Botanical Society of Washington Field Trip – Chapman’s Landing State Park –
Prince George’s Co., Maryland

Saturday, Nov. 8th, 2008 – 11:00 am – Rod Simmons, Trip Leader

Annual BSW short-distance, easy-going, everybody-welcome “Kids, Old-timers,
and Everyone” picnic and field trip appropriate for old-timers, little
kids, and others who don’t (or can’t) join the longer walks and more rugged
terrain characteristic of most of our botanical destinations (11:00 am -
1:30 pm), followed by longer park tour (ending about 5:00 pm).

Chapman’s Landing is located along the Potomac River south of Ft.
Washington. Spectacular views of the Potomac River. A large section of
unusual shell-marl ravine forest characterized by calcareous sands and
marl, fossil cliffs along the river, disjunct montane flora, and old-growth
forest stands. This area has a highly diverse flora resulting from the
unique convergence of montane and coastal floras; a diversity of oaks and
other hardwoods; and a large, freshwater riverside swamp with abundant
wildlife and interesting flora.

Our planned route has mostly good trails, but expect some seasonal mud and
damp areas on the longer walk. Picnic site about a quarter mile walk from
parking. Hiking distance about three miles round-trip for longer tour.
Outhouse near picnic site, otherwise no facilities. Bring lunch.

Directions: From Washington, take the Anacostia Freeway (I-295) south to
the Indian Head Highway (Md 210) southbound [one of the choices at the
4-way fork at the Beltway], or from Alexandria or elsewhere, exit the
Beltway at Md 210 south. Take 210 about 15 miles south of the Beltway to
the Bryans Road intersection (a Macdonald’s and Burger King will be on the
right). Continue on Rt. 210 past the intersection for a mile or so and
look for Chapman’s Landing Road, angling downhill on right. Take this for
a couple of miles and look for park entrance, the entrance to Mount
Aventine (on right). Meet in parking area at entrance.

Larry Morse
BSW Field Trip Chair 2008
(Larry.E.Morse@...)
(202)-543-248