Potomac River Guide Home

Interactive Maps

The Lower Potomac

The Potomac Estuary

Mount Vernon to Anacostia River

Mall Area

Georgetown to Great Falls

Potomac Piedmont

Upper Potomac

The North Branch

Boat Ramps

Monitoring Sites

Bridges and Ferries

Cruises and Charters

Search Potomac Sites

Also Explore

The Hudson River GuideThe Delaware River Guide

Plummers Island

Smithsonian Institution Site

blank dot

Among the many islands in the Potomac between Little Falls and Great Falls, none has been more thoroughly studied than the 12-acre island known as Plummer's Island, home of the Washington Biologists' Field Club. This informal organization of wildlife biologists, ornithologists, and entomologists has been active in the Washington area since 1901. The group has conducted extensive studies of the natural life of the island, making it one of the world's most famous collecting spots for flora and fauna. One of the major efforts of the club has been the maintenance of the island in a natural state. Its efforts have been severely tested, however, by the construction of the Capital Beltway bridge across the Potomac only 200 feet upstream from the island.

Suggested Links

Click here for larger map and nearby sites.

Contact Information
Washington Biologists Field Club
Smithsonian Institution
Washington DC 20560

Website