Leader: Stephanie Mason
Members $35; nonmembers $49
Join a naturalist for these seasonal, broad-based nature explorations of nearby parks rich in natural history. We’ll walk between 2-4 miles as we enjoy the development of fall color and fruits amongst lingering blooms and all manner of wildlife, including insects, resident and migrating birds, mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. At Riverbend Park, which sits along the Potomac River near Great Falls, VA, we’ll use both bottomland and upland trails to enjoy fall colors and fruits. At the Patuxent Research Refuge/North Tract near Laurel, MD, we’ll explore Coastal Plain woodlands and wetlands. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, on the banks of the Anacostia River inside the Beltway, features protected swamp, marsh, and woodland habitats within sight of DC’s urban sprawl. Our explorations on trips A&B will occur on mostly-level natural surface trails which may be muddy, slippery, and/or rutted. The natural surface trails at Riverbend will include uphill and downhill walking. REGISTER.