We are excited to announce the launch of Neighbors for Native Plants, a pilot course starting in October. This course will introduce participants to the importance of native plants, methods for identifying and removing invasive species, and hands-on environmental restoration practices.
Funded in part by a Baltimore County grant, this new program is developed in collaboration with the University of Maryland Sea Grant Extension, which is assisting with the curriculum and materials. Additionally, Baltimore City has generously allowed NeighborSpace to use and adapt instructional materials from their well-regarded Weed Warriors course.
Neighbors for Native Plants was created to give County residents an opportunity to learn techniques for identifying and removing invasive plants. NeighborSpace’s course is unique because it also emphasizes the importance of native plants for pollinator species and overall ecosystem health, including practical instruction on the selection, planting and care of native species.
Participants who complete the course—consisting of one virtual and two in-person class sessions and one practical restoration workday—will be certified to conduct restoration activities (invasive removal, native planting, and site assessment) in NeighborSpace parks. We hope that graduates will take leadership roles in planning and leading NeighborSpace workdays and apply their new knowledge about native plants to their own backyards and home communities.
The response to the course has been very positive, with several messages of support received via social media and email. We have already reached our registration capacity and are now maintaining a waitlist for the fall course. Fortunately, NeighborSpace will offer the Neighbors for Native Plants course again this spring! To be notified of the spring course dates and details, please sign up on the Spring 2025 Interest Form. The spring course will be held in Owings Mills, with hands-on restoration work focusing on Tollgate Wyndham Preserve.