Public Programs

Current & Upcoming | All

Magnificent Marsh Mammals

May 02, 2026 3:00PM—5:00PM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

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What mammals inhabit our fascinating marshes at Jug Bay? Find out, and perhaps see some in person on a late afternoon hike through the woods and along the edge of the marsh. Join Chuck Hatcher, Jug Bay’s resident expert on otters, for a 1-3 mile walk. Look and listen for signs of activity while Chuck…

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Bird Walk

May 02, 2026 7:00AM—10:00AM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

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Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of early morning light along the Patuxent River. Learn skills for identifying birds by sight and sound, all while getting in your steps and breathing the fresh morning air. Novice and experienced birders are welcome on this 2-3 mile walk to explore the forests and wetlands in search of the…

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War of 1812 Kayak Paddle 

May 03, 2026 11:00AM—2:00PM

Jug Bay’s Patuxent Wetlands Park 1426 Mt. Zion Marlboro Road Lothian, MD 20711

Join Park Rangers from the National Park Service and Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks for an engaging kayak paddle up the Patuxent River (about 1 mile) to learn about what made this waterway important to British and American forces during the War of 1812. Paddlers will learn about military tactics and movements on the…

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Homeschool Hikers (10-13), Healthy Habitats – Meadows

May 06, 2026 10:00AM—12:00PM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

,Your homeschooler is invited to join us as we explore various topics related to the natural spaces of Jug Bay. We delve into nature concepts, spend time outdoors, and have fun learning. Our spring theme is Healthy Habitats. May’s class focuses on Meadow Health. This is a drop-off program. Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable…

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Brewgrass in the Barn: A Jug Bay BBQ, Bluegrass & Beer Fundraiser

May 09, 2026 12:00PM—6:00PM

Jug Bay's Glendening Nature Preserve, 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian, MD 20711

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Join Southern Anne Arundel county’s only BBQ, beer, and bluegrass jam that pairs great food, tunes, and brews with an exceptional cause – conservation, research, and education at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. This 1700 acre nature preserve is the largest contiguous tract of county wildland along the Patuxent River welcoming visitors from across the county…

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Critter Clue Quest: Shelter Sleuths

May 16, 2026 10:00AM—11:30AM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

We need the help of young wildlife detectives for another mission: this time, to investigate the homes that have appeared throughout the sanctuary. From nests, to burrows, to lodges, animals build shelters that can reveal who lives in an area without us ever seeing who made them. In this hands-on program, kids explore replica nests,…

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Homeschool Hikers (6 – 9), Healthy Habitats – Meadows

May 20, 2026 10:00AM—12:00PM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

Your homeschooler is invited to join us as we explore various topics related to the natural spaces of Jug Bay. We delve into nature concepts, spend time outdoors, and have fun learning. Our spring theme is Healthy Habitats. May’s class focuses on Meadow Health. This is a drop-off program. Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable…

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100 Mile Hike Club

May 29, 2026 2:00PM—4:00PM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

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Join Jug Bay’s 100 Mile Hike Club this year and challenge yourself to hike 100 miles by Dec 31, 2026! The 100 Mile Hiking Club is an opportunity to become healthier, happier individuals with a stronger connection to both the outdoors and the natural world. Our goal is to hike 100 miles in one calendar…

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Homeschool Hikers (10 – 13) – Healthy Habitats – Home and Yards

Jun 03, 2026 10:00AM—12:00PM

Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary - Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711

Your homeschooler is invited to join us as we explore various topics related to the natural spaces of Jug Bay. We delve into nature concepts, spend time outdoors, and have fun learning. Our spring theme is Healthy Habitats. June’s class focuses on Healthy Home Habitats. This is a drop-off program. Dress for the weather. Wear…

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The Archaeology of Jug Bay: A Hike through History

Jun 06, 2026 10:00AM—1:00PM

Jug Bay Visitor Center 1361 Wrighton Rd. Lothian, MD 20711

Archaeology is the scientific study of past human life and culture by the recovery and examination of remaining material evidence. Join archaeologist Drew Webster, from the Anne Arundel County’s Cultural Resources Section, on a hike from the Jug Bay Visitor’s Center to the Jug Bay River Farm. Along the hike (approximately 2.5-3 miles) you will…

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