School Groups and Camps - Know Before You Go!
School and camp groups are welcome to explore the National Wildlife Visitor Center, open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. To help us prepare for your visit, please email us (michael_cangelosi@fws.gov) to let us know you’re coming. Advance notice allows us to coordinate your experience, including reserving lunchroom space when available. If you arrive without prior notice, we may be unable to accommodate special requests, and groups could be turned away if the building is at capacity.
Grounds Hours
The refuge grounds have different hours from the visitor center. The grounds are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, except on Tuesdays, when the South Tract grounds close at 4 PM.
Current Offerings:
Whether you’re planning a school field trip or coordinating a homeschool outing, there are many enriching activities available for students of all ages. While guided field trips are not currently offered, the refuge provides a wide variety of self‑guided experiences that allow groups to learn at their own pace and connect with the natural world.
The Patuxent Research Refuge is also recognized as a Maryland Green Center, an important designation awarded to organizations that help educate schools, teachers, and families about the Maryland Green Schools application process. The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) encourages, engages and empowers our community to understand, responsibly use and promote the natural world.
Learn more about planning your visit at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research/patuxent-visitor-center.
