Welcome to Wild Ones Coastal Delaware & Maryland Chapter!
Stay Wild at the Beach!
The Coastal Delaware & Maryland (Seedling) Chapter serves communities in Kent & Sussex counties in Delaware and Wicomico & Worcester counties in Maryland, and adjacent areas along the bi-state coastline, addressing the region’s distinct ecological needs. We aim to educate local gardeners about establishing native plant communities throughout the Delmarva beaches and inland bays to help restore and preserve this unique environment. The region’s beaches and inland bays form a dynamic coastal lagoon ecosystem, where freshwater from inland tributaries meets ocean saltwater behind narrow barrier islands. This distinctive Coastal Plain ecosystem is characterized by sandy soils, strong winds and salt spray, and extensive tidal wetlands.
Native Plants:
- Resist Salt and Drought: Plants native to the Delmarva coast—like seaside goldenrod or local bayberry—are naturally adapted to salty breezes, intense sun, and dry sandy soils.
- Protect the Inland Bays: Native plants require far less water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides than non-native ornamentals, which sharply cuts down on nutrient and chemical runoff flowing into the Inland Bays.
- Control erosion with Deep Roots: Many coastal natives build deep root systems to hold loose sandy soil in place and prevent erosion.
- Support Local Wildlife & Pollinators: Co-evolved insects (like specialized caterpillars and native bees) rely on local plants for food and shelter, which in turn feeds nesting songbirds and other coastal wildlife.