FT 6
Vegetation, Flora, and Ecology of the Potomac Gorge
Among the trip leaders are biologists who represent the two national parks that manage this globally significant natural resource, as well as the Nature Conservancy. They will discuss the work of protecting these elements of the nation's natural, cultural, and scenic heritage within the urbanzed landscape of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Invasive plant species, high deer populations, municipal water withdrawals, urban temperature influences, and nitrogen deposition are among the challenges.
Registration Fee: $52
Equipment and Attire: Field clothes, with sturdy walking shoes, and rain gear and sun protection (hat, sun screen). A day pack is recommended. Walking distances will be less than 1.5 miles total, but some rocky, uneven surfaces may be encountered. Poison ivy and stinging insects may be encountered.
Itinerary: 7:30 am - Depart Baltimore Convention Center (1 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201) 8:45 am - GWMP Biodiversity by Brent at Great Falls Auditorium (Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102) 9:15 am –short walk 9:30 am - Great Falls VA riverside Prairie 10:15 am – short walk 10:30 am - Great Falls VA Cow Hoof Rock 11:15 am – short walk 11:30 am - drive 11:45 am – Old Angler's Inn (MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac, MD) 12:00 am – Lunch 12:30 pm – short walk 12:45 pm - Widewater and the south end of Bear Island (walks) 1:30 pm – short walk 1:45 pm - Drive 2:00 pm – Arrive at parking (38.931856,-77.112844) 2:15 pm – short walk 2:30 – visit site - Chain Bridge Flats 3:30 pm – short walk 3:45 pm Drive 5:00 pm - arrive Baltimore (1 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201)