Patuxent Research Refuge

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Patuxent Research Refuge

For more information about Patuxent Research Refuge, visit http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/ Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Patuxent Research Refuge is one of over 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world’s largest network of lands and waters dedicated to protecting wildlife and their habitat. With land surrounding the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, the Refuge has grown from the original

2,670 acres to its present size of 12,841 acres and encompasses land formerly managed by the Departments of Agriculture and Defense. Throughout decades of change, Patuxent's mission of conserving and protecting the nation's wildlife and habitat through research and wildlife management techniques has remained virtually unchanged.

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.

05/09/2026

Join us for a special Bark Ranger event in partnership with the Prince George’s Animal Services Division! Today at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM - Bark Ranger Sign Ups
11AM to 2PM - Meet Adoptable dogs & the Prince George’s Animal Services Division
1:30 PM to 2:45PM - Bark Ranger Program

Bring your dogs, learn how to become a Bark Ranger, meet adoptable dogs, and enjoy a fun and educational afternoon on the refuge! No registration required, but space is limited. Bark Ranger Participants will be first come first serve.

04/25/2026

South Tract Visitor Center Closure

Due to a power outage, the Visitor Center located at the South Tract of Patuxent Research Refuge is closed on 04/25/2026. We appreciate your understanding. South Tract grounds will remain open.

04/17/2026

Paw-Tuxent Bark Ranger Program

Join us for a special Bark Ranger event in partnership with the Prince George’s Animal Services Division! Saturday, May 9th at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM - Bark Ranger Sign Ups
11AM to 2PM - Meet Adoptable dogs & the Prince George’s Animal Services Division
1:30 PM to 2:45PM - Bark Ranger Program

Bring your dogs, learn how to become a Bark Ranger, meet adoptable dogs, and enjoy a fun and educational afternoon on the refuge! No registration required, but space is limited.
Bark Ranger Participants will be first come first serve.

04/13/2026

Please save the date for our upcoming BARK Ranger Program on Saturday, May 9! More details to come soon.

04/06/2026

Prescribed Fire Notice: Tuesday, April 7th and Wednesday, April 8th

Personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are planning to conduct a series of controlled burns on Patuxent Research Refuge lands. This Tuesday and Wednesday look preferable.

Residents and visitors to the Laurel/Bowie/Odenton area may see or smell smoke periodically during this time. The burns will occur on several units located on the Refuge’s North Tract. Visitor access will not be affected as the North Tract is only open on Sundays.

Expert fire teams use fire to remove dead biomass for future vegetation and habitat management, to facilitate control of exotic plants, and to restore important wildlife habitat. Another use of controlled burns is to reduce hazardous fuels, flammable vegetation that could pose hazards to visitors and local communities if they burned in an uncontrolled wildfire.

03/26/2026

Prescribed Fire Notice:

Personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are planning to conduct a series of controlled burns on Patuxent Research Refuge lands.

Residents and visitors to the Laurel/Bowie/Odenton area may see or smell smoke periodically during this time. The burns will occur on several units located on the Refuge’s North Tract. Visitor access will not be affected as the North Tract is only open on Sundays.

Expert fire teams use fire to remove dead biomass for future vegetation and habitat management, to facilitate control of exotic plants, and to restore important wildlife habitat. Another use of controlled burns is to reduce hazardous fuels, flammable vegetation that could pose hazards to visitors and local communities if they burned in an uncontrolled wildfire.

Visitors are encouraged to check our page and websites for updates. Posts will be made as soon as we have exact days and locations.

03/13/2026

The visitor center on the South Tract will be closed on Saturday, March 14. We will resume regular hours on Wednesday, March 18.

02/26/2026

As you may have noticed, our Visitor Center has been bustling during the past few spring seasons, and even more field trips are already on the way!

Our Education Team, made up of both staff and volunteers, continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting local Green Schools and community schools. Together, we help students, teachers, and administrators become more environmentally conscious. Just last week, we welcomed 5th grade students from Vansville Elementary School, who explored earth systems with us, including the water cycle, radioactivity, animal life cycles, and the challenges faced by migrating birds.

Learn more about Maryland Green Schools here: https://marylandgreenschools.org/

And if you are interested in becoming an education team volunteer, please stop by and ask a ranger or visit our website here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research

02/14/2026

Holiday Alert: On Monday, February 16 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.

Address

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop
Laurel, MD
20708

Telephone

+13014975763

Website

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Patuxent/

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