MNPS Field Trip: Spring Flora of the Holmes Run Gorge (Saturday)

When
04/08/2017
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Ford Nature Center, Alexandria, VA

Co-sponsoring Organizations: Maryland Native Plant Society, Ford Nature Center, and the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society

The scenic Holmes Run Gorge is one of the most floristically and geologically diverse areas of northern Virginia. Massive cliffs and outcroppings of bedrock abound, capped by ancient gravel terraces and deposits of the Potomac Formation. The vegetation of the Gorge is diverse, with old-age forest stands and many species that are uncommon to rare in the region.

For more on the geology of the Holmes Run Gorge, see the greatly revised and improved digitized Geologic Atlas of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and Vicinity at https://www.alexandriava.gov/89974.

For more on the Holmes Run Gorge, see Remnant Natural Areas, Waterways, and Undeveloped Sites in the City of Alexandria: Beauregard Street Corridor at http ://alexandriava.gov/48838.

Leader: Rod Simmons

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

FREE

Over 18 only, please.

Notes: Wear good shoes. For the hike portion of the program, we'll walk mainly on trails but the terrain is occasionally steep and rocky in places. (Folks who aren't comfortable with steep grades can remain on the main, lowland path and rejoin the group when it returns to the central path.)

Cancellation Policy: Trip will go in light drizzle; canceled if heavy pouring rain.

Directions: Shirley Highway (395) to King St. (Rt. 7) west exit. Gradually move to the left lane after exiting and take left onto N. Beauregard St. at bottom of hill (N. Beauregard St. becomes Walter Reed Dr. at this intersection at edge of the City of Alexandria and Arlington County). Follow N. Beauregard St. south and uphill past Seminary Rd. and downhill to Sanger Ave. Take right onto Sanger Ave. and continue a short distance to its end. Turn left into parking area (shared entrance with school) and proceed to parking lot at woods edge and park.

Meet at the Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue. 703-746-5525 (front desk).

©Maryland Native Plant Society
PO Box 4877, Silver Spring, MD 20914
MNPS is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in Maryland.