Co-Chair: Aylene Gard

Co-Chair: Carol Filipczak

Program Overview

The Conservation Stewardship Project is a partnership between the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and the Howard County Master Gardeners that raises awareness of invasive plant species and the need to control them before they crowd out the native species that wildlife depends on.

• We work to restore wildlife habitat by removing invasive plant species and planting native shrubs and trees in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.
• We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month between 9:00 – 11:30 am from March to November. An educational component such as wildflower ID or butterfly tagging is sometimes included. 
• Tools are provided, but volunteers should bring water and dress for the weather.  We do cancel if it is raining more than a sprinkle.
• All hands are welcome especially members of the public who want to know about invasive species in the county.  Training is provided
• The Project provides an excuse to visit the beautiful 1012-acre stream valley and enjoy its natural diversity.  It truly is a treasure!
• We also provide public education to community groups through a power point presentation that deals with the major invasive species in the area and their control in public areas or your property. 

A column on the Conservation Stewardship Project appears in Looseleaf from March to November.  A reminder is sent on the HCGardeners listserve a week ahead of a work session.