Native Species

Say the word “porcupine” and the image that immediately jumps to mind is its quills. However, the quills are only one feature of this rodent. In fact, it is the second largest rodent native to North America; only the beaver is larger. Its range includes most of the continent, stretching from Alaska in the northwest, through the Great Lakes area, to the Canadian maritime provinces in the east and south to Virginia.

This issue has a year in review, the Woodland Wildlife Spotlight, Invasives in Your Woodland, the Brain Tickler challenge, how native trees and shrubs can benefit wildlife, and more.

Twenty-five years of "Branching Out" - read how it all started. Plus, read our "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," and take the Brain Tickler challenge. This and much more inside this issue.

Since its debut as a regular Branching Out feature in 2016, the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" has profiled a wide variety of species native to Maryland.

Read about our upcoming online courses for the fall and about this year's Maryland-Delaware Master Logger. There's also the News and Notes summary about stories you might have missed, as well as our regular features the Woodland Wildlife Spotlight, Invasives in Your Woodland, and the Brain Tickler challenge. 

Maryland is home to ten different species of bats, all of which are listed by the state as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. They are generally divided into two groups: ”cave bats” and “tree bats.” In this spotlight, we'll look at the tree bats in Maryland.

Webinars on a variety of topics related to woodland health and wildlife in Maryland.

Establishing and/or managing wildlife habitat helps property owners reach their goals for assisting one or more native species. Providers of wildlife establishment and/or management are listed here.

Read about some of the changes to the Woodland Stewardship Education program and News and Notes about stories you might have missed. Our regular features include the Woodland Wildlife Spotlight and Invasives in Your Woodland, and the Brain Tickler challenge. 

Maryland is home to three species of falcons. The American Kestrel is the most common, and resident populations can be found across the state. Read about the kestrel's unique features and ways to observe it.