Patuxent Research Refuge

08/10/2026

Coinciding with Patuxent Research Refuge’s 90th year, we want to share an important update for hunters: while you will still need to pick up a hunt permit to hunt at Patuxent Research Refuge, permits will be free this year.

Thank you for your continued support of the refuge! Learn more here:

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research/visit-us/activities/hunting

08/01/2026

Breathing in Nature: Concert in the Wild at Dusk ✨

Join us on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for a serene outdoor flute performance by Carrie Rose at the Patuxent Research Refuge's North Tract, right beside the tranquil Merganser Pond. This event is sponsored by the Friends Group and is part of the Refuge's 90th Anniversary celebrations.

Please note: Registration is required for entry. Visitors who are not on the approved registration list will be turned away at the gate.

🎟️Mandatory & Free Registration:
https://www.fws.gov/event/flute-concert-breathing-nature

Date & Time:
- Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Concert: 7:00–8:00 PM
- Arrival window: 6:15–6:30 PM (Gate at 230 Bald Eagle Dr, Laurel, MD)

🌧 Rain Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

What to Bring:
- Your own chair
- A flashlight or headlamp
- Bug spray

07/25/2026

Come check out the Friends of Patuxent Local Community Environmental Fair. It will be happening today (07/25) from 10am to 2pm.

Hosted by the Friends of Patuxent at the South Tract of Patuxent Research Refuge, this family-friendly event is part of the Friends of Patuxent’s 90th Anniversary Celebration.

07/18/2026

Join us for a Nature Photography Talk & Walk! 📷

Today, (07/18) the Bowie‑Crofton Camera Club will be hosting a special Nature Photography Talk & Walk at the refuge! This family‑friendly program is perfect for beginning and intermediate photographers, and is open to ages 5 and up.

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, club members will lead a 30-40 minute talk exploring different approaches to creating memorable nature photographs. You’ll learn techniques for photographing plants, landscapes, and wildlife.

After the talk, join club members for a relaxed photo‑walk near the Visitor Center, where you can practice what you learned. Check out our events page for more info:

Created to conserve and protect wildlife and wildlands through research, Patuxent Research Refuge offers 13,000 acres of tranquil forest, meadow and wetlands amid a densely populated urban area. Countless birds, mammals, pollinators, amphibians, and more call it home. Immerse yourself in this natura...

07/16/2026

Last week we celebrated a major milestone for the Patuxent Research Refuge! The successful transfer of 105 acres of forested land from NASA Goddard to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This important addition helps strengthen the Refuge’s mission and protects vital habitat for generations to come.

Our "Hundred Acre Wood" joined a larger forest today.

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred about 105 acres of forested land from Goddard to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, adding to the nearly 13,000 acres that comprise the nation’s only refuge specifically established to support wildlife research.

07/11/2026

Upcoming Events at Patuxent!

Wingspan Game Play – July 10, 2026 (10 AM – 1 PM) & July 25, 2026 (10 AM – 1 PM)
Wingspan is an award‑winning board game that celebrates birds. During these sessions, participants will learn the rules while enjoying a friendly and relaxed gameplay experience. It’s a great opportunity to explore nature through strategy and creativity.

Nature Photography Talk/Walk – July 18, 2026 (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
Bowie‑Crofton Camera Club members will give a talk highlighting different approaches to capturing memorable nature photographs. The session is designed for beginning and intermediate photographers and will cover plants, landscapes, and wildlife. After the talk, participants will enjoy a guided walk to practice their new skills. Remember to bring your cameras!

Friends of Patuxent’s Local Community Environmental Fair – July 25, 2026 (10 AM – 2 PM)
The Environmental Fair is part of the Friends of Patuxent’s 90th Anniversary celebrations for Patuxent Research Refuge. Visitors can explore exhibits from more than 20 local environmental and conservation groups, enjoy live music, and experience a special film showing of The Extraordinary Caterpillar. Keith Kozloff’s photography exhibit will be featured in the Hollingsworth Gallery, and families can participate in a variety of hands‑on children’s activities throughout the day. This event is happening rain or shine, so plan to join us for a full day of nature, learning, and community fun.

07/02/2026

Holiday Alert:
On Friday, July 3, the Visitor Center will be closed. The refuge grounds will remain open until sunset, and the Cash Lake Gate will close at 4 PM.

On Saturday, July 4, the Visitor Center will be closed again. All South Tract grounds will also be closed, including the Cash Lake Gate.

According to the National Weather Service, very hot and humid conditions are expected from Wednesday through Sunday, with the most extreme heat likely from Thursday through Saturday (July 2 to 4). Please plan ahead, stay hydrated, and check weather conditions before visiting. Your safety is our priority.

06/18/2026

Holiday Alert:
On Friday, June 19 the Visitor Center at South Tract, along with the North Tract will remain closed for the federal holiday. South Tract grounds remain open for visitors.

Summer Hours Alert:
Beginning Sunday, June 20, North Tract will open at 6:30 AM for the Summer season. Closing time will remain 4:00 PM, and North Tract will continue operating on its Sunday-only schedule.

06/04/2026

Good morning visitors. We have several important refuge updates to share with you. Please take a moment to read the information below.

Changes to North Tract:
Effective Sunday, June 7, Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract will enact some changes to open areas. North Tract will remain open to the public on Sundays from 8 AM to 4 PM. To keep visitors safe, we will be adding updated maps, barricades, and clear signage throughout the area. Please review and follow all posted restrictions during your visit.

Maryland Free Fishing Days:
No angler’s license required on
Saturday, June 6
Saturday, June 13

90th Anniversary Bike Ride at North Tract:
Join us on a scenic, paved-road bike ride. Meet Friends of Patuxent volunteers at North Tract’s Contact Station for this family-friendly, relaxed-pace ride. Observe wildlife, ask questions, learn about this refuge’s 90 years of wildlife conservation history! Check our website for more information.

05/21/2026

The National Wildlife Visitor Center will be closed on Memorial Day, May 25th.

However, the refuge grounds at the south tract will remain open for visitors who wish to spend the holiday exploring our trails and enjoying the outdoors.