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Under Construction

Patuxent Research Refuge
Public Programs

(See July Schedule)

red fox

Although the National Wildlife Visitor Center is temporarily closed for repairs, OUTDOOR programs will continue and grounds will remain open ‘till 4:30 daily except federal holidays.

Please make sure you provide accurate contact information when you register!

June 2008

All programs are FREE except where noted. All programs REQUIRE advance reservations. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497- 5887.  Please advise us of any special needs in advance so that we may accommodate you.

Programs held at the
North Tract

The North Tract is located on
Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Owl Prowl
Saturday, June 7th, 8-9:30pm,
All Ages
Discover the nighttime world of the Refuge as you look and listen for owls, frogs, and other nocturnal animals on this guided walk.

Bird Walks
bluebirdSaturday, June 7th,
8:15-10am,
Sunday, June 15th,
8:15-10am,
All Ages
Search for birds in several Refuge habitats on this guided hike.  Field guides and binoculars recommended.

Butterflies: Nature’s Festival of Colours
Saturday, June 7th, 8:30am-11:00am,
Saturday, June 21st, 8:30am-11:00am,
Ages 10+
Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 2.5 mile hike.  Field guide recommended. Bring water and dress for the outdoors. 

Wildflower Wanders
Sunday, June 8th, 9am-11am,
Saturday, June 21st, 9am-11am,
All Ages
Discover the role that wildflowers play in the ecosystem and learn to identify some common species on this guided walk.  Field guide, water, and magnifying glass recommended.

Bird Tour
Friday, June 13th, 8:15am-11:15am,
Ages 16+
Identify birds in several Refuge habitats on this guided tour with short walks.  Field guides and binoculars recommended.

frogSwamp Study
Sunday, June 29th,
1-2:30pm,
Ages 8-10
Get ready to romp through the swamp and learn about the importance of wetlands in this muddy hands-on program. 

Programs held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197, in Laurel, Maryland.

Slimy and Scaly Hike
Sunday, June 1st, 2-3:30pm,
Ages 8-10
A snake in the grass, a turtle on the log,
a frog in the pond…Join us to look for reptiles and amphibians in this fun, hands-on hike. 

Bird Walks
Tuesday, June 10th, 7:30-9:30am,
Friday, June 27th, 7:30-9:30am,
Ages 16+
Search for birds in several Refuge habitats on these guided hikes.  Field guides and binoculars recommended.

Nature Tots: Leapin’Lilypads
Friday, June 13th, 10:30-11:30am,
Ages 3-4
Peep! Croak! Ribbit! Introduce your preschooler to the watery world of frogs and toads through stories, songs, and a hike in this fun, hands-on program.  

Dragonflies of Patuxent
dragonflySaturday, June 21st, 10:30am-12pm,
All Ages
Come learn about dragonflies—the ferocious predator of pond and meadow—and how to identify several common ones in this hands-on hike.

Refuge Walking Tour
Saturday, June 21st, 9am-10am,
Ages 16+
Discover the way Patuxent provides habitat and manages for wildlife on this guided walk.

Romp in the Swamp
Sunday, June 22nd, 2-3:30pm,
Ages 5-7
Take a walk on the wet and wild side to look for frogs, fish, insects, and more in this hands-on program about wetlands.  Dress to get wet and muddy.

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July 2008

All programs are FREE except where noted. All programs REQUIRE advance reservations. Reservations are taken by calling 301-497- 5887.  Please advise us of any special needs in advance so that we may accommodate you.

Programs held at the
North Tract

The North Tract is located on
Rt. 198 between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 32.

Butterflies: Nature’s Festival of Colours
butterflySaturday, July 5th,
8:30-11:00am,
Sunday, July 20th,
8:30-11:00am,
Ages 10+
Discover the role that butterflies play in the ecosystem and learn to identify several common to Maryland on this guided 2.5 mile hike.  Field guide recommended. Bring water and dress for the outdoors.

Wildflower Wander
Sunday, July 13th, 8:30-10:30am,
All Ages
Discover the role that wildflowers play in the ecosystem and learn to identify some common species on this guided walk.  Remember to bring water!  Long pants & hat recommended.

Nature Walk
Sunday, July 13th, 9-11:00am,
Ages 12+
Join us for a leisurely stroll on this guided walk through forested areas.  Wear your “eagle eyes” to discover seasonal changes of the forest.

Power of Pollination!
bee

Tuesday, July 15th,
1-2:30pm,
Ages 8-10
Discover the buzz about bees and other amazing pollinators.  Learn about pollinators play a vital role in producing food for people and creatures all around us.

Bird Walk
Saturday, July 19th, 8:15-10am,
All Ages
Search for birds in several refuge habitats on this guided hike.  Field guides and binoculars recommended.

Herp Hunt!
Sunday, July 20th, 9:30-11:00am,
All Ages
Join a refuge naturalist on this guided search for reptiles and amphibians.  Wear good walking shoes!

Weed Warriors!
Saturday, July 26th, 9:00am - 12:00pm,
All Ages
Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them! Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).

Programs held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located on Powder Mill Road between the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Rt. 197, in Laurel, Maryland.

Twilight Tram Tours
Wednesday, July 2nd, 7-8:15pm,
Monday, July 28th, 7-8:15pm,
All Ages
Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour through the habitats of Patuxent Research Refuge on an all electric, open-air tram.  View wildlife and their habitats while discovering the story of how the land has changed over time and how Patuxent is managing habitats for wildlife.  Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors over 55, and $2 for children under 12.  Please bring exact change.  Space is limited.

Nature Hike
boots
Thursday, July 10th,
9-11:00am,
Ages 5-7
Join us for a guided hike through shady, forested areas.  Discover how Patuxent’s wildlife makes it through the warm summer days.

Weed Warriors!
Saturday, July 12th, 9:00am - 12:00pm,
All Ages
Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them! Bring gloves and water (and hand tools if available).

Nature Tots: Busy Bees!
Monday, July 21st, 10:30 - 11:30am,
Ages 3 - 4
Discover the busy world of bees in this interactive program. Enjoy songs, stories and crafts.

Cargo for Conservation
Sunday, July 27th, 1-2:30pm,
Ages 10+
Learn about endangered species and discover what YOU can do to help protect them!

 

To find out about upcoming programs..........Join our list serve, or pick up a flyer at the refuge, or check your local newspaper or library.  Programs are also listed in the Volunteers <->Friends monthly newsletter. Annual memberships are available at $15.00, payable to Friends of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Inc., 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

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