MNPS Field Trip: Mountain Laurels on the Northwest Branch, Montgomery County

A stunning hillside of mountain laurels in full bloom overlooking the Northwest Branch is our destination (providing mother nature cooperates). On the way, we'll exercise our identification skills as we explore plants growing from riverine habitats up to dryer upland habitat. We'll walk a total of 1-2 miles with a couple of short, steep hills and a stream crossing.

Leader: Matt Cohen

Directions:

• Going north on US29: Pass the Beltway (or get on US29 North from the beltway). Go north on US29 for approximately 1 1/4 miles, going through the Southwood Ave. traffic light. At the next traffic light make a U-turn (on your right there's a BP and Burnt Mills shopping center with a Trader Joe's, on your left is the Choice Center parking garage). Immediately after u-turn, go right into the large parking lot by the brick building (you'll see a big dam with water flowing over it).
• Going south on US29: Pass New Hampshire Ave. and go about another mile. Pass the traffic light for Lockwood Drive. Then, go through the next traffic light (The Burnt Mills shopping center with the Trader Joe's is on your left and the Choice Center parking garage is on your right). Immediately after that light, turn right into the large parking lot by the brick building (you'll see a dam with water flowing over it).

Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and field guides.

Note: Light drizzle is fine but cancelled if heavy rain.

Contact: Matt Cohen, matt@mattshabitats.com or 202-841-1874.