The Maryland Native Plant Society

The Maryland Native Plant Society
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  • MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Spring Wildflower & Nature Hike (Sunday)

MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Spring Wildflower & Nature Hike (Sunday)

  • 04/17/2016
  • 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro

Registration

The PG/AA Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society, is once again offering its popular wildflower and nature walk. This is a great chance to come out and enjoy Spring, learn about seasonal flowers at their peak, observe birds and other wildlife, and meet interesting people.

We may expect to find hepatica, crane-fly and showy orchids, saxifrage, red trillium or wakerobin, as well as most of the more common species of spring ephemerals, such as spring beauties, trout lilies, dutchman’s breeches, toothworts and May apples. Pawpaws may be in bloom, and along the creek, we will see bluebells and skunk cabbage. Under the hardwoods, we may find striped wintergreen, and the parasitic squaw root, beech drops, and Indian pipes.

The park also has a heronry next to a large beaver pond, and if you bring binoculars, you may see the parent birds fly to and from their nests to feed their young. The pond attracts additional birds such as eagles, ospreys, and other raptors, as well as a variety of waterfowl. Among mammals, beavers, muskrats, deer, foxes and even otters have been observed. Amphibians abound. In the woods around the edges of the pond, you may see numerous returning migrant warblers, or hear the drumming of a pileated woodpecker.

Leaders: Matt Salo 

REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Notes:  The hike is a relatively easy walk, with only a few slopes to climb. Unless we have rain shortly beforehand, the trails should be dry. 

Bring:  
You will need sturdy footgear, long pants and sleeves are strongly recommended. If you plan to stay for the entire duration, bring a snack and something to drink. Binoculars will come in handy, hand lens and camera are optional. Ditto for plant and bird guides,

Cancellation Policy: In case of inclement weather the make-up date will be on the following Sunday, April 24, at the same time. Call 301­-341-­1261, if in doubt, or need additional information. After 9 am call 202-374-6954.

Contact: Matt Salo- 301-341-1261

Directions:  Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD.  Entrance to the Park can be accessed from the north via Rte. #214 (Central Ave.); or by Rte. #202 (Largo Rd.) from the south. Continue along the curved road a bit past the entrance to the Nature Center and meet the group at the beginning of the trail from the lower parking lot.
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