In partnership with the Friends of Blackwater and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Youth Fishing Fun Day on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  This family-friendly event will be held at “Hog Range” Pond behind the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located off Route 335.  Young people 15 years old and under can pre-register for the event by calling 410-228-2677 or register at the event on June 3.  Fishing will begin at 9:00 am and end around 1:00 pm.

The first 100 registered youth to check in at the event will receive a t-shirt and special gift. Each registered youth will also receive a free lunch ticket for a hot dog, drink, and chips. Bait (nightcrawlers) will be provided for anglers, or they may bring their own bait or lures. A limited number of sanitized “loaner” fishing rods will be available, but anglers are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. As always, staff and volunteers are on hand to provide assistance to any of the young anglers who might need help.

Parents should note that this is a non-competitive, catch-and-release event, meant to introduce children to the fun of fishing. Any snakeheads that are caught may be kept, but they must be deceased before they leave the premises. Participants should also note that no pets are allowed at this event. If you have any questions, please email us at fw5rw_BWNWR@fws.gov.

Directions to Hog Range Pond:  From Route 50 in Cambridge, turn onto Route 16 West.  Travel approximately 7 miles to Church Creek.  Turn left onto Route 335.  Travel approximately 5 miles.  Once you pass Key Wallace Drive on your left, turn right at the entrance to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center.  Park in the secondary parking lot next to the pavilion behind the Tubman Visitor Center.  For further information and pre-registration, call 410-228-2677.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a special evening presentation featuring naturalist Andy Brown, discussing “Barn Owls in Maryland: Their Ecology and Conservation.” The presentation will take place at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

Barn owls are found throughout Maryland, however despite their widespread distribution, barn owl populations are declining across the state. Learn more about their ecology and the challenges barn owls face at this evening presentation.

Presenter Andy Brown is retired from Calvert County Natural Resources Division, where he worked for 34 years as a naturalist. He has a BS in Wildlife Management from Frostburg State University and an MS in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Andy grew up in Prince Georges County, MD, where he began birding as a teenager with Prince Georges Audubon and received his bird banding license at age 16. Andy began working with Barn Owls in the Patuxent River Valley in the early 1990s. He currently serves on the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership Farmland Raptor Committee as the Barn Owl coordinator and is active in Barn Owl research nationwide with the Global Owl Project. He is on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Bird Banding Association. Andy currently resides in Frederick County, MD.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Get outside and enjoy the changing of the seasons at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by participating in one of our Guided Birding tours in the spring of 2023.  You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy identifying and learning about the many species of birds that inhabit the refuge! You will not want to miss the opportunity to observe and identify our diverse array of feathered friends, from warblers and wading birds to numerous species of waterfowl and raptors, including the bald eagle. Spring tours are scheduled for Sunday, April 2, Sunday, April 30, and Sunday, May 14, led by veteran birder Terry Allen.

Participants should meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. for each tour, which usually lasts 2 to 3 hours.  The birding party usually carpools, stopping at various points around the refuge’s Wildlife Drive. Binoculars and field guides are highly recommended for an enjoyable experience and be sure to dress for the weather!  There is no fee or advanced registration for these activities.  For further information, please call the Blackwater Visitor Center at 410-228-2677 or visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is offering Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) positions for young people ages 15 to 18 during the summer months in 2023.  This year’s YCC program will last 8 weeks, starting on Tuesday, June 20 and continuing until Friday, August 11.  YCC recruits work 40 hours a week, 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day, and are paid minimum wage, currently $13.25 per hour. They must be a permanent resident of the United States, its territories or possessions, and be able to provide their own transportation to work.  The refuge plans to hire up to four (4) young people for this program.

The Youth Conservation Corps offers students the chance to learn a variety of skills in the great outdoors, get plenty of exercise, engage in teamwork, make new friends, accomplish goals, and learn about the natural world.  YCC recruits will spend several paid hours each week participating in environmental education programs, getting to know the many different aspects of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Field trips to other refuges are also a possibility for Blackwater’s YCC team.  Recruits will be provided with all necessary safety and work equipment, and will be under constant supervision of an adult YCC Leader or other refuge staff.

Youths interested in the YCC program can obtain an application from Ranger Tom Miller by calling 410-221-8156, or email Thomas_J_Miller@fws.gov.  Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Blackwater Visitor Center on Key Wallace Drive, and are also available on the refuge’s website.  Applications must be returned by Monday, May 1, 2023.  YCC recruits will be randomly selected from applicants in early May.  If more applications are received than positions available, students who did not get selected will become “alternates” in the event a selected applicant cannot work.  After selections are made, recruits are required to meet with refuge staff to complete employment paperwork prior to the first day of work.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will offer furbearer trapping rights on a sealed bid basis for the 2023 season.

Fifteen trapping units will be available.  An individual may bid on one or more units, but only three units will be awarded to any bidder.  The successful bidder must personally trap the unit; subleasing is prohibited. Bid invitations, maps, and other details are available by calling Matt Whitbeck, wildlife biologist, at 410-221-2034. Inspection of the units will be allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., November 29 – December 1 and December 5-8, 2022, with a scouting permit.

Bids must be received at the refuge office by 5:00 pm on December 15, 2022. Successful bidders will be notified by mail. The Refuge must receive full payment on or before December 29, 2022 for successful bidders to receive their permit.

Trapping for muskrat, nutria, raccoon, fox, skunk, and opossum will begin on January 1, 2023, and end on March 15, 2023, unless extensions have been made by both the state and the refuge.

Trapping on Blackwater NWR is a management activity designed to control the population levels of furbearers as well as provide an economic benefit to local trappers. Uncontrolled muskrat and nutria populations can seriously damage marsh vegetation, which is vital to waterfowl, other migratory birds, and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwoods and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or follow us on Facebook @BlackwaterNWR. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Come experience the changing of the seasons at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) by participating in one of our Guided Birding tours in the fall of 2022.  You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy identifying and learning about the many species of birds that inhabit the refuge.

Fall birding tours at Blackwater highlight the returning migratory waterfowl. You will not want to miss the opportunity to observe and identify our diverse array of feathered friends, from woodpeckers and wading birds to numerous species of waterfowl and raptors, including the bald eagle.  Guided Birding tours take place on the following Sunday mornings: September 25, October 16, and November 6, led by Refuge Volunteer Terry Allen, and on October 30, November 20, and December 4, led by Refuge Volunteer Harry Armistead.  Participants will meet at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. Tours may last 3 to 4 hours.  The birding party typically tours via car, stopping at various hotspots around the refuge’s Wildlife Drive.

Binoculars and field guides are highly recommended for an enjoyable experience. Be sure to dress for the weather.  There is no fee or advanced registration for these activities.  For further information, please call the Blackwater Visitor Center at 410-228-2677 or visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Hunting and fishing are traditional uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System. At Blackwater and Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), we welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in recreational hunting.

Chesapeake Marshlands NWR Complex is seeking public review and comment on its proposed hunting and fishing plan. The public is invited to review the draft document for our proposed hunts and fishing access, which includes the Draft Hunting and Fishing Plans, Compatibility Determinations and Environmental Assessment.

Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWRs are proposing to allow the use of rifles using straight walled cartridges, allow the take of coyotes incidental to deer hunting, and align with the state bag limits. Both refuges would add a primitive hunt in February following the state season and align the youth deer hunt with the state. At Blackwater only, we propose to add an early teal season as well as add youth, veteran and military waterfowl dates. A “sportsman pass” to purchase all deer hunts with one permit is proposed. At Blackwater, an additional 723 acres will be added for hunting, as well as bank fishing from Key Wallace Drive causeway and ponds for youth and mentored fishing events. The refuges will move towards the reduction and future elimination of lead by proposing the use of non-lead ammunition and fishing tackle over a five-year period, with a complete elimination by 2027. The voluntary use of non-lead ammo and fishing tackle would be encouraged in the interim.

Draft documents are available online at the refuge’s official website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater and https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck. There will be an open house on June 9^th from 4pm-7pm at the Environmental Education building at the beginning of Wildlife Drive at Blackwater NWR. This is an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes and to provide your comments on the draft plans.

The comment period will stay open for no less than 60 days after the publishing of the “2022–2023 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations,” which will be announced in the Federal Register. If you wish to comment, please note “Chesapeake Marshlands NWRC” in the subject line of an email, and send to HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov. They may also be mailed to the refuge, provided at the open house, received by phone at 410-221-2034 or emailed to matt_whitbeck@fws.gov.  

Across the country, National Wildlife Refuges work closely with state agencies, tribes, and private partners to expand recreational hunting access. Hunting provides opportunities for communities, families, and individuals to enjoy the outdoors, support conservation efforts, and participate in a popular American tradition.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws/gov. 

Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsnortheast/, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/usfwsnortheast. 

In partnership with the Friends of Blackwater and the Harriet Tubman State Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Youth Fishing Fun Day on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  This family-friendly event will be held at “Hog Range” Pond behind the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located off Route 335.  Young people 15 years old and under can pre-register for the event by calling 410-228-2677 or register at the event on June 4.  Fishing will begin at 9:00 am and end around 1:00 pm.

The first 100 registered youth to check in at the event will receive a t-shirt and special gift. Each registered youth will also receive a free lunch ticket for a hot dog, drink, and chips. Bait (nightcrawlers) will be provided for anglers, or they may bring their own bait or lures. A limited number of sanitized “loaner” fishing rods will be available, but anglers are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. As always, staff and volunteers are on hand to provide assistance to any of the young anglers who might need help.

Parents should note that this is a non-competitive, catch-and-release event, meant to introduce children to the fun of fishing. Any snakeheads that are caught may be kept, but they must be deceased before they leave the premises. Participants should also note that no pets are allowed at this event. If you have any questions, please email us at fw5rw_BWNWR@fws.gov .

Directions to Hog Range Pond:  From Route 50 in Cambridge, turn onto Route 16 West.  Travel approximately 7 miles to Church Creek.  Turn left onto Route 335.  Travel approximately 5 miles.  Once you pass Key Wallace Drive on your left, turn right at the entrance to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center.  Park in the secondary parking lot next to the pavilion behind the Tubman Visitor Center.  For further information and pre-registration, call 410-228-2677.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

 The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is offering Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) positions for young people ages 15 to 18 during the summer months in 2022.  This year’s YCC program will last 8 weeks, starting on Tuesday, June 21 and continuing until Friday, August 12.  YCC recruits work 40 hours a week, 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day, and are paid minimum wage, currently $12.50 per hour. They must be a permanent resident of the United States, its territories or possessions, and be able to provide their own transportation to work.  The refuge plans to hire four (4) young people for this program.

The Youth Conservation Corps offers students the chance to learn a variety of skills in the great outdoors, get plenty of exercise, engage in teamwork, make new friends, accomplish goals, and learn about the natural world.  YCC recruits will spend several paid hours each week participating in environmental education programs, getting to know the many different aspects of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Field trips to other refuges are also a possibility for Blackwater’s YCC team.  Recruits will be provided with all necessary safety and work equipment, and will be under constant supervision of an adult YCC Leader or other refuge staff.

Youths interested in the YCC program can obtain an application from Ranger Tom Miller by calling 410-221-8156, or email Thomas_J_Miller@fws.gov.  Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Blackwater Visitor Center on Key Wallace Drive, and are also available on the refuge’s website.  Applications must be returned by Monday, May 2, 2022.  YCC recruits will be randomly selected from applicants in early May.  If more applications are received than positions available, students who did not get selected will become “alternates” in the event a selected applicant cannot work.  After selections are made, recruits are required to meet with refuge staff to complete employment paperwork prior to the first day of work.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. 

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is hosting Eagle Festival the weekends of March 5 and 6, and March 12 and 13, 2022. With the continuing need for social distancing, this year’s festival will be a unique mix of virtual and limited in-person activities.  On site activities will require pre-registration, while virtual programs are offered on Facebook (@BlackwaterNWR) and Zoom.  The Wildlife Drive will be free-of-charge both weekends.

A guided bird walk will kick off each morning, in search of ducks, geese, swans, songbirds, and of course, bald eagles!  Kids ages 8 and up can sign up for youth archery, where they will become familiar with the safe use of equipment before learning to shoot targets.  Kids of all ages can dissect an owl pellet and discover what owls eat by examining skeletal remains found within.  If you’re a late sleeper, consider registering for a guided 5-mile bicycle tour of Wildlife Drive with refuge staff.  Pre-registration is required for all programs at https://bit.ly/blackwatereaglefestival.  More information is available at the refuge’s website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater, or by calling 410-228-2677.

Follow us on Facebook @BlackwaterNWR for eagle identification tips and a roundup of some of the best hotspots to see eagles on the refuge.

Refuge volunteer Ron Ketter will present the virtual program “Waterfowl and Marsh Birds along Wildlife Drive” on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 7 p.m. Register at Eventbrite at  https://bit.ly/blackwatereaglefestival to receive the Zoom link for this program hosted by the Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Looking to get some fresh air?  Bring the young ones out to the refuge to hike the Woods Trail and read the picture book The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward. This StoryWalk^® will be installed along the Woods Trail beginning March 5 through the end of the month. Learn about the importance of a tree and the animals that can be found there, while getting physical activity outdoors with the family!

Stop by the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center to view the winning artwork from the 2022 Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, as well as the winners of the Friends of Blackwater’s Refuge Photo Contest.  Visitors will also be able to make a wildlife button to take home.  Visitor Center hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Pets are not permitted outside of vehicles on the refuge, so please leave pets at home.

To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public lands and facilities, face masks are currently required inside all federal buildings.  They are also required outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 32,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife.  To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.