Spring Wildflowers & Wild Leeks - Potomac, MD

Natural history, spring wildflowers and wild leek nature walk in the Carderock Recreation Area (Potomac, MD – along the Potomac River short ways from the Beltway) - a scenic area of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. We'll also have short discussions of ecology and ethical/sustainable/honorable harvest.
Pace - naturalist shuffle to normal walking pace.
Children (w/ their parents) are welcome as long as they are old enough to do the walk/hike.
Please note: The walk is in three parts, the first is flat about ¾ of a mile round trip on natural trail / woods (although after the rains the day before be prepared for mud), the second part includes a semi steep hill down toward the river, the third optional part is a hike with some steep and rock scramble sections.
Important - The walk leader is severely allergic / chemically sensitive to fragrances, petrochemicals, etc., do not wear perfumes/colognes, scented sunscreen, or other scented personal care products; or use any bug spray or sunscreen.
Bring hat (for both sun & any problems with gnats/flies), & water. Optional: field guides, camera.

Step-by-step directions for how to get to the parking area we are meeting (there are 4 different parking areas):
1. From the Beltway (I-495), take exit 41
(Coming from MD, the sign will say: Carderock, Great Falls, MD. Coming from VA, the sign will say Clara Barton Pkwy, Carderock, Glen Echo.)
2. Take the Clara Barton Pkwy going west.
3. Take the next right (sign says "Carderock, Carderock Div. NavSurfWarCen").
4. Go up the ramp (you'll see an I-495 sign).
5. At the top of the ramp, go left at the stop sign.
6. Go across the bridge over the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue straight into the park (don't turn at the opposite end of the bridge).
7. Follow the road as it winds to the right and goes under the C&O canal bridge.
8. At the “T” turn right, we will be meeting in the second parking lot you come to.

There are bathroom facilities in the first parking lot in that direction.
For the second part of the walk, we will drive to another parking lot.

Inclement weather - the walk will be cancelled) in the event of forecast rain/inclement weather, notice of cancellation will be sent to those who RSVP’d and posted on the Meetup group site by 9:00 am the day of the walk.

Please be aware Meetup charges people (me) $180 per year to host a Meetup group, if you are financially comfortable and appreciate my walks, please consider donating $5 or $10 via the “About” group page.
SAFETY & COURTESY

Please take your RSVP to attend our Meetup walk seriously and change it promptly if your plans change.
By replying "Yes" to attending this event, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and agree not to hold the organizers / hosts responsible in the event of an accident or personal injury. Participating in the walk is done at the participants' own risk.

Foraging cautions and ethics: See main page write-up.

Contact: Warren Black
E-Mail Contact: w.black@verizon.net
Cell: 301-785-2090 (Important: Please note that this cell phone is normally turned off, this number should only be used the day of the walk if you are having a problem finding the location or meeting up with the group) Call, not text.