Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary Hike & Potluck

About this event

The privately owned Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary comprises 400 beautiful acres of a bucolic section of Montgomery County populated with the friendliest of cows, pigs, alpacas, goats, rabbits, sheep, horses, geese, turkeys, and other previously unwanted animals, many of which had been neglected or abused. Founded in 1996 as a non-profit entity, the Sanctuary is devoted to providing care, rehabilitation, and permanent sanctuary for these farm animals, as well as a protected habitat for wildlife. The owners promote the humane treatment of all animals by educating the public on farm animal and wildlife issues.

This long-time annual SCPRO hike, combined with the Sanctuary's even older Thanksgiving with the Turkeys potluck, has become two-decade tradition. Helen E and Paul E devised the original hike in 2006 and led it through 2019, when Covid struck. But the tradition resumed and continues.

Photos from previous version of event.

HIKE The 6-mile mostly-level-but hilly-in-placesmostly level hike will cover Sanctuary land, as well as a portion of the adjoining C&O Canal National Historical Park. The Sanctuary part will take us over farmland, woodlands, pastures, meadows, and streams, with plenty of time to mingle with the animals that get to roam. We’ll then walk upstream on the Towpath to Edwards Ferry and the Broad Run Trunk Aqueduct, before returning almost the same way. Keep in mind that the hike will involve (legally) climbing over two fence gates and briefly bushwhacking through some thorny underbrush.

WHAT TO BRING In addition to food for the potluck lunch (see below), bring about a quart of water and snacks. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring rain gear if there’s a chance of rain. You may leave stuff in the car if the chance dissipates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes (ankle-high boots, preferably) for uneven terrain, possible mud, and, well . . . there’ll be animals there too. You’ll want to watch where you step. Do not bring pets.

POTLUCK After our hike, you’re welcome to stay for the sanctuary’s most popular annual event – an early celebration of Thanksgiving WITH the turkeys – and to join the gregarious turkeys and all their friends for a cruelty-free Thanksgiving potluck. Please bring only a vegan (no meat, dairy, or eggs) dish or dessert to share. You may leave it in the car, and in your cooler if needed, during our hike. The potluck will be held from 12 to 4 at picnic tables. A $10.00 donation to benefit the animals is requested. There is no charge for children under 12. After lunch, feel free to roam the grounds and befriend the animals.

WHEN & WHERE We’ll meet promptly at 9 am in the Sanctuary, 15200 Mt. Nebo Rd, Poolesville, MD. The entrance is on the west side of the road, is gated, and is unmarked other than the address on the mailbox, so it is easy to miss. (See entrance gate photo posted below.) You will need to unchain the gate, open it to enter, and re-chain it closed after entering. You do not need to call on this day as instructed by the small sign posted on the fence. Proceed 0.8 mi on the unpaved entrance road to a large parking area (our meeting area) on the left, also accessed via a chained gate. Please open and close that gate the same way as when entering.

QUESTIONS: Contact the leaders via the Comment/Chat section below.

From Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO)