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January 25, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Ecosystem Eco Notes

Pickering Creek Audubon Center Public Programs for January 2021

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WEBINAR: The Art of Audubon: Exploring John James Audubon’s artwork
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
$5.00 per person
Nature & art go hand in hand. The beauty and majesty of our surroundings have been inspiring artists for centuries to paint, sketch, draw, photograph and more. Join Pickering Creek Naturalists as we discuss the artwork of John James Audubon and the complicated legacy he left behind. To register, visit https://pickering.audubon.org/programs/upcoming-online-events

Kids Craft Along: Happy Hibernation (Webinar)
Friday, January 22, 2021
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Free
Who’s sleeping in that cave? What about that warm nest in that tree? How do animals survive during the cold and snowy winters in Maryland? Join us for an afternoon of arts and crafts about hibernating animals during the winter! To register, visit https://pickering.audubon.org/programs/upcoming-online-events

WEBINAR: Deciphering Winter Bird Behavior
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Free
Ever wonder how overwintering birds survive the cold? Though we’re all familiar with the sight of Canada Geese and other species flying south for the winter in search of more resources, other residential species find ways to stick it out locally. Some have physical adaptations to help them beat the cold, while others change their behaviors. Join us to find out more, and to learn what you can do to help birds all winter long. To register, visit https://pickering.audubon.org/programs/upcoming-online-events

Pickering Creek Webinar: Bird Friendly Pantry

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Ken Elkins

Pickering Creek will be joined by their friend Ken Elkins of Audubon Connecticut for a unique webinar on Thursday December 3rd, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, entitled Bird Friendly Pantry.

Every birder or nature-lover has a genesis moment—the point at which their passion is born. For Audubon Education Program Manager Ken Elkins, the moment he got hooked was at age 10 when he noticed and observed the birds at his grandmother’s feeders at her home in Vermont. The experience was fascinating, and Ken has been obsessed with birds and nature ever since.

Active in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) since he was a teenager, Ken’s later participation in Connecticut and National Envirothons led him to pursue a degree in Environmental Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry. He started his career in conservation education at Westmoor Park in West Hartford, Connecticut, and quickly moved on to The Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) where he taught at all five of their Centers and became their Director of Education. While at CAS, Ken led many EcoTravel trips and organized their World Series of Birding team for eight years.

Ken’s presentation will answer the question: What does Bird Friendly mean? As an example, Bird Friendly coffee comes from farms using a combination of foliage cover, tree height and biodiversity to provide quality habitat for birds and other wildlife. Join Pickering Creek to learn more about coffee and other pantry items that are bird friendly. This program is presented in partnership with Bent of the River Audubon Center in Connecticut.

Register at https://act.audubon.org/a/bird-friendly-pantry

2021 Trapping Areas Open for Bids at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

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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 2021 season.

Fifteen trapping units will be available.  An individual may bid on one or more units, but only two 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., December 1-3 and 7-10, 2020, with a scouting permit.

Bids must be received at the refuge office by 5:00 pm on December 16, 2020. Due to concerns related to Covid-19, there will not be a public bid opening this year. Refuge staff will open the bids and successful bidders will be notified by mail. The Refuge must receive full payment on or before December 30, 2020 for successful bidders to receive their permit.

Trapping for muskrat, nutria, raccoon, fox, skunk, and opossum will begin on January 1, 2021, and end on March 15, 2021, 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 29,000 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. 

Be Inspired by ShoreRivers Wild & Scenic Film Festival

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ShoreRivers will host the 11th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Friday, November 20, starting at 7 PM. Things will look a bit different this year, with hundreds of passionate environmental advocates gathering virtually to enjoy a carefully curated slate of international, award-winning films through an online platform. General admission tickets are FREE this year, but additional paid ticket levels include exciting raffle chances. If you are unable to attend the live event, the films will be available to all registrants On Demand from November 21-25, so register now at shorerivers.org/events.

A Living River is a feature film that follows the Hudson Riverkeeper and other scientists dedicated to protecting the biologically diverse Hudson River.

ShoreRivers joins over 250 organizations across the country to showcase a suite of captivating films that inform and inspire a deep connection to the environment. The diverse film lineup is rooted in both environmental activism and an enduring love of nature. All across the world, fantastic stories of conservation and hope go largely unnoticed, and events like this capture these unique stories and spread them far and wide. Listen to them, remember them, and leave with a renewed hope and sense of wonder.

Especially exciting this year is the addition of exclusive interviews from some of the filmmakers themselves. Gain an inside look into the minds of the filmmakers, what they learned, and what motivated and inspired them to pursue these fascinating projects. We are also offering three ticket levels that include a raffle entry. Cool prizes include ShoreRivers swag, beautiful oyster necklaces from A Happy Place in downtown Easton, and special gear from the Wild & Scenic National Sponsors Klean Kanteen and Peak Design. Prizes are valued at over $400.

This year’s incredible new offerings include A Living River, a feature film that follows the Hudson Riverkeeper and other scientists dedicated to protecting the biologically diverse Hudson River. Despite its polluted reputation, the Hudson River is teeming with life. Environmental organizations use lessons learned from the river’s past as a bustling commercial fishery to its present as an ecosystem in recovery as a pathway to protect its future.

Also showing will be Sounds of Survival, a beautiful film about the mystery, excitement, and adventure deep in the Honduran rainforests. Here is a delightful portrait of the process of scientific discovery and an inspiring example of the power of sound as a conservation tool.

This event is made possible by the leadership generosity of event sponsors: Truist Bank, Ecoprint, Gunther McClary Real Estate, Gillespie Precast, KELLY Integral Solutions LLC, Wye Gardens LLC, ThinkMakeBuild, and other community sponsors.

The Guardian Elephant Warriors tells the story of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first ever community-owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the important advocacy, education, and restoration initiatives of ShoreRivers that result in pollution reduction year after year. Throughout the year, ShoreRivers’ remarkable Riverkeepers speak for the rivers at local, state, and regional levels to ensure representatives are informed with the latest science, trends, and recommendations. Outstanding education programs prepare2,600 9th graders in four counties and 2,100 elementary school students in two counties to become the next generation of environmental stewards. And the organization has installed restoration works on the large and small scales through thousand-acre farm projects as well as individual River-Friendly Yard upgrades.

Although this is a different experience from years past, ShoreRivers hopes you will join this thrilling cinematic journey as the organization’s mission for clean water remains steadfast. This will be an evening full of laughter and excitement, leaving viewers with the desire to make a positive difference for our beautiful rivers. The last few months have been difficult, and ShoreRivers is excited to have the chance to once more connect with communities.

For more information, contact Connor Liu at cliu@shorerivers.org. Visit shorerivers.org/events to register or become a sponsor.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

shorerivers.org

Hands-On Outdoor Fall Fun this Thanksgiving

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Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s EcoCamp Fall Adventures, an off-shoot of the successful summer EcoCamp, is now available for use over the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond. Adventure kits include all the supplies you’ll need to explore, create, and learn in nature, with both indoor and outdoor activities designed to deepen you and your student’s understanding of science while strengthening their connection with the natural world.

The EcoCamp Fall Adventure kit is a great way for your family to come together this Thanksgiving. Hit the trails at Pickering Creek and use the included activity guide and supplies to discover all that the outdoors have to offer. Work together to complete a Fall scavenger hunt, search under fallen logs for hidden insects, and learn what you can do at home to help local wildlife and habitats. It’s the perfect way to keep busy over the holiday weekend while school is on break, while spending time together as a family and learning about nature!

If you are travelling for Thanksgiving or don’t live near the Center, EcoCamp Fall Adventures flexible formatting allows families to adapt to their own schedules and locations, any nearby nature space will work, including your backyard or local greenspace.  The wide range of activities included helps each family engage with nature on their terms. It’s a great way for kids, parents and grandparents to have fun in this November while connecting with the natural world. This program is designed to get kids outdoors for discovery in your own backyard, with adventures in learning that inspire a life-long curiosity in nature and science.  Our fun, time-tested camp programs, adapted for your neighborhood, spark curiosity and sharpen thinking skills through experimentation, exploration, art, community science and sharing our findings.  

EcoCamp Fall Adventures activities are designed so that most campers can complete them on their own, however taking on the program as a family activity can be very rewarding and is welcome.

Your kit contains an EcoCamp drawstring bag to keep your camper’s exploration supplies together, plus a wood cookie necklace for their nature names and containers for scooping, collecting, and earth moving. Additional supplies might include outdoor equipment (i.e. bug nets, kids binoculars), experimental setups (i.e. pipettes, test tubes), and crafts (i.e. pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks).

Visit https://pickering.audubon.org/programs/ecocamp-adventures for more information and to register.  The registration deadline is November 15, pickup of kits will be November 20th.

Research Team Receives $1.4 Million to Predict How the Environment Impacts Human Behavior

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University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory Professor Raleigh Hood and a group of researchers from 3 other institutions throughout the United States have been awarded a $1.4 million grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The 4-year project will develop a coupled modeling system to represent and simulate the complex interrelationships between humans and the environment.  Solving human issues depends, to a great extent, on understanding the interdependence of humans and the environment.

We have a much greater understanding about how the environment responds to human decisions than about how humans respond to a changing environment and how these responses drive decision-making.  Human behaviors drive changes in transportation, land use, water quality, and ultimately living resources, such as fish habitat and seagrass growth.  To date, we do not have the ability to predict how human-induced changes in the environment feed back and impact humans.  “Computer simulation modeling is a powerful tool that allows us to predict how humans are impacting Chesapeake Bay water quality both now and far into the future,” shared Dr. Hood.

Coupled modeling allows us to predict the effect of two subjects on one another and an overall system.  This project will develop a coupled modeling system that is capable of representing and simulating the complex interrelationships among socio-economic activity, transportation, land use, land cover, and water quality with two-way feedbacks between humans and the environment.  “We currently have the computational tools we need to predict how human-induced nutrient pollution impacts water quality and living resources in Chesapeake Bay.  The revolutionary thing about this project is that it will develop new tools that allow us to predict how degraded water quality impacts human decisions and actions aimed at restoring Chesapeake Bay,” said Hood.

Horn Point Laboratory Professor Raleigh Hood

Hood and his team will use this modeling system to predict how socio-economic changes and policy decisions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed impact water quality. And, how changes in water quality, such as changes in the size of “dead zones”, in the Chesapeake Bay influence human behavior and decision-making.  These predictions will be based on examination of multiple plausible future scenarios that build on various realizations of land uses, including smart growth versus business as usual, in the context of climate change.  Examination of several scenarios will allow the team to determine how environmental degradation can potentially impact different communities and how they can drive different policies and actions for land use, transportation, and land cover.  All of the scenarios will be run in the context of climate change to account for impacts on future efforts to restore Chesapeake Bay.

Humans have impacted water quality and living resources across the country, what is learned in this project will be applicable to other regions.  Hood summarized the project by stating, “This effort will bring together academic scientists and managers to create new, state of the art computational tools that will help us restore Chesapeake Bay.”

The Horn Point Laboratory, located on more than 800 acres on the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has advanced society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Horn Point scientists are widely respected for their interdisciplinary programs in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish and for expertise in ecosystem modeling. With ongoing research programs spanning from the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open waters of the world’s oceans, Horn Point is a national leader in applying environmental research and discovery to solve society’s most pressing environmental problems.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

A globally eminent research and graduate institution focused on advancing scientific knowledge of the environment, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science provides sound advice to help state and national leaders manage the environment and prepares future scientists to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. www.umces.edu

Eastern Shore Seed Steward Program Increases Natural Habitat

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Environmental Concern (EC), in celebration of 48 years since the first native plant seed collection expedition, is pleased to announce the launch of the Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative. EC’s Native Plant Nursery, operating in St. Michaels since 1972, has learned from experience that it takes more than a ‘village’ of experienced native plant specialists to collect enough seed to grow over 110 species of native plants.

Ginger, a local high school student, who collected and donated thousands of swamp milkweed seeds.

EC’s annual native seed harvesting process starts in the summer and continues through the fall. The nursery specialists collect seeds from herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees planted on EC’s campus. We harvest in our backyard – a practice that generated the idea to teach gardeners and plant enthusiasts how to collect seed in their backyard gardens.

In 2018, EC founded the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. Due to the 90% decrease in the Monarch population, the increased demand for milkweed plants resulted in a milkweed seed shortage. The Monarch butterfly is a “Near Threatened” species due to the dramatic loss of Monarch habitat. The Seed Stewards for Monarchs program accomplished two important goals: increasing the Monarch butterfly’s critical milkweed habitat and increasing seed inventory for EC’s milkweed crops. Over 250 volunteers are currently participating in the program. EC benefits from the generous seed donations from the Seed Stewards and the Seed Stewards receive discounts on plants, seed harvesting education programs, and invitations to appreciation events.

The Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative is an extension of the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. The program goals are consistent with the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. EC is educating the community about the importance of growing native plants, plant identification, and native plant seed harvesting. Seed Stewards collect seeds to propagate and grow in their gardens and donate a percentage of their seeds to EC. This activity is appropriate for all ages – from 4 to 94. Families, garden clubs, 4-H groups, neighbors, religious groups, and all Eastern Shore communities and organizations are welcome to join the program. Your participation will increase habitat for all native creatures that need the food, cover, and protection that native plants provide on shorelines and in rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and wetlands.

Deena, a Seed Steward from Nanticoke, sends her seeds by US mail – always with a fun note included. She has sent six envelopes filled with seeds since July.

Seed Stewards communicate by email, virtual education sessions, and social media – and with each other to share helpful suggestions and tips for successful seed harvesting. Visit EC’s website to sign up for the Eastern Shore Seed Stewards program, or contact reception@wetland.org for more information.

Consider adding a variety of native species to your garden this fall to prepare for seed collection in 2021. EC’s nursery is accepting retail orders now. Many species are ready for pick-up or free local delivery (within 20 miles of EC). Plant availability is posted on the website at https://wetland.org/retail/. Place your order with Lyndsey at nursery-sales@wetland.org or call 410-745-9620 for more information.

ShoreRivers Summarizes Summer Swimmability of Local Rivers

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The toxic algal bloom on the Sassafras River this summer lasted three months and was the largest, longest-lasting, and most toxic bloom recorded on the river.

“Is it safe to swim in the river?” is one of the most common questions ShoreRivers hears from community members. Fecal bacteria and toxic algae in waterways pose threats to both water quality and public health. People who come in contact with bacteria- or toxin-laden water can contract eye, ear, and respiratory diseases, skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, or brain or liver damage. To assess the health of our rivers and potential risks to human health, ShoreRivers regularly monitors bacteria pollution at 28 sites throughout the mid and upper Eastern Shore and works closely with government agencies to track toxic algal blooms.

The Swimmable ShoreRivers program tests all the rivers in the ShoreRivers region for bacteria at popular swimming locations, marinas, yacht clubs, and towns. ShoreRivers staff and volunteers conduct tests on a weekly or bi-weekly basis from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The program follows EPA’s standard protocols for collecting and analyzing samples and uses a pass/fail system to determine if bacteria levels are safe or unsafe for swimming. You can view the results from the sites at theswimguide.org and get updates during swim season by following #SwimmableShoreRivers on social media.

Additionally, the Swimmable ShoreRivers program works with government health agencies at the local and state levels to monitor toxic algal blooms and inform the public of serious potential health risks to humans and pets. Algal blooms occur naturally, but increased levels of nutrient pollution in our waterways from fertilizers, septic systems, and wastewater plants fuel larger, more toxic, and longer-lasting blooms.

In the ShoreRivers region, toxic blooms occur most frequently on the Sassafras River due to its lower salinity levels. This summer ShoreRivers dealt with a toxic algal bloom on the Sassafras that lasted for almost three months. This was the largest, longest lasting, and most toxic bloom ever recorded on the river, causing the Maryland Department of the Environment to issue a water contact advisory for the whole river.

The results from ShoreRivers’ monitoring in 2020 show that bacteria and algal conditions vary based on location, weather, and other factors, making systematic, scientific analysis vital. The majority of the bacteria monitoring sites passed more than 60% of the time. However, a few sites failed more than 40% of the time; meaning that in the majority of times sampled, the bacteria levels in the water exceeded EPA’s threshold for safe water contact. Specifically, these sites are located at Hambrooks Bay Beach, Crouse Park, Denton, Broad Cove Claiborne, Morgan Creek Landing, and Duck Neck.

“Bacteria pollution most commonly comes from leaking sewer lines and septic systems, stormwater runoff, domestic and wildlife droppings, and land application of manure and sewage,” says ShoreRivers Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta. “Our results show that bacteria levels increase after rainfall, so after a wet summer like the one we just had, we expected bacteria levels to be high at many sites.”

Now that the program has baseline data showing which sites frequently have elevated levels of bacteria, ShoreRivers will focus on the next most frequent question from the public: “Where does bacteria pollution come from?” ShoreRivers is currently exploring partnerships and innovative technologies to help identify specific sources of bacteria pollution at specific testing locations.

“Once we know where the bacteria is coming from—whether it’s leaking sewer lines, failing septic systems, over-application of fertilizer, or people not picking up after their pets—we can start implementing real solutions,” Pluta says. “Monitoring techniques such as DNA sampling and bacteria source tracking are improving and becoming more reliable. It’s another tool in our Riverkeeper toolbelt to help improve water quality conditions so Eastern Shore waterways are always safe and swimmable.”

For more information, visit shoreriver.org/swim or email mpluta@shorerivers.org.

ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.

Experts from CBF and Glenstone Museum to Detail Fall Lawncare Tips

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Ditch the fertilizers and weed killers and make your lawn environmentally friendly this fall.

Join Paul Tukey, the Glenstone Museum’s Chief Sustainability Officer, and Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Director of Science and Agricultural Policy, for a free live webinar at noon on Oct. 7 about how your lawncare choices affect the environment. Online registration in advance is required to join.

Tukey and McGee will discuss how to create natural landscapes using native plants that add habitat for local wildlife and reduce polluted rain runoff. By incorporating these techniques into your lawncare you can help restore the local environment and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

“We want to show people the beauty and the benefits of having a more natural landscape,” said McGee. “We’ll be encouraging homeowners to embrace native plants, add trees, and replace swaths of turf with low maintenance groundcovers. The traditional suburban lawn, which often requires fertilizers and herbicides to maintain, is going out of style. We can help you transition into the future.”

At the webinar, Tukey and McGee will detail ways homeowners can plant native grasses, clovers and other types of ground cover to create a lush lawn composed of diverse plant species. Doing so will increase soil health, which brings back a complex ecosystem of microorganisms and enables the soil to store more water.

Lawns compose more than 3 million acres of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, meaning what happens to them affects the Bay’s health. When it rains on lawns, the water can wash away fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals that then flow into local waterways and ultimately the Bay. Removing traditional turf lawns and replanting with native plants can greatly reduce this polluted runoff.

Tukey leads sustainability efforts at Glenstone, a nearly 300-acre contemporary art museum in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is also the author of The Organic Lawn Care Manual, a book that details how to grow a gorgeous lawn free of harsh chemicals. McGee has worked for CBF for 17 years and currently leads the organization’s efforts to help farmers implement regenerative agriculture techniques that restore healthy soils and reduce water runoff.

Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that wash away from turf lawns after rainstorms contribute to the overall pollution loads that Bay watershed states are working to clean up by 2025 under the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint goals. Once in the Bay, these pollutants can cause harmful algal blooms that cloud the water and deplete dissolved oxygen, which kills marine life, among other negative effects.

Reducing lawn pollutants is a key component of watershed-wide efforts to reach the 2025 goals. Watch the webinar Wed., Oct. 7 to see how you can make a difference.

More information about the Speakers:

Paul Tukey, Chief Sustainability Officer, Glenstone Museum

Paul Tukey came to Glenstone in 2010 as a sustainable landscape consultant and joined the museum as a full-time associate three years later to focus on all aspects of sustainability and regeneration in grounds and buildings. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Organic Lawn Care Manual, as well as hundreds of articles on many aspects of natural landscape techniques. Paul was named the first-ever Green Medal of Honor recipient from the Garden Writers of America in 2017. An avid photographer, writer and runner, he resides in Maryland with his wife and two daughters.

Beth McGee, Director of Science and Ag Policy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Dr. Beth McGee is the Director of Science and Agricultural Policy with CBF. Beth has been at CBF since 2003 where she is the lead policy advisor and coordinator on regional water quality and agricultural initiatives. For more than 30 years, Beth has been very active in Chesapeake Bay issues, conducting research, serving on technical subcommittees and advisory groups, testifying before Congress, and helping shape the precedent-setting clean-up plan for the Chesapeake Bay. In her spare time, she likes doing anything outside—kayaking, hiking, biking.

About Glenstone

Glenstone, a museum of modern and contemporary art, is integrated into nearly 300 acres of gently rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland in Montgomery County, Maryland, less than 15 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. Established by the not-for-profit Glenstone Foundation, the museum opened in 2006 and provides a contemplative, intimate setting for experiencing iconic works of art and architecture within a natural environment.

Glenstone is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to Glenstone is free and visits can be scheduled online at: www.glenstone.org.

Phased Re-opening of Visitor Center at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

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In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in coordination with the Governor and local public health authorities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is re-opening the Visitor Center at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) near Cambridge on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm.

The refuge is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to safely increase access to Blackwater NWR lands and facilities as rapidly as possible. The Wildlife Drive, trails, and hunts have been open throughout the pandemic.

Beginning October 3, 2020, Blackwater NWR will reopen public access to the Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm.  In addition, Wildlife Drive and all trails continue to be open and available.  Those entering the Visitor Center will be asked to follow Governor Hogan’s COVID guidelines, which include facial coverings indoors, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home if sick.

As we continue to review access, services, and programs, a return to full operations at Blackwater NWR will be phased in according to protocols set by governors and local public health officials. These decisions will be informed by the most current guidance and information from the Department of the Interior, CDC, Environmental Protection Agency and Maryland Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of those visiting and working at Blackwater NWR are protected. We will continue to closely monitor conditions and adjust our operations accordingly.

We continue to urge our visitors to do their part when visiting Blackwater NWR and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

Updates about the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s response to coronavirus are posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html.

Please check our website for current updates and status: 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 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. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.