MNPS Field Trip: Canoe to Minnies Island in Cabin John MD (Saturday)

Travel by canoe to Minnies Island to see late summer native plants common to scour plane, flood plain, rock outcrops, and forests of the mid-Potomac Gorge. Hear about the extensive restoration efforts on the island to remove non-native invasive plants, plant trees to re-establish the canopy that was disturbed by the ash borer, and re-introduce perennials that are expected in the gorge.

Sponsoring Organization: Minnies Island Community Conservancy

Leader: Joe Saliunas, joe@minniesisland.org

Joe is the Board Chair of Minnies Island Community Conservancy, a 501c that is the owner of Minnies Island.  He has been leading restoration of Minnies Island including extensive efforts to control invasive plants and to re-introduce missing plants that are native to the Potomac Gorge. He is a Maryland Master Naturalist and has identified over 220 species of native flora/fauna found on Minnies Island and posted these under the “Minnies Island Biodiversity Project” on iNatualist. 

Read “Minnies Island Natural History” document on Minniesisland.org website under “About”. Includes plant list. See also plant photos under “Gallery” on website.

Canoe transportation to island (five minutes on flat water) will be provided by sponsor organization. Wearing lifejackets required. Participants must have good balance, be able to safely enter/exit canoe, and be able to walk on very uneven river rock areas. Participants will need to sign MICC waiver prior to event (will be provided at Lockhouse 8).

Location: C&O Canal Lock 8, Cabin John, MD

Notes: 8 acre island, but some areas extremely rocky

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 10 people. Directions will be included in registration confirmation.