Native Plant Profile: The Latest for Lawn Lovers

At the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, we get questions all year about what grass species to use that can be mowed, walked on, or at very least stay small and preserve an open view as lawns do. Options include groundcovers, ornamental or warm season grasses, establishing a wildflower meadow, or creating additional garden bed space. Read more.

Native Animal Profile: Wood Thrush

“I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think.” ~ Rumi.

The arrival of summer in Maryland means the full orchestra of songbirds is back from winter migrations and treating our ears to a symphony of calls. Many naturalists and birders agree that one of the most beautiful songs in the deep woods is that of the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). This small, brown and white bird may not be the most colorful or showy, but they make up for it in musicality. Read more.

A Wild Summer Reading List for the Young and Young at Heart

With summer heat bearing down on us, sprawling on a hammock, a lawn chair, or the beach with a book while soaking up those rays like a lizard is top on many of our to-do lists.  Once again, with the help of coworkers, fellow naturalists, and book nerds, we’ve compiled a list of beloved titles to inspire not just you, but the young readers in your life. Read more.

Why Certify? An Overview of Garden Habitat Certifications

Gardening with native species is rife with challenges. One of the hurdles we hear about so often is that many of our neighbors just don’t like what we’ve done with our yards and gardens when we replace non-native plants with their native cousins. In this article we’ll examine why that is and how garden certifications can help. Read more.