Learn About Forest Succession @ Hughes Tree Farm and Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

Hey all,

This hike is a different take on our tree ID hike series. Rather than focusing on tree ID skills, we're going to focus a bit broader on the ecological succession of forests. On this hike, we will seek to answer the questions "How does cleared land grow into a mature forest?" At the end of this hike, you will be able to:

-Describe the typical stages of forest succession in Southern Maryland,

-Name two natural and two human disturbances that drive succession in Southern Maryland forests.

-Name five plant species that are characteristic in each stage of forest sucession in Southern Maryland.

-Understand how the process of forest succession can be disrupted, and the consequences of disruption.

We will start and Hughes Tree Farm in Calvert County, MD. Once we finish our walk there, we will head 15 minutes south to Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary (BCCSS). BCCSS is a special place, being one of the few cypress swamp habitats that exists this far north and is a great example of a later successional forest.

To get the most out of this hike, you should bring something to write notes with, as well a basic plant field guide or identification app. I will be using the Flora of Virginia app, which should be able to identify most, if not all, plants in the area.

-Hughes Tree Farm. Park at the parking area at 1300 Clay Hammond Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Trail Map here.
-Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. Park at 2880 Grays Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Trail Map here.

Hope to see you there!

Please bring all the things you will need for a hike! An adequate amount of water (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, and rain gear (if forecasted). If it’s really hot, consider bringing some electrolytes like Gatorade or Nuun tablets.

Carpool Info
We encourage those with cars to bring others - you're the ones who make LMH great!

If you're a driver that is willing to bring others with you, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:

(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time

As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.

Background information about the group:

Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.

We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Acting responsibly and safely includes always making sure that you stay with a group (we advise using the buddy system) and staying on, or within sight of (if you need to answer the call of nature or avoid an obstacle on the trail), marked trails at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (Waiver of Liability - Google Docs).