MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Spring Wildflower and Nature Hike (Saturday)

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland Native Plant Society

Due to positive feedback from our several previous spring nature hikes at Watkins, the Cheverly Green Infrastructure Science Advisory Committee, in cooperation with the Maryland Native Plant Society, is once again offering its  wildflower and nature walk. This is a great chance to get out, enjoy the spring, learn about seasonal flowers at their peak, observe birds, 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.

Other Biota: 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.

After the scheduled 2 hour hike, there is an opportunity to explore another trail, which would add one more hour.

Leader: Matt Salo

FREE

Notes: This is a relatively easy walk, with only a few slopes to climb. In case of inclement weather the make-up date will be on the following Sunday, April 30, at the same time.

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

Contact: (for additional information; not to register)
Matt Salol 301­-341­-1261.  After 9 a.m. on the day of the walk, call 202-374-6954.

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.