This fall, NeighborSpace launched Neighbors for Native Plants , a pilot training course featuring four sessions that blend classroom and fieldwork. Participants explored topics such as Maryland Piedmont ecology, the significance of native plants, identifying native and invasive species, and effective techniques for invasive plant removal.

This course emerged in response to the many Baltimore County residents who expressed interest in gaining skills to help manage invasive plants, and from NeighborSpace’s desire to restore healthy native ecosystems at its sites and in its communities. NeighborSpace regularly provides brief tutorials at stewardship events, but Neighbors for Native Plants offers a more comprehensive learning experience. Graduates will be prepared to lead stewardship efforts in NeighborSpace parks and apply their knowledge within their own communities.

The pilot is funded by a Baltimore County watershed grant in partnership with MD Sea Grant Extension. Course development was led by NeighborSpace staff in collaboration with Claire Cambardella, a watershed restoration specialist with MD Sea Grant Extension, and Don Callihan, Vice President of the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy and board member of Oregon Ridge Nature Center. We are also grateful to the Baltimore City Parks and Recreation Weed Warriors program for sharing materials to support course design.

Neighbors for Native Plants will be offered again in Spring 2025. To receive updates on the spring course schedule, sign up here: Interest List.