Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary's 40th Anniversary Hub

Thanks for visiting! Here you will find information about special events, unique merchandise, and all the fun ways we are celebrating this monumental year.

40th Anniversary Story Map

Check out Jug Bay's timeline, explore our history,

and see some of our major accomplishments over the last 5 years.

What Does Jug Bay Mean to You?

Is Jug Bay your place to recenter and recharge? Do you love looking for birds and other fauna? Perhaps you just enjoy chatting with the amazing staff. Whatever Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary means to you, we'd love to hear it!

Throughout the year we will be collecting your thoughts about the special place that Jug Bay holds in your heart. Look for the tree at our big events and when you visit the sanctuary. Look for the metal tree in the Visitor Center and instructions on how to leave your thoughts with us.

40th Anniversary Celebratory Events

Soup and Science 2025 Lecture Series

Join the Friends of Jug Bay on Sunday afternoons for our Soup and Science series.

Ages 16+. Free to FOJB Members and Active Military, $6 per vehicle for non-members (paid at the park).

Space is limited for these events. Only registered participants will be admitted.

Click on individual events in our calendar for registration info and links.

PAXCON 2025

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. The 2025 Patuxent River Conference's theme: Our River, Our Livelihood, is centered in exploring the status, stressors, and use of the many River resources, as well as their protection for future generations.

This event promises a dynamic lineup of presenters. Attendees can interact with presenters, exchange ideas, and connect with participants who share a common goal: a healthier Patuxent Watershed.

BrewGrass in the Barn

Saturday, May 10th

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Jug Bay Glendening Nature Preserve

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 (and the world) to marvel at Maryland’s nature.

Visit jugbay.org/brewgrass for details.

Rhythm on the River 40th Anniversary Special Edition

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27th, 2025 and help us celebrate our 4oth year!

A family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, lawn games, touch a truck, an art and archaeological artifacts exhibit, and a special section devoted to the achievements and history of Jug Bay. Check back for details.

Critter Crawl

Friday, October 24th 5:30 - 8:30

Join Jug Bay staff and volunteers for our annual Halloween Critter Crawl. Walk through a lantern-lighted trail in the forest to see different animals and insects displays, and enjoy campfires, s’mores, hayrides, costume parade, spooky wildlife sounds, and nature crafts.

Family friendly. Please bring your headlamp or flashlight, and wear your costume if you have one.

Food available for purchase. No refunds for participant cancellations. Fee: $5 per person, two years and under free (do not register 2 and under). All ages welcome. No pets.

40th Anniversary Collector's Poster

Look for Jug Bay's very own 40th-anniversary poster featuring flora and fauna by artist Joe Barsin. You may recognize his work for Kinder Farm, Downs Park, and Quiet Waters.

We expect unveiling at our Brewgrass in the Barn event in May with the final artwork arriving in June! They will be available for pre-order at our events and purchase at our Visitor Center. Stay tuned!

Credit/Source: https://www.jebdesign.com/blog/2024/11/9/new-illustration-for-kinder-farm-park-this-is-the-3rd-in-a-poster-series-created-for-anne-arundel-recreation-and-parks

40th Anniversary Merchandise

We've designed special merch just for the occasion! Stop by the Visitor Center to check out our new swag.