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Outing
Late Fall Colors on Beautiful Mattawoman Creek

When:

Nov 8, 2009
11am

Details:

Sunday November 8th 2009 Late Fall Colors on the water
Join us to see Beautiful Mattawoman Creek
 
Only 20 miles south of Washington DC, Matawoman Creek is the last best remnant of what Chesapeake Bay rivers were like when the Bay teamed with life. Come enjoy its tranquil beauty and help us save this last refuge, home to eagles, geese, herons, beaver, otters, bass, American lotus and a diversity of plants and animals.

Kept clean and cool by surrounding forests, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, it is the best quality fish nursery in the Chesapeake Bay.  Herring migrate from the ocean to the Bay and Potomac to spawn. This valuable living resource is a treasure you’ll want to see!  
 
Yet, it's at risk.  It is the fourth most endangered river on American River's list for 2009.  
A new highway would pave directly across the creek and lands that feed and protect it. Sprawling suburban housing developments threaten to replace its forests with cement, degrading the quality of its water and the wildlife it supports.  The Maryland Department of Environment is due to decide its fate by December 1st.

MEET: 10:30 Mattingly Park Dock at 108 Mattingly Ave, Indian Head MD, 20640.
Begin our Paddle 11 am – 1 pm followed by a 1 pm potluck lunch at Mattingly Park Pavilion.

DIRECTIONS:  From the DC I-495 Beltway, Exit 3 South on Rt. 210/Indian Head Highway. Continue 20.5 miles on 210 till last left turn (just before Indian Head Navy Base) onto Mattingly Ave. Follow to end.

BOATS: Canoes, kayaks, bikes are available on site to reserve
                www.upthecreekrntls.com 301-743-3733.

CARPOOL/RSVP: Maryland Chapter office 301-277-7111  maryland.chapter@sierraclub.org

INFO:  www.maryland.sierraclub.org/action/p0052.asp

Participants must supply their own watercraft and wear a PFD on the water. Raindate 11/15/2009
Join us to enjoy the river’s tranquil beauty and learn what you can do to help preserve this jewel of the Potomac and critical Chesapeake Bay fish hatchery!  Thanks!

Boats available on site by reservation with local outfitter www.upthecreekrntls.com 301-743-3733

Contact Information:

Sierra Club Maryland
Maryland.Chapter@sierraclub.org 301-277-7111

Directions:

NEAR: Washington DC, Indian Head MD

Put-in location is the Mattingly Ave boat launch

108 Mattingly Ave, Indian Head MD 20640

From DC I-495 Betlway, Exit 3 South on Rt. 210/Indian Head  Highway. Continue 20.5 miles on Rt. 210 till the end. Take last left turn (just before entrance to Indian Head Navy Base) on to Mattingly Ave.  Follow to end.