Bring the little ones for an opportunity to practice a variety of skills and explore nature! Each class focuses on a different topic and follows the same basic structure. We begin with a story then head outside for some movement and exploration, and finish with a craft or hands on activity. We look, listen, feel,…

Join the Friends of Jug Bay on Sunday afternoon for our Soup and Science series. From noon to 1 pm, enjoy homemade soup and fresh bread, and catch up with friends and colleagues. Then sit back with dessert and enjoy listening to Dr. Barbara Balestra, Director of Environmental Sciences Teaching Laboratory at American University, and…

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

Join an avid Jug Bay birder to learn skills for identifying birds by sight and sound. Novice and experienced birders are welcome on this 2-3 mile walk to explore the forests and wetlands in search of the 250+ species of birds that call Jug Bay home, or migrate through. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for…

Join a Jug Bay Naturalist for a free guided tour of the wetland boardwalk to discover the wonderful and unique plants and animals found here at the Sanctuary! Tour is 45 minutes in length and is free with the $6 per vehicle entrance fee. No registration required. Meet outside the Jug Bay Visitor Center promptly…

The Patuxent River Conference (PAXCON) is the premier forum uniting scientists, environmental educators, natural resource managers, and anyone passionate about the health and future of the Patuxent River.  To know and understand the Patuxent River is to take one more step towards its protection. ​​The 2024 Patuxent River Conference is centered around the theme of water quality,…

Join Jug Bay’s 100 Mile Hike Club this year and challenge yourself to hike 100 miles by Dec 31, 2024! 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…

Bring the little ones for an opportunity to practice a variety of skills and explore nature! In this special class we will explore fire, fire safety, and meet a firefighter. Each class focuses on a different topic and follows the same basic structure. We begin with a story then head outside for some movement and…

Join the Friends of Jug Bay on Sunday afternoon for our Soup and Science series. From noon to 1 pm, enjoy homemade soup and fresh bread, and catch up with friends and colleagues. Then sit back with dessert and enjoy listening to Andrew Brown talk about the Patuxent River Barn Owl Project. The mission of…

Join volunteer Siobhan Percey on the 2024 Annual Skunk Cabbage Swamp Stomp!  Skunk cabbage is Maryland’s First Flower of the Year, blooming in January. This is but one of its fascinating characteristics. It is alleged to be over 72 million years old, changing little over that time. It is an extraordinary plant, possessing peculiarities found…