About Minnie's Island Community Conservancy (MICC)
Minnie's Island is owned by Minnie's Island Community Conservancy (MICC), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. MICC is an all-volunteer organization that maintains the 8 acre island in Cabin John, MD. Minnie's Island is open to public access during daylight hours, subject to posted rules.
Our Mission and Vision
The MICC mission is to restore, protect, and maintain Minnie's Island. Our vision is to engage the community in making the island an inviting and safe environment for nature-based recreation, social connection, education, conservation, scientific research, and the arts.
Founding
MICC was established in 2021, when the island was donated by The Potomac Conservancy to MICC. Founders Burr Gray, Jack Mandel, Pascal Pittman, and Mac Thornton are pictured below.
Engaging the Community
During the spring, summer, and fall, MICC sponsors a number of on-island events for the public and small community groups. Events to date have included our annual Isle Fest (held in June), an Oktoberfest Fundraiser, Scout meetings and Eagle Scout Projects. Additional planned activities include hosting a music event, wounded warriors, and DC summer camp programs. Please contact us at info@minniesisland.org for more information. Video below documents a recent Eagle Scout project conducted at Minnie's Island.
Human History
Since its inception in 1904, Minnie’s Island has served as a sanctuary, intertwining its lush landscapes with the stories of its remarkable custodians. From the passionate environmentalist Clarence Shoemaker, who dedicated his life to studying the natural world and advocating for its preservation, to the creative spirit of Elizabeth Kent, whose art and philosophy were deeply rooted in the serene beauty of the island. The legacy includes the intellectual prowess of Sherman Kent, a Yale professor and esteemed CIA analyst, and the political activism of Margaret Reuss, alongside her husband, Congressman Henry Reuss, who fervently worked to protect our natural vistas. This rich tapestry of conservation, art, education, and public service was beautifully honored when the Reuss family and Bobbi Miller entrusted Minnie’s Island to the Potomac Conservancy in memory of Christopher Reuss. Click on the Minnie's Island Recent Human History document below for a detailed look at all of the owners of the island from 1904 to today.
Natural History
Located in the heart of the Potomac Gorge, Minnie's Island has a rich natural resource history shaped by the frequent flooding that produces a diversity of changing natural communities. Click on the Minnies Island Natural History document below for a detailed look at topography, flood history, natural communities, plant and bird life. See the Gallery for photos of plants, birds, reptiles and amphibians and more.
