Seneca Creek (PQ) and 4 Mi Hike Lake Shore Trail

Today we completed our 3rd Park Quest for the season, and had the pleasure of visiting a park that we might not have visited otherwise. Our quest at Seneca Creek was a great one for the kids. The focus of the quest was to learn about something that we sometimes overlook (or underlook?!) during our hikes -- the trees! We learned how to apply basic leaf identification (scaly, broad, needle-like), to notice the way that the leaves are displayed on the branches, the way the margins fall within the leaves. Noticing the basic features of any leaf, are they lobed or unlobed? Smooth or toothed?

This may sound a little boring but it's actually fun when you get to use these tools in a hands on environment. These were all features that the kids, especially A. were easily able to recognize and use -- and we did. The quest required us to correctly identify 12 different types of trees native to the area based on the leaves, type of bark, and branches. The latter part of the quest was another learning session (here the kids lost a little interest), where we read interesting facts about each of the trees we had identified, and used those facts to answer clues to unscramble a special message.

After doing all of this correctly, we were able to move on to the Bonus quest which included a hike around the lake shore trail (and a best shot at identifying 18 trees along the way). We did not identify all 18, but we really enjoyed this easy side of moderate hike around Clopper lake. We hiked approximately 4 miles today, there were some mild inclines along the trail, and roots to watch out for, but nothing major. We saw many trail runners, and mountain bikers using the trail as well. We also saw many other families & park quest-ers -- very family friendly here.

We identified a few native trees along the trail, and had the opportunity to see some wildlife, including a black squirrel (and many gray ones), a crane, fish, tadpoles and of course too many insects to count. We found mushrooms (we have yet to identify) that we call "pancake mushrooms" (see photo right). We also got a close up look at quite a few tree trunks where beavers had gnawed entire trees down (A. thought that was pretty cool)!

The park itself was dog friendly, so of course our 5th family member C. was along with us for the quest. He enjoyed the hike as well and took a dip in the lake mid-way through!
Overall it was a great day. Had the weather been a little cooler, it would have been perfect!

The Actual Park quest from the website is copied/pasted below...

Introduction To Quest
Your Park Quest at Seneca Creek State Park will take you through the Woodlands located at the park office and historical area. The park office is located on the grounds of which used to be the Clopper family estate from 1812 until 1955. The Clopper family enjoyed their natural surroundings and served as environmental stewards, planting a diverse group of trees on their land. This quest will take you through their Woodlands to learn about the value, uses, and diversity of the tree species and how to identify them using unique features.
Quest Information
The Quest begins at the Park Office: 11950 Clopper Road Gaithersburg MD, 20878
Print the worksheet from the website and complete the activity in order to receive your park quest stamp. You are encouraged to bring along your own tree guide to use for help with identifying trees.
This Quest is available daily from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the event that the park office is not open, Questers may call the phone number listed at the park office front door for assistance. The Quest will involve walking over uneven terrain and trails. The Woodlands trail is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments and stroller. The Lake Shore trail (3.7mi) is not ADA accessible or stroller friendly.
Quest Information
Print your Seneca Creek State Park Branches of Histor-tree Worksheet here.
Bonus Quest:
Pick up an Arbor Day Foundation tree identification guide from the Park Office or at the Clopper Lake Boat Center and take a four-mile hike around the Lake Shore Trail to learn more about trees and how to identify them using a dichotomous key. Boat Center schedule is subject to change, pending weather events and staffing. Please call ahead. 301-924-2127 or 301-963-8788 .
Park Information
A Jewel Close to the City: Seneca Creek State Park started as an 18th century mill operation owned by Edward Clopper. It is over 15,000 acres in size, with its outlying areas including Patuxent River State Park, Monacacy Natural Resources Management Area, and Schaeffer Farm. Activities offered include boating, fishing, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding, and picnic areas. Of note is our signature Greenway Trail, which extends 16.5 miles from Route 355 down to the Potomac River and our Disc Golf course, considered one of the best in the Mid-Atlantic area. Schaeffer Farm offers a popular multi-use trail system for mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.
Seneca, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek as it winds its way to the Potomac River. The Clopper day-use area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake which is surrounded by forests and fields. Picnicking, boat rentals, trails, and a tire playground are just some of Seneca’s great recreational opportunities. A restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path located near the Visitor’s Center will interpret the history of the local area. Nearby, the Schaeffer Farm Trail Area offers 12 miles of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. For the more adventuresome hiker, the 16.5-mile Seneca Creek Greenway Trail follows the entire course of the river. During the month of May, the Schwartz Peony gardens and field plants are in bloom.