Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Wildlife Service, Maryland.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located 12 miles south of Cambridge, Maryland, was established in 1933 as a refuge for migratory waterfowl. The refuge includes more than 27,000 acres, composed mainly of rich tidal marsh characterized by fluctuating water levels and variable salinity. Other habitat types include freshwater ponds, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, and small amounts of cropland and managed impoundments that are seasonally flooded for waterfowl use.
Originally established for migratory birds, primarily ducks and geese, Blackwater is one of the chief wintering areas for Canada Geese using the Atlantic Flyway. Geese number approximately 35,000 and ducks exceed 15,000 at the peak of fall migration, usually in November.
Blackwater is also haven for two of our nation's threatened or endangered species. The bald eagle (which has been upgraded from endangered to threatened) and Delmarva fox squirrels are regularly seen on the Refuge.
Activities and Experiences
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Deer Hunt Permits
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Turkey Hunt Lottery and Permits
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunt Permits
Nearby Activities
- Auto Touring
- Boating
- Environmental Education
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Interpretive Programs
- Paddling
- Photography
- Visitor Center
- Wildlife Viewing
Directions
Take Rt. 50 into Cambridge, MD. Turn south on to Rt. 16 at the Wal-Mart shopping center (across from the entrance to the Hyatt Regency). Travel approx. 7 miles to the town of Church Creek. Turn left on to Rt. 335. Travel approx. 4 miles, then turn left at Key Wallace Drive. Travel 1.5 miles to the Visitor Center, or 3 miles to access the Wildlife Drive.
