Guided Hikes at Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area:
An Intimate Look at the Endangered Serpentine Ecosystem of Soldiers Delight
An opportunity to experience the truly distinctive and globally rare ecosystem of Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, with the guidance of experts. Laura Van Scoyoc, President of Soldiers Delight Conservation, Inc. (SDCI), and Dr. R. Wayne Tyndall have dedicated years to studying, restoring, and conserving the unique flora and rich biodiversity which thrives in the unusual substrate of serpentine bedrock. As you encounter wildflowers that grow in few other places, you will learn about the unusual circumstances which created this special habitat and witness first-hand the results of efforts of conservationists who are working hard to preserve it for generations to come, even in the face of a changing climate and overuse of trails during the pandemic. (Find out more about this unique Habitat in our May "Eat, Drink, & Learn" event).
Two hikes will be offered. On Saturday morning, there will be a shorter (roughly 1 mile) walk on easier terrain, for those who would like to experience the barrens, without trekking across rockier sections of the habitat. Sunday morning’s hike will take us around the entire 2.5-mile circumference of the Serpentine Trail, portions of which are fairly uneven and more challenging to traverse. Both hikes will be led by Laura Van Scoyoc, President of Soldiers Delight Conservation, Inc. (SDCI), and possibly Dr. R. Wayne Tyndall, retired Plant Ecologist with the Maryland DNR and scientific advisor to SDCI. Registered participants are invited to bring a snack or bag lunch to eat while asking Laura questions following each day’s hike. Remember this is a pack-in/pack-out facility, so only bring what you plan to take with you when you leave.
Either day, registered participants will meet in the lobby of the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center, at 5100 Deer Park Road, at 9:45 AM. Please wear sturdy walking shoes, bring water, and dress for protection from sun and ticks (sunscreen, socks pulled up over long pants, insect repellent, etc.)
NOTE: In order to reduce impact on the soil and plants immediately adjacent to trails, both hikes will be limited to only 12 participants. Register early to guarantee a spot!
This program will qualify for advanced training for Master Naturalists.
For Adults
**Pre-registration required. Must register by 10 AM on Friday, June 16. Hikes will be canceled if minimum registration is not met.**
Location: Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area, 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills
Click the links below to register:
*CANCELED* Saturday, June 17 (Slow Pace hike) - 10:00-11:15 AM, $10
Sunday, June 18 - 10:00 AM-12:30 PM, $20
