Susquehanna State Park sits on land rich in history. And Virginia bluebells! Spring weather ignites ephemerals into full bloom there, with bluebells winning the most prolific award. Let’s spend a morning with wildlife photographer and naturalist Frank Marsden as he shares the history of Conowingo Dam, the abandoned rail line, and the remnants of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal amidst the beauty of the flowers.
We’ll hike the trail as it flanks the river to admire and photograph the bluebells as well as other possible wildflowers, such as Dutchman’s breeches, trillium, mayapples, and violets. We will likely find the trail at peak bloom or close to it, depending on the changeable spring weather. Birds, including fishing ospreys, bald eagles, and colorful warblers, may be seen along the river or in the tree canopy. We will hike about three miles out and back on the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail. The trail follows the river along a rail bed, an abandoned line that allowed the Susquehanna Power Company to transport heavy equipment to the dam from the B&O Railroad in Havre de Grace during its construction. The trail is wide and flat.
All camera styles are welcome, including cell phone cameras, but no tripods, please.
Our field trip leader, Frank Marsden, received the 2025 Robert A. Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year award from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Frank was instrumental in the development of Harford County’s first nature center, turning an old mill site purchased in the 1960s into the now-popular site of Eden Mill. Frank founded the Eden Mill Nature Committee and together developed the nature center, mill museum, and hiking trails. Frank’s passion and skills as a nature photographer began as a way to share his everyday wildlife encounters with his colleagues. Follow Frank’s photostream here: https://www.facebook.com/photosbyfranknaturally/. Frank has also led 20 backcountry canoeing trips to Canada, the Adirondacks, and Maine, plus taken groups on tour in Wyoming and Costa Rica.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
