Natural Lands Project at Washington College

10/14/2026

Check out the new bat garden on campus! This year, the students and CES have taken steps to make the campus more bat-friendly. In the spring, the students installed several bat houses on campus. A few weeks ago, we hosted staff biologists from DNR to give a Bat Chat and Walk and they detected several species of bats in the area!

On Monday, the Student Government Association Secretaries of the Environment led a planting of native wildflowers that are beneficial for both pollinators and bats! Bats are an incredibly important part of our ecosystem and help with pest control. Did you know they can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in one hour?!

Washington College Unity Church Hill Nursery Chestertown Environment

10/02/2026

We are a few weeks into the fall semester and that means that we get to highlight our Garden and Restoration Interns who have joined us for the fall!

First up, welcome Tage Sylvan! Tage is an environmental science major and museum, field, and community education minor with an interest in public education and the maintenance of natural lands. He expects to graduate in 2029, but before he does that, he is looking forward to practicing horticulture and learning more about storm water management as a part of the Campus Garden and Restoration Internship.

Washington College Environmental Science and Studies Department

10/01/2026

It's goldenrod season! Maryland has at least 27 species of goldenrod, some of which are further divided into varieties. These fall blooming plants offer an important nectar and pollen source for insects including butterflies, beetles, bees, and wasps. This seaside goldenrod is common on Maryland's coastal plain and has a high salinity tolerance.

09/25/2026

Tell us it's the fall field season without telling us! This time of year we see lots of these tick trefoil seeds and it's a good thing! These seeds belong to a native wildflower and are a great source of nutrition for birds in the fall and winter. So, at the end of the day, as you pick off each seed, remember to throw it in an area outside where a bird can enjoy it.

09/22/2026

It doesn't take long for tree frogs to find new tree plantings. They seem to appreciate the warm, humid environment that a tree shelter provides and also are happy for a sunny leaf perch. This green tree frog is commonly found throughout Maryland, especially in the Coastal Plain. They require forest and areas with abundant vegetation with a permanent water source where they can brumate (hibernate) and breed. 🐸

09/21/2026

Monarda punctata is also known as spotted beebalm — and you can see why! This aromatic plant blooms in late summer and early fall. Its spotted tubular flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Beneath each flower are whorls of pinkish modified leaves called bracts.

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

Let's talk about American burnweed! This native wildflower supports a variety of pollinators and birds.

08/31/2026

Just one of the many reasons to delay mowing your meadows and tall grass areas until spring!

While wading through tall grass at an afforestation project, our Habitat Restoration Manager felt something by her foot. She parted the stems and found this beautiful box turtle hiding below. By holding off on mowing until mid-March or early April, we protect lots of wildlife who are hidden in the tall vegetation.

Maryland State Parks

08/26/2026

Today is the last day to apply for fall CES internships! We're offering a new Garden & Restoration Internship this fall. If you're interested in contributing to some restoration efforts on campus, we encourage you to apply! Internships are open to all Washington College students. Students should apply through JobX and a list of internships can be found on CES's website for student opportunities. We look forward to working with you! Washington College