MNPS Field Trip: Sedges (Carex) of the Chapman State Park (Saturday)

Leaders:  Rod Simmons and Jorge Bogantes Montero

Location:  Chapman State Park, 3452 Ferry Pl, Indian Head, MD 20640. Limited parking is available so we encourage carpooling.

Description:  Join MNPS board members, Rod Simmons (plant ecologist) and Jorge Bogantes Montero (conservation biologist), as we explore sedges (Carex spp.) in one of the most scenic parks in Maryland, the historic Chapman State Park. As part of the "Year of the Sedge", we will explore the riparian ecosystems of this park right by the mighty Potomac River in Charles County. The park possesses some of the state's highest Carex diversity in its gorgeous wetlands and floodplain forests.

Difficulty Level and/or Trail Mileage:  Easy to moderate, about 1 mile.

Speaker Bios:  Rod Simmons is a plant ecologist and conservation biologist, with a background in biology, botany, and geology who has extensively surveyed the flora and natural communities of the mid-Atlantic region, especially the inner Coastal Plain, Fall Zone, and Piedmont of the greater Washington, D.C. area. He is a Research Associate with the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; a member of the Virginia Botanical Associates; former contract botanist for NatureServe, National Park Service, and others; and works closely with the Virginia and Maryland natural heritage programs. He is the author of numerous technical reports, papers, and articles, and has published in scientific journals. He is a member and a past president of the Botanical Society of Washington and serves on the boards of the Virginia and Maryland native plant societies. He is a frequent lecturer and field trip leader for various organizations. He recently retired as Natural Resource Manager and Plant Ecologist for the City of Alexandria, Virginia.

Jorge Bogantes Montero is a Natural Resources Program Manager at the Anacostia Watershed Society in Bladensburg, MD. He leads ecological restoration efforts on public parklands in the Anacostia River watershed (in both DC and MD), including wetland restoration, tree plantings, meadow creation, SAV propagation, mussel propagation, wildlife monitoring, and invasive plant management. Mr. Bogantes Montero has a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management and Protection from the Universidad Estatal a Distancia in San Jose, Costa Rica, his native country. Before moving to the U.S., Jorge worked in his country in issues related to tropical biodiversity conservation.

For additional information: Jorge Bogantes Montero, jmontero@anacostiaws.org/ 202-560-6107.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 25 people. Registration through May 29, 2026 for members only.  Directions will be included in registration confirmation.