Driftwood at Flag Ponds Nature Park (Photo: Anne Sundermann, Calvert Nature Society)
The geography and environment of the Mid-Atlantic was shaped over hundreds of millions of years, reflecting influences that include the impact of a massive meteor; four tectonic mountain-building events; ice sheets and tropical oceans; plants and animals; and at least 15,000 years of human habitation.
Environmental historian and storyteller Hayden Mathews interprets the many layers of the region’s natural history as he leads a tour to three sites in Calvert County, Maryland: Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Calvert Marine Museum, and Flag Ponds Beach and Nature Center.
Explore the amazingly rich and varied history of the region as you hear Mathews’s tales of colliding continents, changing climate, species new and old, and fascinating people. Smell sea salt and pines in the air; see towering Bald Cypress trees; a rare albino snapping turtle; the bones of ancient whales, camels, and mastodons; and the tools of the watermen’s trades.
In addition, stop at the 30-acre Annmarie Sculpture Gardens and Arts Center in Solomons, 30 acres of forests, fields, and meadows on St. John's Creek. A walking path weaves through the woods, a serene setting for the large collection of outdoor sculpture. Weather permitting, enjoy an outdoor picnic box lunch.
The walk to Flag Pongs beach is approximately 15 minutes each way; wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
Smithsonian Connections
See several works on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden’s collection at the Annmarie Sculpture Gardens.
