The Maryland Master Naturalist’s Handbook

An essential guide to Maryland’s ecosystems, history, and conservation.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Maryland’s diverse ecosystems with The Maryland Master Naturalist’s Handbook. Edited by seasoned environmentalists McKay Jenkins and Joy Shindler Rafey, this essential guide explores the intricate tapestry of Maryland’s natural world, from the geological foundations of the Susquehanna River to the vibrant ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay.

This book illustrates the deep connections among the state’s history, its people, and the land they have long inhabited. It journeys through forests, rivers, and mountains while uncovering the complex interplay of flora, fauna, and human communities. Learn from experts in fields ranging across urban ecology, entomology, and climate science, who share their insights and passion for environmental stewardship. Essays cover essential topics such as:

- Maryland land use history
- Chesapeake Bay and urban ecology
- Environmental justice
- Geology, soils, and botany
- Invasive species
- Birds, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals
- Citizen science
- Climate change in Maryland

This volume serves as the primary text for the Maryland Master Naturalist training course and encourages a broader audience to engage in ecological restoration and conservation efforts. Whether you’re a budding naturalist or an experienced environmentalist, this book will deepen your understanding of Maryland’s ecological systems and empower you to contribute to the preservation of its natural beauty.

McKay Jenkins is the Cornelius Tilghman Professor of English and the founder and director of the environmental humanities program at the University of Delaware. He is the coeditor of The Delaware Naturalist Handbook and the author of Food Fight: GMOS and the Future of the American Diet. Joy Shindler Rafey is an agent associate and program assistant of the Maryland Master Naturalist Program at the University of Maryland.