Plan Your Visit
Martin National Wildlife Refuge is composed primarily of tidal marshlands, dotted by several areas of vegetated uplands. Though these refuge lands are closed to the public to protect wetland habitats and limit disturbance to wildlife, much of the refuge can be seen by boat. Visitors to Smith Island pass through portions of the refuge as they enter the marina in Ewell. Visitors can also find an interpretive display about the refuge within the Smith Island Cultural Center in the community of Ewell.
Martin NWR is a large marshland on the north side of Smith Island, which is accessible only by boat. Visitors to Smith Island pass through portions of the refuge as they enter the marina in Ewell. Passenger ferries and tour boats to Smith Island run daily from Crisfield, Maryland. For more information about boat transportation, please contact the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce.
To get to Crisfield: from Route 13 on Maryland's Eastern Shore, a few miles south of the city of Princess Anne, take SR 413 west. This leads directly to Crisfield.
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About
Martin National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1954 through a 2,569-acre donation and now covers 4,548 acres, encompassing the northern half of Smith Island and Watts Island. The refuge provides vital tidal marsh habitat and wooded ridges that serve as important stopover and wintering areas for thousands of migratory waterfowl. It also supports diverse wildlife including brown pelicans, peregrine falcons, and various marine species like blue crabs and oysters. The refuge is managed as part of the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.