Sustaining the Serpentine Barrens

You are invited to a workshop for anyone interested in the ecology and restoration of the globally rare serpentine barrens in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Registration is now open for two days of learning, collaboration and networking around the topic of Sustaining the Serpentine Barrens.  This conference is especially relevant for landowners, managers, researchers, students and neighbors of these very special and unique ecosystems that occur scattered across Southeast Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.  We will hear updates on the status of these rare gems of biodiversity, the threats they face and recent restoration success.

The conference is in two parts, with two separate registrations.

Day 1

On October 18 participants will meet at West Chester University for indoor presentations and updates followed by a tour of a nearby Unionville serpentine barrens to view recent restoration activities.  Registration is coordinated by Penn State University Extension at this website:https://extension.psu.edu/sustaining-the-serpentine-barrens   Registration includes refreshments, lunch and bus transportation to and from the field site.  You can view the tentative agenda at the registration website. 

Day 2

On October 19 there are two field tours. Meeting at Nottingham County Park to view the largest serpentine barrens in Pennsylvania for part of the day and also Goat Hill where recent efforts have been very successful at regenerating an abundance of serpentine endemic plants.  Registration for Day 2 is also coordinated by Penn State University Extension at this website: https://extension.psu.edu/sustaining-the-serpentine-barrens-bus-tour  Registration includes lunch and bus transportation to Goat Hill and return.  The day will culminate with collaborative discussions about needs and next steps working toward a shared vision of coordinated restoration of serpentine communities and species across the region.