Sunday for Sunflowers

Plein Air: Paint Fields of Sunflowers!

Conditions are quite naturalistic and the sun can be hot, but the scene is simply spectacular. Acres upon acres of sunflowers fill the landscape, with forests and cerulean blue skies their backdrop. You'll feel like you were transported to the South of France. It only takes a 35 minute drive from Bethesda to reach the McKee-Besher's Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville, MD. Conditions are often hot and buggy so we will begin and end early in the day. Feel free to stay longer if you wish. These sunflower fields are planted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a food source for birds and honeybees. https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/sunflowers.aspx

Location:  McKee-Besher's Wildlife Management Area, Poolesville, MD 20837 

Directions: From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west toward Potomac. Proceed for approximately 11 miles to the intersection of River Road and MD 112, Seneca Road. Turn left and continue on River Road for about 2 1/2 miles. McKee-Beshers will be on your left as you head west on River Road.

This is about a 35 minute drive from Bethesda.  

Sunflower Field:

We will meet at the entrance to the sunflower field behind the SECOND official parking lot on Sycamore Landing Road (large sunflower on map). There is also a beautiful field to the left of Sycamore Landing Road planted up with sunflowers this year.  After checking in, you can paint here instead if you wish.  

Cost: Free 

Number of registrants: Up to 20 members and guests (Members may bring 1 guest.)

What to expect: 

We will check in by the field (look for MAA flag and tall person, Lynn), receive snack packs and name tags before dispersing among sunflowers to paint.  We will return to check in spot around 10:15 for a group photo and an informal look-see-chat about our efforts.

Tips for a successful visit:

• McKee-Beshers WMA h​as no bathroom facilities, no benches and no picnic tables. Please plan accordingly.

• McKee-Beshers WMA​ is home to ticks, mosquitoes and poison​ ivy. Long pants, bug spray and close-toed shoes​ are recommended.​

• Please note that trails are unmanicured dirt or gravel that can be rough or muddy and may be unsuitable for rolling carts.

Area Regulations:

• 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 allowed behind gates.

• Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.

• Wildlife Management Areas are trash-free. No trash cans are provided. Please take all of your trash with you.

What to bring:  Paints, Substrate, Easel, Stool, Water, Bug Spray, Hat

Getting there: This location is accessible by car only.  If you'd like to try to find a ride or carpool with other participants, please post a note in our members-only Facebook group.

Parking:  Please park only in designated parking areas.

Photos: Photos are permitted.

Rain date:  No rain date.  Event will be held only if it is not raining.

Questions:  If you have any questions or concerns please contact Lynn Lewis at lynnlewisstudio@gmail.com  (text (301) 335-7923) or Patti Connell at pattic9063@gmail.com (text (301) 801-6590)

Request:  Please contact Lynn 24 hours in advance if you have registered and later decide that you cannot attend this event (or cancel your registration on the MAA site).