Our last walk of the season sponsored by the Columbia Association will start at 10 am on October 29th, 2015 at the boat house off of Hyla Brook Road on the north side of Wilde Lake. Come and bring a friend and discover some of the wonders of the first lake in Columbia that you might not have seen before. We will discuss and explore some of the key features of the 19th century homesteads and discuss the history of this area as well as the current ecology of the lake and surrounding forests. We hope to see some wildlife like we have been treated to on our earlier walks around Lake Elkhorn, Jackson Pond, and Lake Kittamaqundi– aerial displays by an osprey and a kingfisher.

What is the origin of the Columbia name? When was the Columbia Turnpike built that connected Lower Ellicott Mills with Georgetown? Who were the Ridgeleys, Morris’, Tabbs, Gaithers, Dorseys? What is the history of Oakland Manor and Oliver Carriage House? What are the challenges faced by this lake and this community. What can we do to ensure its future? It is a very small watershed, so if any of our lakes can be restored and maintained – this could be a model for others. Its future is largely up to the wisdom and actions of the residents of this community.

We will also talk about the swans that once lived here as a special project of the Rouses. We will see one of the largest white oaks in Maryland and a variety of other trees, shrubs, vines and wildlife.

Come for the camaraderie, come for the insights, come for the fun of taking a walk on a beautiful fall day.  Leave inspired to add walking to your agenda every day of your life.

Take-a-way: Be sure to put this date and time on your calendar. Many of the attendees of the previous walks left inspired to be better stewards of our open spaces.