Spring Flowers at the National Arboretum

Early May is a wonderful time of year to visit Washington, DC’s National Arboretum.  More than 60,000 azaleas should be in bloom!  In addition to walking the trails of Azalea Hill, we’ll also see the Capitol Columns, stroll through the National Bonsai Garden, and meander along the trails of Fern Valley to view and learn about springtime ephemeral native wildflowers.  If you’ve never been to the National Arboretum, May might be the best time of year to become familiar with this underappreciated gem of our nation’s capital.

Details:

Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.  We will meet near UMBC at the park and ride at 195 and Rolling Road and carpool (if you wish) 35 minutes down the BW Parkway to the Arboretum.

Leader:  Bryan MacKay, senior lecturer emeritus, UMBC Biology Department.  Feel free to contact Bryan for more information (mackay@umbc.edu)

To bring:  lunch, water, and wear clothing suitable for the weather.  We will eat on the Arboretum’s picnic tables about noon.  Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center upon arrival.

Difficulty:  We will walk almost two miles, mostly over wood chip trails with uneven surfaces and some roots, rocks, and mud, so wear appropriate footwear.  We will be outdoors the entire time.  The trip may be canceled in the event of rain.

Cost:  free     Admission to the Arboretum:  free     Maximum enrollment: 20

Register no later than Monday, April 29 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFxNEBk8PefJFghYig8TWQJ9TNBbaKcoCoQwoPaz5tAK1v3Q/viewform