The H.P. Rawlings Conservatory's annual spring flower display runs March 19 - April 3, 2016, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Thousands of tulips, narcissus, hyacinths, and more, will bring a sea of color to the Conservatory display greenhouses. 
The show is accompanied by an exhibition of artworks created by Jack Young, Art Director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The artworks, on loan from the library, recreate favorite scenes from Maurice Sendak's popular book - Where the Wild Things Are. Since 1963, adults and children alike have been captivated by the illustrations, featuring a forest springing to life in a child's bedroom, and imagined adventures across an ocean to the land of the Wild Things. The Conservatory is the perfect space to bring the book to life in Baltimore's own lush indoor forest.

The exhibit, on loan from the Pratt, was partially funded by a generous grant from the William G. Baker Jr. Memorial Fund.
​More information available at the Conservatory's website.

Wishlist: Supplies
In addition to the set pieces on loan from the Pratt, Conservatory staff and volunteers will be creating a few objects to make the show an immersive experience.

* Foam Core - used is fine, as it will be painted
* Bedsheets, especially pale & pastel colors - second-hand is fine, and economical too

To donate materials, or to volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

See you at the show!
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3100 Swann Drive 21217 | events@rawlingsconservatory.org | 410-396-0008
​ | rawlingsconservatory.org

During last night's informative presentation, Karyn Molines referred to several upcoming events that may be of interest. I've gathered more information and details on the events and am providing them in case anyone wants to go: 
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There is a presentation next Friday, March 4, at 7:00 at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Calvert County on NATIVE BEES. The presenter is Sam Droege of USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.  Karen said that he is probably the world authority on the topic.  
(PS: If anyone is interested in attending, Mary Ann would be interested in carpooling!) 
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Karyn will lead a class on wildflower identification sponsored by the Maryland Native Plant Society, Calvert Nature Society and Calvert County Natural Resources Division. Information on the class is below:
 
Maryland Native Plant Society Field Trip: Wildflower ID for Beginners

• Friday, April 8, 2016 
• 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Location: Kings Landing Park, Huntingtown, Calvert County  

Interested in knowing the names of the wonderful wildflowers you encounter in forest and field? Then take this class where you'll learn to "key-out" local plants using the popular Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Other field guides can be used, but the instruction will focus on the terminology and methodology of Newcomb's. 
For adults, although teens 16 years and older may attend.
ONLINE REGISTRATION through Calvert Nature Society
Free for Calvert Nature Society and Maryland Native Plant Society members; $8 for nonmembers
Bring: Please bring a hand lens, lunch, and water. Please consider buying Newcomb's Wildflower Guide before the program and reading the beginning sections. A limited number are for sale at the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp.
A few copies of the guide and extra lenses will be available to borrow.
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Karyn and Lisa Bierer-Garrett will lead a walk sponsored by the Maryland Native Plant Society and  the Patuxent River Park to see spring wildflowers. Details are as follows:
 
Maryland Native Plant Society Field Trip: Spring Wildflowers at Governor Bridge Natural Area (Saturday)
 Saturday, April 16, 2016 

• 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Prince George's County

Along the banks of the Patuxent River, spring wildflowers such as Dutchman's Breeches, Virginia Bluebells, Yellow Corydalis, and Trout Lily abound. We'll walk through a diversity of habitats: mature riparian woodlands to open grassy fields, and small ponds and creeks. 
link to the park website
 
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS recommended. FREE
Bring:  field guides, 10x hand lens. Dress for the weather; wear sturdy walking shoes, some trails may be muddy. Bring water bottle, snacks and/or lunch.
 
Contact: (for additional information; not to register)  
Karyn Molines, Karyn.molines@gmail.com
Directions: Take Rt. 50 to Rt. 301 South.   Immediately get into the left lane for the left turn onto Governor Bridge Rd.  Follow Governor Bridge Rd. about 1.5 mile to park entrance on the right.
If you come to the bridge, you've gone too far.
 
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MEETING REMINDER
 
La Plata Garden Club
  
Just a reminder that our first meeting of 2016 will be held:
 
            Thursday, February 25th 
            7:00 pm 
            La Plata Firehouse Hall
 
Come on out, reconnect with your friends and get revenge on the gray winter skies!
 
 Karen Molines, Educator and Division Chief for Calvert County Natural Resources will talk to us how to Help our Monarch Butterflies by Using Native Plants                                                                                                                                    

​The Anne Arundel Bird Club is sponsoring a lecture on native bees.  It will be held at the Blue Heron Center at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis from 7 - 9 PM on March 16.
 
See the attached flyer for additional information.