Craving an escape? Then cast your gaze upon Plummers Island. Plummers Island is a 12-acre island in the Potomac River. It sits in Montgomery County Maryland. Plummers Island is about nine miles upriver from Washington D.C.
Plummers Island has been called the most thoroughly studied island in North America. This title was bestowed by the Washington Biologists Field Club. You can spot Plummers Island from the American Legion Memorial Bridge. The bridge is part of the Capital Beltway. Plummers Island lies just downriver, east of the bridge.
Scientific study on Plummers Island began in 1899. Botanist Charles Louis Pollard founded the Washington Biologists Field Club. He started searching for a field camp near the club’s D.C. home. The club leased Plummers Island in 1901. Seven years later, they bought it. Today, the U.S. National Park Service owns Plummers Island. It is part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
In 2008, the Bulletin of the Biological Society of Washington dedicated an issue to Plummers Island. The issue featured articles about the island’s flora and fauna. Studies documented 3012 insect species across 253 families. These insects fell into 18 orders including: Collembola Odonata Dermaptera and Blattodea.
Another study counted 19 freshwater mollusk species near Plummers Island. This brought the total for the Middle Potomac River to 42 species. A plant checklist is updated regularly. It includes all vascular plants ever reported growing wild on Plummers Island and its mainland. There are 885 plant species on the list. 704 are native and 181 are naturalized.
In 2017, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced plans to widen I-270 and I-495. This project included toll lanes and widening the American Legion Bridge.
The Maryland Department of Transportation released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement in 2020. The statement addressed the project’s impacts on people and the environment. The highway expansion could fragment Plummers Island. Plummers Island sits immediately downstream of the bridge. The project might destroy the channel separating the island from the mainland. It could also clear-cut trees and level parts of the island. The native beech forest on the mainland side could be cut down. Wetlands between the mainland and Plummers Island could be destroyed. This could lead to invasive plant infestations.
The Federal Highway Administration approved the project in August 2022. In October 2022, environmental and historic preservation groups sued the state. They cited flaws in the environmental review and the projected impacts on Plummers Island.
Late in 1899, Charles L. Pollard learned about a naturalist camp in New Jersey. This inspired him to start a similar club near Washington D.C.. On January 10, 1900, Pollard proposed forming a club. The club would study the biology of the Washington area. Those present approved the plan. They formed the Washington Biologists Field Club.
In April 1901, Plummers Island was chosen as a more accessible location. LeRoy Topping, an outdoor enthusiast, brought the island to the club’s attention.
The club leased Plummers Island on June 8, 1901. The annual rent was 30 dollars. Cabin construction began. The clubhouse was named Winnemana Lodge in 1906. Winnemana means beautiful island.
The Club purchased Plummers Island. The deed was received March 4, 1908.
The United States Government took possession of the Plummers Island property in 1958. This was under the Capper Cramton Act. The act called for acquiring both shores of the Potomac River. This included its islands. It would extend the George Washington Memorial Highway to Great Falls.
In 1959, an agreement was reached with the National Park Service. The Club would continue its exclusive use of the island.
The Washington Biologists Field Club has encouraged research on the natural history of the Potomac Basin since 1901. Since 1992, the Club has provided small grants. These grants support research on the biodiversity of Plummers Island.
Plummers Island stands as a testament to nature’s resilience. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique biodiversity. As we conclude our visit, consider the island’s past, the present challenges, and the future hopes for this scientifically significant place.