Patuxent Research Refuge

Fish and Wildlife Service, Maryland.

Patuxent Research Refuge was established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and is the only wildlife refuge established to support wildlife research. Today the U.S. Geological Survey’s Eastern Ecological Science Center carries on the refuge’s rich tradition in scientific  investigation.

Biologically, the refuge is of regional importance in that it is home to many deep-forest song birds such as the Scarlet Tanager. Patuxent’s large areas of unbroken tree cover, rare in central Maryland, allows these birds to hide from predators.

Patuxent’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan provides long-term guidance for management decisions and sets forth goals, objectives, and strategies needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs.   See the Conservation Plan.

Currently, the refuge welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year.

Nearby Activities

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Birding
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Interpretive Programs
• Photography
• Visitor Center
• Wildlife Viewing

Directions

South Tract & Visitor Center Entrance

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Laurel, MD 20708

From Washington, D.C.: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) North, Exit 22 to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville exit. Turn right (east) onto Powder Mill Road and go 2.0 miles. Turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.

From Baltimore, MD: Take Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) south to Powder Mill Road-Beltsville Exit. Turn left onto Powder Mill Road (East). Go 2.0 miles and turn right into Visitor Center entrance (Scarlet Tanager Loop). Go 1.4 miles to Visitor Center Parking area.

North Tract Entrance

230 Bald Eagle Drive

Laurel, MD 20724

From Washington, D.C.: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway/Route 295 North. Exit onto MD-Route 198 East, toward Fort Meade. Travel on 198 E/Fort Meade Road for almost 2 miles. Then turn right at the Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract sign, onto Bald Eagle Drive (just before the ball fields). Travel 1 mile to the North Tract Visitor Information Station. Visitors must sign in at the Visitor Information Station.

From Baltimore: Take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway/Route 295 South. Exit onto MD-Route 198 East, toward Fort Meade. Keep left at the fork; follow signs for MD-198 E/Fort Meade. Turn left onto Route 198 East; travel about 2 miles. Turn right at the Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract sign (just before the ball fields) onto Bald Eagle Drive. Travel 1 mile to the North Tract Visitor Information Station. Visitors must sign in at the Visitor Information Station.

Additional Information