Eastern Neck Open House

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a special Open House on Saturday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The community is invited to explore Eastern Neck Island and areas of the Refuge that are normally closed to the public. “This is a great time of year to bring your binoculars and learn about local wildlife and island habitat,” says Gren Whitman, president of the Friends.

Refuge facilities include miles of hiking paths through woods and meadows, a small natural history/visitor center, ponds, beach access, wildlife and waterfowl observation decks, a watertrail with public access, a butterfly garden (pretty even in winter), a caretaker's house, relaxing picnic areas, bike racks, a small gift shop, clean restrooms and an ample visitor parking lot.

The Friends of Eastern Neck, the Center for Environment & Society at Washington College, the Kent County Bird Club, a local chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are teaming up to offer guided walks and talks throughout the day. All the tours, talks and nature walks start at the Refuge Office. The bird walk begins at the trail head. “It’s a family-friendly schedule,” says Refuge Manager Cindy Beemiller: 10:00 AM – Tubby Cove & Boxes Point bird walk; 10:30 AM – Cedar Point nature walk; 11:00 AM – Green Tree Reservoir tour; 12:15 PM – Tundra Swan talk; 1:30 PM – Shipyard Creek nature walk; 1:45 PM – Maintenance “Nuts & Bolts” talk; 2:30 PM – Duck Impoundment & pond tour. Bookstore manager Jackie Cicconi says she’s promoting a 10% discount all day, and the visitor center will feature live music and lunch concessions at noon.

This rain or shine event is free and open to the public. ENNWR is located at 1730 Eastern Neck Road in Rock Hall. For more information, contact colby_hawkinson@fws.gov or jfairchild2@washcoll.edu. To learn more about volunteer opportunities through the Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc. visit www.fws.gov/northeast/easternneck/ or call (410) 639-7056.