When you walk through The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, what makes you feel that you are wandering through different lands, varied habitats, whole new worlds? It?s not just the animals. It?s what surrounds them. “Animals are the star attraction at the zoo,” says Steve Linda, zoo horticulturist, “but plants set the stage.”
Plants and other natural elements such as rock and water give shape, color, flow and identity to every exhibit at the zoo ? ranging from the plains of Africa to the mountains of western Maryland.
A small team of people with exceptionally green thumbs plan the landscapes. They are the zoo?s horticulturists and they care for every plant, tree and flower on the zoo?s 160-acre campus. It’s not an easy job ? they?re out there 365 days a year, whether or not the weather is cooperating ? but it?s a very important job that begins with exhibit design and ends with ? well, actually, it never ends.
Take a walk outside today, in the woods or along a stream or through an open field, and discover how nature itself sets the stage for wildlife.
Provided by The Maryland Zoo. Visit www.marylandzoo.org.
