Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

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Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

For the official information about Eastern Neck NWR go to: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck
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Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This 2,285-acre island refuge is a major feeding and resting place for migrating and wintering waterfowl. More than 100,000 ducks, geese and swans seek sanctuary here each year, as do migrating and breeding songbirds and shorebirds, and bald eagles that thrive

here year-round. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge provides a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages. Nearly nine miles of trails and roads, including universally-accessible boardwalks and a waterside trail, are open to visitors most of the year, providing excellent wildlife viewing and spectacular Chesapeake Bay vistas. Facilities for boating, fishing, and crabbing are also available. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is just one of over 550 refuges that comprise the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants.

06/12/2026

One of the best ways you can help protect turtles is to assist them in crossing roads. Here are some tips to do it right!

1. If possible, stand guard while it finishes on its own. It's always best to avoid touching wildlife if you can.
2. If you must move a turtle, move it in the direction it was heading.
3. Never pick a turtle up by its tail! You could injure it!
4. Move turtles with a car mat or by gently holding them by the back of their shell.

Photo by John Wilwol

06/10/2026

It's wild turtle week, a time to shell-e-brate some important turtle species and the roles they play in the wild!
The diamondback terrapin is not only our state reptile, but it's a “keystone species,” meaning it plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. It does so by consuming species that, if left unchecked, could put quite a dent in our salt marsh grasses!

Photo credit: Faith Waaramaa

05/25/2026

The bald eagle became a symbol of the United States in 1782.

Since then, generations of Americans have defended the freedoms represented by that symbol.

This Memorial Day, we honor the service members who gave their lives for our country and remember the freedoms that allow Americans to experience and share our public lands and wildlife.

As our nation approaches the Freedom 250 milestone, we remember that freedom has always carried a cost.

Photo of bald eagle courtesy of Gordon Garcia

05/19/2026

It's May! Time to look for mayapples on the refuge! A healthy population can be seen along the Wildlife Trail, where it forms dense mats in the open, damp woods. Look for the single, white flower underneath its large, umbrella-like leaves. The ripe fruit is a favorite of the eastern box turtle, which is thought to serve as the plant's primary seed disperser.
Photo credit: USFWS

05/09/2026

This time of year, Eastern bluebird nests are full of life! Eastern bluebirds are cavity nesters, and may use natural cavities or nest boxes, weaving a nest of grasses and pine needles. Once hatched, bluebird nestlings will remain in the nest for roughly 17-21 days.

Photo by Marilyn Wilwol/USFWS volunteer

04/22/2026

Last week contractors completed a 6.5 acre tree planting to widen the forested buffer in a few select areas around the island. Increasing the buffer width will improve wildlife habitat and water quality. A big shout out to the Friends of Eastern Neck for sponsoring this project!

04/19/2026

From staffing the Visitor Contact Station and maintaining trails and the BayScape Garden, to surveying wildlife, and servicing equipment, Eastern Neck volunteers are the heart 💗 of the refuge. We celebrated and recognized these amazing volunteers last week at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Join us in showing your appreciation below in the comments! With much thanks to the Friends of Eastern Neck for their support! 💗💗💗

04/14/2026

Nest box monitoring has begun for bluebirds! Our dedicated volunteers did their first round of nest box checks this week, and found 26 eggs and 3 nestlings! Bluebirds are found on the refuge year-round, but are more visible in the spring and summer when they are nesting.
Photo credit: Lisa Mayo

04/11/2026

Just a reminder that the refuge will be closed until noon today, Saturday, April 11, for the mentored youth turkey hunt.

04/08/2026

In partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, the mentored youth turkey hunts will take place this Saturday, April 11, and next Saturday, April 18, at the refuge Please note that the refuge will be closed until noon on both of these days. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

Photo credit: Wild turkey by Donna Wadsley

Address

1730 Eastern Neck Road
Rock Hall, MD
21661

Telephone

+14106397056

Website

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck/

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