The Maryland Master Naturalist's Handbook

by Joy Shindler Rafey, McKay Jenkins (editor)

An essential guide to Maryland's ecosystems, history, and conservation.

Winner of the 2025 ANROSP Award for Outstanding Educational Materials, Winner of the Outstanding Educational Materials Award in the Books or Comprehensive Program Curriculum category, presented by the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP)

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Maryland's diverse ecosystems with The Maryland Master Naturalist's Handbook. Edited by seasoned environmentalists McKay Jenkins and Joy Shindler Rafey, this essential guide explores the intricate tapestry of Maryland's natural world, from the geological foundations of the Susquehanna River to the vibrant ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay.

This book illustrates the deep connections among the state's history, its people, and the land they have long inhabited. It journeys through forests, rivers, and mountains while uncovering the complex interplay of flora, fauna, and human communities. Learn from experts in fields ranging across urban ecology, entomology, and climate science, who share their insights and passion for environmental stewardship. Essays cover essential topics such

• Maryland land use history
• Chesapeake Bay and urban ecology
• Environmental justice
• Geology, soils, and botany
• Invasive species
• Birds, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals
• Citizen science
• Climate change in Maryland

This volume serves as the primary text for the Maryland Master Naturalist training course and encourages a broader audience to engage in ecological restoration and conservation efforts. Whether you're a budding naturalist or an experienced environmentalist, this book will deepen your understanding of Maryland's ecological systems and empower you to contribute to the preservation of its natural beauty.

456 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[GetRalph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished the Master Naturalist Course, this was an excellent resource!

[Stillmeadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb resource, well-organized and beautifully written. Our class was the first to receive it and we could compare it to older class materials. Will be taking it into the field, so its usefulness extends beyond the initial reading and classroom time. You don’t have to be a Md Master Nat trainee - if you’re interested in the mid-Atlantic region’s natural world, this book is for you!

[Philip McCarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I first picked this up that it would be a textbook consisting of scholarly articles, but it was a great and informative read that I'd recommend to anyone interested in Maryland's natural world. Some of the chapters stand out more than others, but they all contribute to a well rounded reading experience.