Pines of Maryland: Evolution, Habitat, Threats and ID

How many pine tree species do you think grow wild in Maryland? According to the Maryland Biodiversity Program, the answer is 11. (Four are non-native.) These evergreen conifers may be one of the first trees one learns to identify as a child, but can you differentiate between a loblolly and a pitch pine? In this workshop taught by Fred Chalfant, Urban Forester for the City of Baltimore, you will take a deep dive into the fascinating natural history of pines.

Topics include:

• The origins of pines, their evolution, and their relationships to other trees;
• Specific Maryland pine forest habitats;
• Identification of pines found in Maryland (native, naturalized, or planted);
• Pine pests and diseases.
• Value of pine species as forest products.

This could be the “pinecal” of your natural history education.