MNPS Field Trip: Canoe to Minnies Island in Cabin John MD (Saturday) (08/29/2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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.

Bring: Water, insect repellant.

Cancellation Policy: Event will be cancelled if heavy rain or if river level is high. Cancellation will be emailed at least 2 hours before meeting time.

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MNPS Field Trip: Limestone Bluffs at McMahon's Mill (Thursday) (09/17/2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Leader: Mary Ann Daly, Western Mountains Chapter of MNPS

Description: Around McMahon's Mill, limestone bluffs front the Potomac with little or no land between river and rock. Below the mill, where the towpath juts out over the river, we'll get a close look at the flora of the adjacent bluffs (without having to scale them). We should see some cliff specialists, such as Alumroots and Allegheny Stonecrop, and limestone lovers, such as Aromatic Asters and Fragrant Sumac. Trees include Common Hackberry, Slippery Elm, and Common Juniper, sometimes growing from clefts in sheer rock, alone or with other plants. Staying on the towpath, we'll stroll downstream until about noon, then retrace our steps. Dues to limited parking at McMahon's Mill, we will carpool from the Downsville Ruritan Park. This field trip involves about 2 miles of walking on easy terrain.

Mary Ann Daly is a retired technology specialist and lifelong student of wild plants. Since moving to Washington County in 2017, she's come to appreciate the special ecosystems of the area.

Note: There are public restrooms at both the carpool meeting place and final destination.

For additional information: Contact Mary Ann Daly at madaly@verizon.net

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Limited to 14 people. Registration through August 31 for members only. Directions will be included in registration confirmation.

Cancellation Policy: the trip will proceed in drizzle, but will be canceled if heavy rain or thunderstorm is forecast; cancellation will be emailed at least 2 hours before meeting time.

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Maryland Native Plant Society upcoming events

MNPS Field Trip: Canoe to Minnies Island in Cabin John MD (Saturday) (08/29/2026)

MNPS Field Trip: Limestone Bluffs at McMahon's Mill (Thursday) (09/17/2026)