The Maryland Native Plant Society

The Maryland Native Plant Society
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  • MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Spring Wildflower & Nature Walk

MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Spring Wildflower & Nature Walk

  • 04/27/2014
  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Watkins Regional Park

Registration

We may expect to find Hepatica, Showy Orchis, Red Trillium, as well as most of the more common species of spring ephemerals, such as spring beauties, trout lilies, dutchman’s breeches and toothworts, with the exception of the very early ones like bloodroot.  Pawpaws will be in bloom. Under the hardwoods we may find the parasitic squaw root, beech drops, and Indian pipes.

The park also has a heronry and if you bring binoculars you may see the parent birds fly to and from their nests to feed their young. A beaver pond attracts additional birds such as eagles, ospreys and other raptors, as well as water fowl. 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 and Joe Mudd

REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Notes:  The hike will be of moderate difficulty: mostly a relatively easy walk, but there will be a few slopes to climb. Unless we have rain shortly beforehand, the trails should be dry.

Bring:  Because the park opens on Sunday at 11 a.m. you may wish to bring a slight snack and drinks.

Cancellation Policy:  In case of inclement weather the make-up date will be on the following Sunday at the same time.

Contact: Matt Salo- 301-341-1261

Directions:  Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD.  Entrance at Watkins Park Drive which can be accessed on the north side from Central Ave or Rte. #202 from the south. Continue along the curved road 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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