Hughes Hollow, Sunday, March 22, 2009

Hughes Hollow is the birder's name for a portion of the McKee-Besher's Wildlife Management Area in western Montgomery County, Maryland. Situated between River Road to the North and the C&O Canal to the South, this 2,000 acre natural area is a good mix of open fields, woodlands, hedgerows, and marshy impoundments. Meet at the parking area (see directions below) at 7:30 a.m. for a circuit hike of about 1.5 miles, finishing up around noon. Bring water, a lunch or snacks, and wear waterproof footwear, as it can be very muddy. I also recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.

Participants must RSVP to the leader, Paul DeAnna (202) 544-2680.

DIRECTIONS (Please consult a map since odometer readings may vary): From the Capital Beltway (495) take exit 39 for River Rd. (MD 190) 3.3 miles north to the 2nd traffic light in Potomac (intersection with Falls Rd.). Continue straight on River Rd. 7.9 miles to the T-junction with Rt. 112 (Seneca Rd.), following River Rd. to the left at this stop sign for another 4.4 miles to the intersection with Hughes Rd. (road sign on right hand side only). Turn LEFT (this becomes Hunting Quarter Rd.). Continue about 200 yards to the first parking area on the right, where a gated road divides the large impoundments. We’ll meet there at 7:30 a.m.