Trained volunteers monitor their assigned Orchid Population Sites
- Conduct annual or semi-annual visits to designated orchid Sites.
- Document plant counts, flowering status, and site conditions.
- Duties may include confirming GPS coordinates, habitat descriptions, and plant counts.
Coordinate Monitoring with Bloom Time
- Visit sites during known or estimated bloom windows.
- Adjust monitoring timing based on species-specific flowering patterns.
- Record bloom stage (bud, flower, fruit) and document variability across seasons.
This will assist in refining bloom-time data for Calvert County species.
Training: Arrange an individual training with Karyn Molines.
Qualifications Needed: Training required
For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327, Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov
Volunteers should be prepared to:
- Hike independently across uneven and overgrown terrain, including off established trails.
- Work in variable weather conditions.
- Encounter ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, bees/wasps, poison ivy, and other wildlife.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive orchid locations.
Required Skills
- Ability to work independently in field conditions
- Ability to identify common Calvert County orchid species (training provided)
- Ability to determine and record GPS coordinates
- Careful observation and accurate record-keeping skills
Preferred Skills
- Smartphone with iNaturalist app installed or digital camera with date/location stamp
- Comfort using maps (paper and digital)
- Interest in plant ecology, habitat monitoring, and long-term conservation research
For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327, Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov
