MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Nature Hike

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland Native Plant Society

Because of the great success of our hike in this park last spring, PG/AA Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society is repeating its spring wildflower and nature walk. This is a great chance to be out, learn about spring plants, observe birds and other wildlife and enjoy the spring.

We may expect to find hepatica, showy orchis, 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 will 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.

The park also has a heronry and if you bring binoculars, you may see the parent birds fly to and from their nests to feed their young. A beaver pond attracts additional birds such as ospreys, eagles, and other raptors, as well as 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.

Leader:  Matt Salo

Notes:  The hike will be mostly a relatively easy walk, but there will be a few slopes to climb. Unless we have rain shortly beforehand, the trails should be dry. 

Please note that the Nature Center and bathrooms don’t open on Sunday until 11 a.m. 

Cancellation Policy: In case of inclement weather the make-up date will be on the following Sunday at the same time. Call 301­-341-­1261, if in doubt, or need additional information.

Location: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD.  Entrance at Watkins Park Drive, which can be accessed on the north side from Central Ave., or Rte. #202 from the south. Continue along the curved road past the entrance to the Nature Center and meet the group at the beginning of the trail from the lower parking lot.