.wetland.org/education_professionalcourses.htm

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.