On September 20, Wild Ones members enjoyed a guided walk through Rachel Carson Conservation Park led by Carole Bergmann, retired Montgomery County Forest Ecologist and Botanist. This beautiful 650-acre park, once a Quaker farm, is dedicated to the legacy of renowned environmentalist Rachel Carson, who lived and worked in Montgomery County.
One of the park’s standout features is its 30-acre restored meadow. Restoration efforts began in 2021 with the goal of creating a thriving habitat featuring more than 30 species of native plants and three seasons of colorful blooms. We were treated to vibrant displays of goldenrod, boneset, and asters, which attract a variety of pollinators and add splashes of color across the landscape.
Beyond the meadow, the park’s woodlands offer a different kind of beauty. Towering chestnut oaks form the forest canopy, while mountain laurel, pinkster azalea, sumac, and blueberry shrubs create a rich and diverse understory.
The walk provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about the park’s ongoing restoration efforts and to appreciate the native plants and habitats that make this special place such a treasure in Montgomery County.
