Plummers Island

Plummers Island is a small island in the Potomac River between Little Falls and Great Falls in Montgomery County, Maryland. It provides researchers with a natural laboratory where thousands of plant and insect species can be observed in their natural habitat.

A research club purchased the island in the early 1900s to conduct scientific observations. Since then, it has developed into one of the oldest biological research sites in the country.

The place has developed special meaning for scientists as a research station where the diversity of plants and insects has been systematically observed for over a century. This continuous documentation has made it an archive of local ecosystems, showing how nature changes in this region.

The island is reachable only by boat, so visitors need to arrange water access beforehand. Those wishing to visit should coordinate with the researchers, as this is not a public tourist destination.

The island is known for the systematic documentation of its inhabitants, showing which animals and plants thrive in the Potomac River's forest areas. These records come from one of the earliest continuous ecological monitoring projects in North America.

Location: Maryland

GPS coordinates: 38.96940,-77.17640

Latest update: December 21, 2025 16:05