MPEA       Trail Guide
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Naturist Lane follows an old farm road through areas, which were, until recently, cultivated fields.

About 60 feet after marker 15 there is a side trail to the right.  Between markers 15 and 16, the trail comes to a “T.”  The main trail goes to the left.

Before the opening of the "new town" of Columbia, a developer constructed a children's wading pool (marker 16) and a bathhouse and began construction of a swimming pool before abandoning the project.  Although the "swimming hole" was filled in, the wading pool still remains along with ruins (if you look very carefully!) from the bathhouse.

Shortly after that project was abandoned, a local resident and environmental scientist (Al Geis) discovered that some "little critters" had found the wading pool, but could not get out.  He promptly fetched a board to provide an escape route.  Over thirty years later, with the pool mostly filled in with leaves, the board was still in place!

The official guide describes a student project that cleared the pool.  However, it was not maintained and by the spring of 2003 had become a mud hole, filled with sediment.  Originally it was attractive even when filled in!  An abandoned car is in the same area, on the opposite side of the trail.

The Middle Patuxent Valley Association mapped out this trail in April 1997.  Al Geis who could remember those trail sections that were no longer apparent guided the group, which worked in the rain to complete the marking.  On subsequent weekends, these and other volunteers, including residents of Columbia's River Hill village and members of TROT, continued the re-opening of the trail.  The Columbia Area Naturists(2), along with other naturists guests, had the honor of completing this trail to the river in May 1997.  Hence, the name "Naturists’ Lane."
FOOTNOTES
1) The Sierra Club is a world leader in directing citizens' involvement toward preserving natural areas.  Local information: 301-725-3306.
2) Naturists help maintain natural environments and favor designation of clothes-optional recreational areas.  Local information: http://expage.com/canaturist.