You can make a difference to Maryland's biodiversity by learning more about it. Conservation Biology is a rapidly growing and relatively new scientific field. Publications such as the Natural Areas Journal, Restoration and Management Notes, and Conservation Biology provide the latest scientific discoveries and information in this field.
You can also learn more about the biological diversity and ecosystems in your neighborhood. Natural history study can provide rewarding outdoor experiences as you begin to understand the lives of birds, mammals, plants, and other species, as well as the complex interactions of these species with each other and with their environment. Many local non-profit organizations offer field trips, seminars, classes, and workshops to help budding naturalists and folks interested in their environment gain a deeper understanding of and greater appreciation for natural world in which they live.
You can contact these organizations for information about the services they offer:
Audubon Naturalist Society
of the Central Atlantic States
8940 Jones Mill Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone: 301-652-9188
Fax: 301-951-7179
Email:
contact@anshome.org
Website Address:
https://anshome.org
One of the original independent Audubon societies, the Audubon Naturalist Society has been a leader in environmental education, conservation issues, and natural science studies in the greater Washington metropolitan area for 100 years. The ANS is headquartered at Woodend, a 40-acre nature preserve in suburban Maryland, where visitors are welcome.
Audubon Society of Central Maryland
P.O. Box 660
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Email:
INFO@CENTRALMDAUDUBON.ORG
Website Address:
http://www.centralmdaudubon.org
A Maryland Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving the communities of Central Maryland.
Carrie Murray Nature Center
1901 Ridgetop Road
Baltimore, MD 21207
Phone: 410-396-0808
Website Address:
http://www.carriemurraynaturecenter.org/
Baltimore City’s nature center is nestled in the forested 1,216 acres of historic Gwynns Falls Leakin Park with abundant trails to explore including the 15 mile paved Gwynns Falls Trail. The center features live native animal exhibits and aviary. We offer school field trips and weekend programs and host the UMD Master Naturalist Training Program.
Chesapeake Audubon Society
PO Box 3173
Baltimore, MD 21228
Email:
information@chesapeakeaudubon.org
Website Address:
http://www.chesapeakeaudubon.org
A Maryland Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving the communities of the Baltimore Metropolitan Region and Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Eden Mill Nature Center
1617 Eden Mill Road
Pylesville, MD 21132
Phone: 410-836-3050
Email:
edenmillnaturecenter@gmail.com
Website address:
http://www.edenmill.org
Founded in 1991, Eden Mill is a non-profit volunteer run organization that creates and supports educational and environmental programs and partnerships for our surrounding communities. We inspire people to care about the environment by providing experiences that lead them to understand their connection to the natural world.
Herpetological Society of Maryland
P.O. Box 18750
6908 Belair Road
Baltimore, MD 21206
Phone: 410-882-5376
Website:
www.marylandnature.org
E-mail:
nhsm@marylandnature.org
The Natural History Society of Maryland's Department of Herpetology sponsors the Maryland Herpetological Society. Monthly meetings are normally held at the Baltimore Zoo's reptile House the third Wednesday of every month.
Irvine Nature Center
11201 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Phone: 443-738-9200
Email:
info@explorenature.org
Website address:
http://www.explorenature.org
The Irvine Nature is a non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, to increase awareness of environmental issues, and to encourage individuals to sustain earth's ecosystem.
Maryland Native Plant Society
PO Box 4877
Silverspring, MD 20914
Email:
info@MDFlora.org
Website address:
http://www.mdflora.org
The Maryland Native Plant Society is dedicated to protecting, conserving and restoring Maryland's native plants and habitats.
Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc.
Baltimore, MD
Contact Page:
https://mdbirds.org/resources/contact-mos/
Website:
http://www.mdbirds.org
The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is a nonprofit statewide organization of people who are interested in birds and nature. It was founded in 1945 and incorporated in 1956 to promote the study and enjoyment of birds. MOS promotes knowledge about our natural resources and fosters its appreciation and conservation. The Society also maintains a system of sanctuaries to encourage the conservation of birds and bird habitat, and to help record and publish observations of bird life. Local chapters throughout the state offer field trips, bird counts, conservation projects, informative programs and meetings for members and guests.
The Natural History Society of Maryland
P.O. Box 18750
6908 Belair Road
Baltimore, MD 21206
Phone: 410-882-5376
Website:
www.marylandnature.org
E-mail:
nhsm@marylandnature.org
The mission of the Natural History Society of Maryland is to foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural heritage by conserving its natural history collections, educating its citizenry, and inspiring its youth to pursue careers in the natural sciences.
Potomac Valley Audubon Society
PO Box 578
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Contact Page:
https://mdbirds.org/resources/contact-mos
Website Address:
http://www.potomacaudubon.org
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society and covers the counties of Washington in Maryland and Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan in West Virginia.
Prince George's Audubon Society
PO Box 1658
Greenbelt, MD 20768
Email:
info@pgaudubon.org
Website Address:
http://www.pgaudubon.org
A Maryland Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving the communities of Prince George's County, Maryland.
Southern Maryland Audubon Society
PO Box 181
Bryans Road, MD 20616
Contact Page:
https://www.somdaudubon.org/contact-us/
Website Address:
http://www.somdaudubon.org
The first Maryland Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving the people of the Southern Maryland Counties: Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and lower Prince George's.
Washington Area Butterfly Club
Email:
MDLepsOdes@gmail.com
Website Address:
https://leplog.wordpress.com/
The Washington Area Butterfly Club is dedicated to learning more about the butterflies of our area. The Club offers regular meetings, field trips, and butterfly counts.
