Meadowview Biological Research Station

Meadowview is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and restoring rare wetland plants, habitats and associated ecosystems on the coastal plain of Maryland and Virginia. Our particular area of specialization is an endangered habitat known as pitcher plant bogs or seepage wetlands. Bogs are acidic, nutrient poor wetlands which are characterized by a unique assemblage of plants and animals. Many bogs have been lost in Maryland and Virginia through drainage, development or neglect and most of the plants found in these sites are threatened with extinction. Our goal is to preserve and restore a part of our natural bog heritage by returning the endangered Yellow Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia flava, and the Purple Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia purpurea, to their historic ranges in Virginia and Maryland utilizing an integrated ecosystem restoration approach. The carnivorous plant, Sarracenia flava, formerly occurred in eight counties in Virginia and is now down to two populations in two counties totaling less than 100 plants. Our objective is to have at least one viable population in each county of the historic range. We also are developing a system of bog preserves in Maryland and Virginia which will guarantee the preservation of the unique ecosystems supporting the pitcher plant community.

1. Discovery

Discovery involves identifying new bogs or seepage areas which contain rare bog species. Meadowview biologists have an active field schedule and have found several new populations of bog species at the edge of their range in Maryland and Virginia.

Click here to tour our "Pitcher Plant Bogs of the Southeast, an Illustrated Guide". We are featuring links to exceptional pitcher plant bogs of the southeast that are publicly available and protected. If you have a site you would like to nominate please contact us. In addition to our guide you can also find out about the Virginia Birding Trail, champion longleaf pine, and other interesting sites within the respective states. When visiting these wild sites please obey the various local, state, and federal laws prohibiting plant collection so that others may enjoy these natural treasures.

2. Research

We are conducting studies on the genetics, biochemistry, ecology, and population biology of the pitcher plant genus Sarracenia, long leaf pine and white cedar. An understanding of these factors is central to effectively managing, preserving, and restoring remaining sites.

Click here to see what Dr. Neisler has to say about the green pitcher plant, Sarracenia oreophila.

3. Propagation

Plants of rare populations are propagated both from seed and divisions to serve as a backup for wild populations, augment existing populations and eventually to return to the wild.

4. Reintroductions and Outplantings

Most biologists have come to recognize that preservation of habitats is simply not enough to maintain biodiversity in the face of continued fragmentation and loss of natural areas. Restoration of rare plants requires a vigorous effort to return rare plant populations to at least their historical ranges. Meadowview is actively soliciting landowners with appropriate environmental conditions to receive and maintain unique populations of bog plants.

5. Education

Education is key to preserving our natural heritage in the future. Biologists are available for instruction on the proper care and maintenance of bog habitats.

Or you can get on the WebRing and see what's out there


Carnivorous Plant Web Ring
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International Carnivorous Plant Society

Copyright (c) 1999, Meadowview Biological Research Station.
The photographs contained herein are the sole property of Meadowview Biological Research Station. The reproduction or use of any or all photographs, in whole or in part, without the written authorization is strictly prohibited. The pages of this domain (www.pitcherplant.org), and all information contained herein are copyrighted. They are best viewed at a screen resolution of

800 X 600 (SVGA) or higher.

The Five Step Process