Featured News

Summer Picnic & Intern Presentations, rain or shine!

Sunday, August 15; noon - 4:00 pm; at the Wetlands Center

Nature Camp for Adults

Saturday, Sept 11; 9 am - 4 pm    Sunday, Sept 12; 9 am - 3 pm

Come for either day, or both
Fee: $25 per day
 
 
 
Butterfly Program
August 8 Butterfly Program
Glendening Preserve
 Results
 
Sunday, August 8, 2010 9:00-11:00 am
Patuxent River Sewage Spill

The word pristine might be used on occasion to describe Jug Bay. However, the impact of the growing human population in our area creates stress on this section of the Patuxent River, imperiling water quality.  The environmental impact of too many people becomes dramatically apparent when raw sewage spills into the river. There are five waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) within one mile of the Sanctuary. Four of these are small-scale treatment plants at mobile home parks which practice only very basic sewage treatment before the wastes are discharged into the river.

The History of the Jug Bay Area

The Patuxent River, a microcosm of the Chesapeake Bay estuary, mirrors the rich history of the region.

From Woodland Indian tribes, to European settlement, wars, and beyond, the old "highway of Maryland" has seen it all, and continues to teach us...

Here's a recent article about the ongoing discoveries being made at the Pig Point archaeological site, within walking distance from the Sanctuary.

Bird Banding Research

Summary of bird netting results for July 25, 2010

 
Plankton Research

Phytoplankton--the microscopic algae on which the entire aquatic food web depends--are also indicators of water quality. We have launched a monitoring study to discover how the Patuxent River's phytoplankton community changes throughout the year in response to changing temperature and light exposure. We're also watching for phytoplankton responses following large storms and increased nutrient loading in the spring.

Herp Atlas Survey

 Assist with the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Survey, a 5-year project to map the distribution of all amphibians and reptiles within the state. The Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSM), in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD-DNR), plans to map the distribution of all herps within the state, using mostly volunteer help. The information gained from this effort, when compared to the historical record, will be used to determine population trends and assess the potential effects of future activities. 

Garden Club

Calling all stewardship volunteers! Garden Club season is here!

Seeking habitat improvers, native plant nurturers, and invasive plant removers to tend to our flower gardens. And have a chance to take home freebies to your own gardens!

25th Anniversary & National Estuaries Day Celebration

Saturday, September 25th. The Sanctuary, with our partners, the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Patuxent River Park will provide opportunities throughout the day to learn about wetland ecology, estuaries, and celebrate our natural resources.