Howard County Conservancy at Mount Pleasant

In addition, the John L. Clark Arboretum and Honors Garden, Community Gardens, and Butterfly Garden provide planted habitats. Historic farm buildings have been preserved. The original set for Hodge Podge Lodge, a Maryland Public Television nature program for children 1970-1977, sits on an east trail.

The original set for Hodge Podge Lodge, a Maryland Public Television nature program for children 1970-1977, sits on an east trail. This site has the longest list of butterfly species of any location in Howard County. Butterflies of the Mid-Atlantic by Robert Blakney and Judy Gallagher lists 14 places in Maryland. Mt. Pleasant is one of the “Some noted places to observe” section.

Handicapped Access: There is access to much of the central cluster of buildings and plantings. Feeders are visible from inside the GEEC, moving water is present in the Clark Garden, and the flowers and vegetables in the Community Gardens are butterfly magnets. Many birds can be seen in the trees, shrubs, and on wires within a short distance of the parking lot. There is a good view of the sky from this area.

Habitat: Variety is the hallmark of the site: fields, hedgerows, scrubby edges, small woodlots, streams, two small natural wetlands and one larger reconstituted wetland. There are several planted gardens and meadows, as well as a large tenant-planted hayfield. Mature native and planted trees surround the historic farmhouse. An excellent view of the sky from most points is another valuable feature.

Layout: Buildings, parking, and planned activities are grouped near the end of the entrance drive. Five miles of mown trails extend east and west from this cluster over rolling Piedmont hills, through a few woodlands, and along field edges. Several bridged stream crossings. The western portion from Davis Branch to Woodstock Road is owned by Howard County; some Patapsco Valley State Park land abuts the east boundary—the HCC manages both. Check the wires along the driveway. After parking, wander as the birds and your inclinations dictate. Watch the sky for flyovers. The yard and orchard around the historic farmhouse are worth examining, as are the Community Gardens. There are five miles of mown-grass trails open to the public during daylight hours without charge. Access may be limited during planned activities or rental of certain buildings. Refer to Trails Map in this Site Guide; the numbers in parentheses refer to this map.

To maximize your chances of finding some of the more interesting species, however, it is suggested that you start at the Montjoy Barn. Scan the fields to the south, (there is a fenced garden on the right). Here, at the top of the hill, stop and scan the fields and sky.  At the nearby signpost, turn west (left) on the Stone Wall Trail and continue downhill along the tree line. Often there are pockets of activity as birds move between the trees and adjacent fields. At the bottom of the hill, a bridge crosses Davis Branch. If you cross, you will enter an extensive grassland area, which may or may not have mown trails. The north side of this tract contains a small area of cattails (3). Fall through spring, check it for Swamp Sparrows. If you cross this wet area, you will find yourself among long grass and saplings with mature trees on higher ground. Birds find this locale attractive. Pine Siskins were noted here in a recent winter. After re-crossing the bridge (2), look to the right for a trail crossing the stone wall. After crossing, turn right toward the stream and check the nearby vegetation which can be productive. In the spring, continue south with the stream on your right to reach the artificial wetland (5). This shallow seasonal wetland can hold Wilson’s Snipe and a shorebird or two in migration depending on the water level. The area dries quickly except in extended wet periods. There is no overlook or trail so bushwhacking through tall grass may be necessary, but, like any wetland, it may hold surprises for those willing to make the search. After checking the wet area, retrace your steps to the stone wall. If, after crossing the bridge (2), you do not choose to visit the wetland, turn left (north) and follow the mown trail along the stream. The scrubby streamside vegetation is often good for migrants as well as residents. Palm Warblers are frequent here. Follow the trail along the stream, into the woods, and up the hill. Be alert for woodland species. At the top of the hill, look for the signpost for a trail leading downhill (6) in a switch-back pattern. At its base, there is a stream crossing consisting of a log with a hand rope. This area can be quite productive.

After crossing the East Branch (7), turn right on the path. This section of mature trees, saplings, and dense streamside vegetation can produce all sorts of goodies. In migration, a variety of warblers, vireos, and sparrows are usually present. Marsh Wren, Mourning Warbler, and Orange-crowned Warbler are among the special birds that have been recorded before reaching the next bridge (8). At that point you will be below the Gudelsky building and parking lot and will have completed about a one-mile loop. Spend some time on both sides of the foot bridge and a short distance in both directions on the west side of the bridge as this is frequently one of the most productive spots on the property. In fall, grasses and plantings in the Honors Garden and on the slope below it hold numerous sparrows. In the spring and fall the streamside vegetation south to the tree line usually attracts migrants. On your way uphill, check the feeders behind the Center.

For a longer hike, continue past the Center to the Butterfly Garden (partly funded by the Howard County Bird Club) (9). Check the dead tree beyond the stream crossing which attracts a variety of vultures, hawks, and smaller birds. At this point, you can go straight across the stream, or turn right, and set forth on yet more trails through fields and woods. If you turn right, you will eventually encounter HodgePodge Lodge, the set of a nature-oriented MPT series which ended in the 1970’s. The small wetland (10) and nearby trees and fields can be active. Look for Eastern Bluebirds among the red cedars.

Compilers: Kurt Schwarz and Scott Berglund

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