9th Annual Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival

Discover the important connection between native plants, people, & wildlife at the FREE event! Held at beautiful New Germany State Park in Garrett County, this festival has something for everyone!

A great variety of plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region will be available for sale from four nurseries: Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery – Floyd, VA; Evergreen Heritage Center – Mount Savage, MD; Native Roots, Inc. – Mineral Wells, WV; and Wild Spirit Native Plants – Thurmont, MD.

In addition to native plants there will be nature-themed items offered for sale. Artisans include: Marta Fiscus Photography, Cumberland, MD (award winning macro photos); Peggy Nixon Designs, Salisbury, PA (hand-painted slates & note cards); Keen and Bright, Swanton, MD (glass creations); Peasant’s Parcel, Capon Bridge, WV (grow your own mushrooms); and Appalachian Wax Works, Oakland, Maryland (quality goods from the beehive).

Attendees will also have an opportunity to visit ‘Information & Education’ displays created by conservation groups and local government agencies. Experts will help answer your questions on native plant and natural resource topics. Returning groups include: American Forest Foundation, Garrett County Solid Waste & Recycling, Evergreen Heritage Center, Maryland Department of Agriculture – Spotted Lanternfly Program, Garrett Trails, Maryland Conservation Corps, Garrett County Forestry Board, University of Maryland Extension – Garrett County Master Gardeners, Friends of New Germany State Park, and Maryland Native Plant Society. New participants this year include the Garrett Soil Conservation District and West Virginia Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation.

A variety of walks and programs will teach young and old about the amazing world of native plants. Nature activities include ranger-guided walks and a unique Bingo game. There will also be three formal presentations geared for adults: “Restoring Ecological Services with Native Plant Gardening” – Jen Johnson, Owner/operator of Native Roots Inc; “Super Tough Wildflowers” – Ian Caton, Owner/operator of Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery; and “Reading Between the Lines” – Mitch Hall, Director of Landcare Services at Fourth River Workers Guild, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

New Germany State Park, Friends of New Germany State Park, and Maryland Native Plant Society are sponsoring this festival. Please be prepared to make purchases using cash or check, if needed. Due to limited cell service at the park, vendors may not be able to handle credit cards. Only snacks and drinks are available at the Lake House, so pack a picnic lunch and spend the day in this beautiful mountain park!