DAYtrip

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

By Amanda Cash

Each summer, McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is planted with several fields of sunflowers. The location and varieties of sunflower planting change each year. Some fields may be a far hike from nearby parking spots; other fields can be situated right near the main road. Local flower-lovers enjoy the annual hunt for the sunflowers and exchange tips online for tracking when they will be at absolute peak. McKee-Beshers WMA is a 2,000-acre area on River Road just outside Seneca, MD (between Potomac and Poolesville in Montgomery County). It is not far from the intersection of River Road and Route 112. Online maps detail which fields are planted each year. When the sunflower fields are in peak bloom, many amateur and professional photographers head there for Instagram-worthy photos. Local artists also make the trip for a peaceful day of plein air painting. Aside from the sunflowers, the WMA has several other fields for food plots to attract deer and migratory game birds. These plots include millet, sorghum, buckwheat, corn, winter wheat, or clover, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. During the designated legal seasons, McKee-Beshers WMA is available for hunting. There is also an area for hunters to train their dogs in a field trial. Other than hunting, the area is used for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and birdwatching. Portions of the WMA are a waterfowl habitat restoration and can flood if rain conditions are heavy. The terrain can also be rough and the paths overgrown. Poison ivy grows prolifically in many sections. Wear boots, pants, and long sleeves to protect yourself. For more information about the sunflower fields and other events, go to the Maryland Department of Natural Resouces website at https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/ central/mckeebeshers.aspx. o

Amanda Cash is a journalism major at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an intern this summer with Washington Gardener. She is also interning at WBAL-TV11 in Baltimore, MD.