Blue jays often get attention for their loud calls and bright blue feathers, but these birds also play a major role in helping our oak forests grow here in Maryland.
Every fall, blue jays collect and store thousands of acorns to prepare for winter. Unlike squirrels, blue jays can carry several acorns at once using a special pouch in their throat, and they fly up to 2.5 miles away before burying them. They only return for about 25% of their cache. Those uncollected acorns can sprout into new oak trees. Over time, that behavior helps regenerate forests, support wildlife habitat, stabilize soil, improve water quality, and store carbon.
So the next time you hear the familiar call of a blue jay in your neighborhood, remember, you are listening to one of Maryland’s hardest-working tree planters.
Omygoooooooodnesss!!!!! WHY have i never seen this before?!? What an awesome idea!!!
Can you imagine as a prerequisite all seniors choose a kindergartners to mentor and teach....... teaching the seniors patience and pride, and the kindergartners have someone to look up to ( not in their family)
And when the seniors graduate, the kindergartners will graduate with them (into first grade)
That would be an AWESOME program!
One of ASCP's most important missions is making sure that laboratory careers are visible, valued, and sought after by the next generation of healthcare professionals. The workforce shortage affecting medical laboratories across the country is real — and it won't be solved without broader awareness and action from across the healthcare community. #PressPlay to see our recap of ASCA 2025.
By attending events like ASCA (and we’ll be there this year, too!), we're building those bridges, telling your story, and advocating for the resources and recognition this field deserves.
You are the cornerstone of healthcare. We're here to make sure the world knows it.
#ASCP #ASM #COLA #ASCA #FutureLabMedicine
⚠️ Invasive Species Alert
If you encounter this plant anywhere in Maryland, whether in the Chesapeake Bay or in a freshwater lake or pond, please report it to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Water chestnut (Trapa natans and Trapa bispinosa) is a highly invasive species capable of spreading rapidly. Its seeds are especially concerning: they are hard, sharp, and can remain viable in the sediment for over 10 years! This plant is native to parts of Eurasia and Africa.
Each year, Maryland’s Natural Resource Biologists and volunteers work to locate and remove Trapa sp. wherever sightings are reported. Infestations can vary widely from year to year. If you are interested in helping remove this invasive species, please contact Mark Lewandowski at [email protected]. Extra eyes and helping hands make a huge difference.
Together, we can slow its spread and protect Maryland’s waterways.
Are you looking to provide or find more support in your field? Enrollment for the ASCP mentorship program is open to both mentors and mentees! The mentorship program connects mentors with mentees based on the interests indicated on both your profile, and enrollment demographics. Create a profile to explore your options and find the mentorship that matches your preferences today! https://t.co/ce6ldNh5Q6
Thank you, Cytologists, for your precision and innovative contributions to advancing patient care. Thank you for your dedication to excellence!
#NationalCytologyDay#StrongerTogether
Thanks for celebrating #LabWeek2026 with ASCP! We thank YOU for the work you do every week, both in and out of the laboratory. This week's celebrations have ended, but the fun doesn't stop here! Don't forget to follow ASCP and check our socials to help us determine next year's lab week theme! 🎉
Happy Lab Week! In honor of this special week, I’m sharing this image from our long-time contributor, Florida Fan. He made the kite himself. Can you guess what parasite is represented?
Answer later this week! #mayopath#pathology#PathBugs
Congratulations to @Labcorp and @WichitaState University for winning the 2026 ASCP Photo & Video Contest! 🎉
We enjoyed celebrating all the creative entries and look forward to next year. You can review all the 2026 entries here: https://t.co/Was3PQFkZ4
Roundtables, Career Fairs, Contest Winners, and so much more is happening this #ASCPLabWeek! Here's how we are celebrating this week, #StealOurItinerary to join the epic fun.
How will you celebrate? Comment below to share your lab's week of events!
#StealMyItinerary
Thanks to you, another life is saved. This #NationalVolunteerRecognitionDay, we thank all of our ASCP volunteers worldwide because their sacrifices are helping advance healthcare and improving the lives of millions globally.
#ASCPLabWeek2026 just landed! 🎉We are excited to celebrate Lab Week with you, follow us on socials to review our itinerary for the week and see what else we have in store. Happy #MedicalLaboratoryProfessionalsWeek!
The Baptist Health Medical Laboratory is celebrating #MedicalLaboratoryProfessionals week with a full itinerary of events. Swipe to see the activities they have planned and steal their itinerary to join the fun!
#StealMyItinerary