Patuxent Research Refuge Special Events

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Patuxent Research Refuge

Last Update

Special Events 2012

Events are held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center unless otherwise noted and are FREE, with the exception of events noted with $.

Kids’ Fishing Day
Saturday, June 9
8:30AM or 9:30AM Sessions
Fishing demonstrations and instructions for ages 15 and under. Novice Anglers* can learn how to cast a rod, identify types of fish and enjoy the experience of fishing. All fishing equipment will be provided for the event, and there will be staff available to assist.
Catch and release fishing only. See photos from last year.
Pre-registration required. Pre-register at 301-497-5887
News Release here.
* More experience anglers can take advantage of Maryland's "Free Fishing Day"

Maryland "Free Fishing Day"
Saturday, June 9
Patuxent North Tract Entrance
Youth and adults may fish with personal equipment at the North Tract section of the Refuge. No Maryland License Required.
(State amd Refuge regulations and fishing policies apply.)
News Release Here.

Nature's Images Photography Workshop $
Presented by the award-winning artist Sol Levine
Saturday, July 7
9:15AM to 4:30PM
Are you looking to expand your capabilities with your digital or film camera? Learn about equipment, f-stop, shutter speed, metering, composition, and more. Workshop addresses everything from disposables to top-of-the-line cameras.
Registration Required by June 29. Registration fee of $60 ($50 for members of Friends of Patuxent ) must be received by July 2, 2012. Call 301-497-5887 to register. Complete details here. Flyer here.

Wildlife Conservation and Recreation Day
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Patuxent North Tract Entrance
Learn about wildlife conservation and recreational opportunities
through habitat exploration, children’s crafts, archery and firearm demonstrations.
For information call 301-497-5770

Honey Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 15th
9:00AM – 3:00PM
Join the Maryland State Beekeepers Association as they celebrate the Annual Maryland Honey Harvest Festival! Discover the busy world of bees and other pollinators while enjoying arts and crafts, honey tastings, candle making demonstrations, Refuge habitat tram tours and much more!

cranes running Friends of Patuxent Run for the Refuge 5k
Sunday, September 30
Starting time is 9:00AM
Patuxent North Tract Entrance
Participate in this special fundraising race ($) sponsored by the Friends of Patuxent! Contribute to the research and education missions of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Refuge. For more information and registration visit http://runfortherefuge.com/.

Patuxent Wildlife Festival
Saturday, October 13th
10AM – 3PM
Enjoy live animals, kids’ crafts, tram tours ($), scientific demonstrations, and
behind-the-scenes research tours of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
See where endangered Whooping Cranes and Sea Ducks are raised and studied.

tram tour - guide and passengers Wildlife Conservation Tram Tours
During Mid-March through Mid-November

(Starts March 10, 2012)
Weekends Only:
11:30AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM

During Summer (Late June thru August 2012)

Weekends:
11:30AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM
Weekdays::
11:30AM, 1:00PM, 2:30PM

Weather permitting, $ see below.
Tram schedules are subject to change;
Call 301 497-5772 to confirm schedule.
Tram information revised January 2012
Complete Tram Tour information here

Events are held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center unless otherwise noted and are FREE, with the exception of events noted with $. Call for details. If you have any special needs or requests, please advise us two weeks in advance by calling 301.497.5763.

$ Tram tickets are $3 per person.
There is no charge for children age 2 and under who do not require a seat.
* Tram Tour Fee subject to change for Special Events listed above

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located off of Powder Mill Rd. between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197 south of Laurel. Hours Open. Driving Directions

The North Tract Visitor Contact Station is located off of Rt. 198 on Bald Eagle Drive, just east of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Hours Open.