Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the critical migration highway called the Atlantic Flyway. The Refuge is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, just 12 miles south of Cambridge, Maryland in Dorchester County, and consists of over 27,000 acres (110 km²) of freshwater impoundments, brackish tidal wetlands, open fields, and mixed evergreen and deciduous forests. Blackwater NWR is one of over 540 units in the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Blackwater Refuge is fed by the Blackwater River and the Little Blackwater River. The name "blackwater" comes from the tea-colored waters of the local rivers, which are darkened by the tannin that is picked up as the water drains through peat soil in the marshes.

Wildlife

In addition to a wealth of wetlands and forests, Blackwater Refuge is also host to over 250 bird species, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, 165 species of threatened and endangered plants, and numerous mammals that can be spotted throughout the year in Blackwater's marshes, forests, meadows, and fields. During winter migration, Blackwater Refuge is also home to upwards of 35,000 geese and 15,000 ducks. The Refuge is currently host to three recovering species: the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel, the delisted migrant peregrine falcon, and the recently delisted American bald eagle.

Bald Eagles

The most famous wildlife resident in the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge is the bald eagle. The Refuge hosts the largest breeding population of bald eagles on the East Coast north of Florida, and during the winter, many eagles migrate to Blackwater Refuge from northern states and from Canada. The Friends of Blackwater website offers a live [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html Eagle Cam] that monitors an eagle nest on the Refuge.

In addition, the Friends of Blackwater also offer a live [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm.html Osprey Cam] that follows the adventures of a nesting pair of ospreys through the spring and summer.

Visitor Opportunities

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge also offers a wealth of [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/publicuse.html recreational and visitor opportunities] for all age groups. Although much of Blackwater Refuge is composed of wetlands, there are still many ways to get close to the wildlife and to enjoy the scenery.

The Refuge features a [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/visitorctr.html Visitor Center] on Key Wallace Drive where visitors will find wildlife exhibits, an authentic eagle's nest, Eagle Cam and Osprey Cam TV monitors, the Eagle's Nest Book and Gift Shop, a butterfly garden, restrooms, and maps and brochures that will help visitors make the most of their visit. On the second floor of the Visitor Center is the "Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature Observatory," which features bird exhibits and spotting scopes for viewing the Blackwater River, the marsh, and the Osprey Cam platform. (The second floor is accessible via a staircase or a handicap-accessible elevator). The staff at the Visitor Center also offers educational programs for children, as well as frequent organized bird walks, and an annual Eagle Festival and Open House.

The heart of Blackwater Refuge can be accessed via the [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/wildlifedr.html Wildlife Drive] , which is a paved road -- approximately 4 miles in length -- that takes visitors along the Blackwater River and offers excellent views of the local wildlife. Visitors can drive, bike, or walk the length of the Drive.

In addition to the Visitor Center and Wildlife Drive, Blackwater Refuge offers three paddling trails, four hiking trails, and hunting, fishing, and crabbing opportunities.

taff and Volunteers

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service staff at Blackwater Refuge have been honored by the [http://www.refugenet.org/ National Wildlife Refuge Association] and the [http://www.nfwf.org/ National Fish and Wildlife Foundation] . In 2006, Refuge Manager Glenn Carowan was named "Refuge Manager of the Year," and in 2007, Refuge employee Bill Giese was named "Employee of the Year."

The Blackwater Refuge staff is supported by the [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/index.html Friends of Blackwater] , which is a non-profit citizen support group that puts in many volunteer hours at the Refuge and sponsors various programs and projects throughout the year. In 2003, the Friends of Blackwater were named the "Friends Group of the Year."

External links

* [http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/ Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - USFWS]
* [http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/index.html Friends of Blackwater]