Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 14:43:59 EDT Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: Bob Mumford Subject: Re: Suitland Bog MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Intrigued with Arlene Ripley's description of "an abundance of flowering pitcher plants" and an Olive-sided Flycatcher, I drove over to Suitland yesterday (5/13). Had no problem finding the entrance, thanks to Arlene's excellent directions, but was surprised to find the road gated off and the gate locked with a padlock. There is no sign indicating open hours, no indication that one may walk in, no "no parking" signs, nothing but posted rules about not disturbing or picking the plants. I chose to park in front of the gate and walk in. Inside there is not a single sign for the boardwalk, only signs that say "entering sensitive area." I walked through the cul de sac, out the back side and seeing nothing much of a path (and no signs), turned left on a dirt road. Maybe 40 yards down I saw white signs about "sensitive area" and a faint path. Followed this down through the pine woods and eventually came to an eight foot high chain link fence, with three strands of barbed wire on top. Inside the fence is the short boardwalk and the pitcher plants. There was an opening in the fence and I walked in. The boardwalk is circular and all the pitcher plants are on the left as you walk in. The sight is indeed impressive. They are interesting as well as gorgeous. After photographing, I walked back to my car, timing the exit. It took just under 10 minutes. Fortunately my car was not ticketed or towed. I saw no one in the hour that I was in the park. On the gate is a sign that says to call 301 218 6207 for more information. I did when I got home and no one answered. Same thing this morning. There is no recording. One cannot tell whether it is legal to enter the park with the gate locked or legal to park in front of the gate. So be forewarned if you are interested in seeing those fascinating blooms. It is worth the trip and probably the risk. One has to wonder about the goal of protecting the plants. Why have the huge fence if there is an opening when no guards are present? Very strange. OBTW, I did not see or hear the Olive-sided. Bob Mumford Darnestown ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================