Along the Valley Trail at Baltimore Woods is a section parallel to a hillside where a small creek sits in the valley. The hillside is quite moist and shaded and is a prime spot for two special plants to grow: Stinging Nettle and Jewelweed. These two plants look pretty similar, and it’s rather important to be able to tell them apart! From far away, Stinging Nettle looks like a regular shade-tolerant plant - but take a closer look and you’ll be able to see tiny hairs on the stems and underside of leaves called trichomes that, when touched, may leave you with a stinging sensation or rash. Jewelweed is similar in shape and size to Stinging Nettle, but doesn’t have trichomes that leave you itchy. Both plants have oval shaped leaves and serrated edges. Jewelweed has a more egg-shaped leaf and soft, rounded serrated edges, whereas Stinging Nettle has teardrop shaped leaf and fine, tight serrated edges. Come midsummer, both of these plants will be in bloom and easier to tell apart. Jewelweed has beautiful orange flowers and Stinging Nettle has more subtle white/green cluster flowers. (fb)

Are you up for the challenge of learning how to navigate the wilderness with confidence? 🧭 Wilderness Skills Workshop: Natural Navigation and Awareness 📅 Saturday, July 19 | 10am-1pm 🎟️ Tickets online at baltimorewoods.org/event/wilderness-skills-workshop-natural-navigation-and-awareness/ Join Certified Wilderness Skills Instructor Jeff Devine to learn essential skills to find your way and stay oriented, no matter where your adventures take you. We’ll cover both modern navigation tools and traditional techniques, equipping you with practical routines to safely traverse untamed landscapes and always find your way home. (This program is designed for adults and older teens.) (fb)