Botanize the Barrens at Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens

Join Bill McAvoy, former Delaware State Botanist, as he explores the ecological importance of the Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens—an ecological treasure shaped by fire, geology, and time. Bill will share how this landscape, a living botanist laboratory, has plant communities which have adapted to extreme conditions, creating a refuge for species that exist in only a few places on Earth. In a virtual meeting on Monday, 6/1 at 7 PM, Bill will explain why the serpentine barrens are uncommon in the region. Sites like Nottingham play an important role in preserving the Mid-Atlantic’s ecological diversity. A recent evaluation through the National Natural Landmark Program comparing serpentine sites across the region confirms Nottingham Park as one of the most intact and nationally significant examples of its kind. 🥬Exclusive access to a leading botanist whose decades of fieldwork, research, and authorship have shaped our understanding of Mid-Atlantic flora. 🥬A guided exploration of a globally rare ecosystem, including serpentine grasslands, pitch pine barrens, and open savannas found only in a handful of places worldwide. 🥬Up-close encounters with rare and endemic species, including one of the northernmost populations of fameflower and one of the world’s largest populations of the iconic serpentine aster. This event takes place off-site. Please bring a water bottle and a snack. A Zoom link for the pre-trip meeting and driving instructions to the site are provided upon registration. Inclement weather date: Wednesday, 6/3 About the Instructor: William McAvoy is a retired Delaware State Botanist. He extensively studied and published on the flora and habitats of the state. He is the lead author on a comprehensive native plant resource, Flora of Delaware Online Database. REGISTER NOW: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members