 |
| McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area |
The sunflower fields of the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area on River Road in Potomac are in full bloom. The setting is one of Montgomery County’s greatest natural attractions and is free to explore.
The McKee-Beshers area is a 2,000-acre mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments (green-tree reservoirs). The property shares a common boundary with the National Park Service Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the south and borders Seneca Creek State Park on the east.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service plants sunflowers each spring in the area. The primary purpose for planting sunflowers on wildlife management areas is to provide a food source for mourning doves, as well as other wildlife species.
In addition to mourning doves, sunflowers and sunflower seeds are a favorite food source for a host of other songbirds, mammals and pollinators. Sunflowers require pollination by insects, usually bees, to produce a seed crop. In turn, honeybees and many other species of native bees, benefit from the abundant nectar and pollen that sunflowers produce.
The many benefits of sunflowers are lost when they are cut or trampled by people. These sunflowers are planted for the benefit of wildlife and regulations prohibit the cutting, destruction or removal of any plants from these areas. The public is welcome to visit, admire and photograph the sunflowers in bloom. However, visitors must be responsible and ensure that their actions don’t have negative consequences.
With its ever-growing popularity, it’s best to visit the sunflower fields on a weekday. If you choose to visit on the weekend, be sure to practice proper social distancing and wear a mask.
Regulations to protect the sunflower fields include:
- Destruction or removal of any plants (including sunflowers) is strictly prohibited.
- Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas.
- Do not block gates. Violators may be towed and ticketed.
- Driving is only allowed on main roads (River Road, Hunting Quarter Road and Sycamore Landing Road). Only authorized or emergency vehicles are allowed behind gates.
- Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.
- Wildlife Management Areas are trash-free. No trash cans are provided. Take all trash with you.
The sunflower fields are home to ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy. Long pants and shoes are recommended. Each field hits peak bloom at slightly different times.
Directions to the management area: From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112 (Seneca Road). Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 ½ miles. McKee-Beshers will be on the left.
Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources site for more information and updates on the sunflowers’ progress.
‘
