CABIN JOHN, Md. 鈥� Scientists say a bridge expansion project across the Potomac River will threaten a patch of land in Maryland that has been dubbed 鈥渢he most thoroughly studied island in North America.鈥�
that the 12-acres are called Plummers Island. And it has been home to the Washington Biologists鈥� Field Club for more than a century.
The group says the island鈥檚 research value is in danger because of a plan to widen the American Legion Bridge and relieve traffic congestion on the Capital Beltway.
State officials say they’ve worked to reduce the amount of affected land from 1.92 acres to 0.65 acres. But biologists say any impact would cause irreparable harm.
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
