Olmsted Island facts for kids
Olmsted Island is a small island located in the middle of the Potomac River in Maryland. It's very close to a beautiful spot called Great Falls, which is part of the C & O Canal National Historical Park. Across the river, you'll find Great Falls Park. This island is also part of the area known as Potomac, Maryland.
The island got its name from Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.. He was a famous landscape architect and worked to protect nature. His father was also very well-known for designing Central Park in New York City! Olmsted Island is a special kind of forest that grows on rocky ground. It's home to many rare and endangered plants, which means they are very special and need protection.
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Exploring Olmsted Island
The island is quite rocky, with steep cliffs that face the river. Over many years, the river's water has slowly worn away the land, shaping these cliffs. You'll also find lots of trees and other plants growing here. If you're lucky, you might even spot a heron (a type of bird), a small lizard, or a wild goose! The island isn't very big, only about 0.2 square kilometers.
To help protect the island's amazing wildlife, there's a special wooden walkway with fences. Visitors are asked to stay on this path. The walkway eventually leads to a fantastic viewing platform. From here, you get a stunning view of the Great Falls of the Potomac River (see image 3 in the gallery below).
Nature's Changes on the Island
Nature on Olmsted Island is always changing, especially because of floods. R. Harrison Wiegand, an expert on nature for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, explains how floods affect the island. He mentioned that in 1972, a big storm called Hurricane Agnes washed away all the shrubs and trees. He also said that the next big flood will likely do the same thing.
Floods constantly reshape the island. You might see a rare plant growing in one spot, but after a flood, it could be gone, and different plants might grow there instead. This constant change makes Olmsted Island one of the most diverse natural places in the entire national park system. It's full of many different kinds of plants and animals!
Visiting the Island
The path that leads to Olmsted Island is designed to be easy for everyone to use. It has wheelchair ramps, making it accessible for people using wheelchairs. However, please remember that dogs are not allowed on the island. This rule helps protect the island's delicate plants and animals.
Images for kids
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Water going under a bridge on Olmsted Island during a period of unusually high water
