Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor's Center
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is the wintering ground for several thousand Canada geese, the largest concentration on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
The sanctuary was named after Edgar Merkle (1900-1984), an active conservationist who devoted much of his life to protecting and providing for wildlife. Many knew him as the founder of Merkle Press in Washington, D.C. (1936), and others knew him as the originator of a goose breeding plan to introduce Canada geese to the western shores of Maryland (1932). Starting with a handful of breeding pairs, a great deal of perseverance, and a habitat improvement plan in mind, Mr. Merkle eventually encouraged thousands of geese to visit the 400-acre Merkle farm to feed and rest. In 1970, the Merkles sold their land, including some donated parcles, to the state. With the acquisition of adjoining tracts, the wildlife refuge now encompasses 1,670 acres.
Entrance Service Charges
Honor system; chargeable at all times.
- $2/vehicle; $3/vehicle out-of-state residents
- $10 per small bus
- $20 per school/charter bus
Click here for additional information about the sanctuary as well as a map of the facility's trails.
SEASONAL NATURALIST NEEDED
If you enjoy working outdoors, being around people and are interested in becoming a steward of the natural resources, then this job is for you!
Starting salary is $11.00/hr (requires weekend/holiday and rotating shift work. The special requirements include minimum age 21 years; must have a valid drivers license; must pass a criminial background check, and must have excellence in public speaking.
The seasonal naturalist is responsible for conducting natural and cultural history programs and other activities for park visitors. The naturalist will make displays and update bulletin boards, provide visitor information and do campfire programs. Duties will include:
*developing and leading nature programs
*providing visitor information
*developing flyers and bulletin board displays
*staffing visitor center
*interpreting local resources to park visitors
*preparing interpretive programs
*computer use
*completing monthly reports, visitor and revenue reports
For further information, contact the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex at 800-784-5380.
THE SANCTUARY
The geese arrive in mid-October and stay until late February or early March. About 100 geese stay the year round. During the peak of the season, more than 5,000 geese may be present. Corn, millet and other crops favored by geese are grown for them, adding to the marsh and aquatic plants that flourish in the ponds along the Patuxent River.
The sanctuary also offers habitats for a variety of birds and mammals. On a visit to Merkle, one may see red fox, a groundhog, or a white-tailed deer. In the summer, ospreys nest close to the Visitor Center and the hummingbirds, finches and purple martins are abundant. In the neighboring ponds, visitors are likely to see herons and other water birds. On the trails one can see bluebirds and many different songbirds.
Birdwatching, hiking, biking and fishing are available at various times of the year. A service charge of $2 per vehicle is payable at the entrance. Most programs are free or reasonably priced. Quarterly calendars listing upcoming programs are available for the spring, summer, fall and winter months. Call to have a calendar mailed to you. Pets are not allowed. The Wildlife Sanctuary and hiking trails are open 7 a.m. to sunset daily all year, except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
VISITOR CENTER
The center is a handsome building set atop a rise overlooking several ponds and many acres of fields and woods sloping down to the Patuxent River. Its two-story wall of windows and circular balconies face a spectacular view. Ramps and an elevator allow visitors with disabilities to reach both levels of the building and the paths around it.
The exhibits focus primarily on the life history and management of the Canada goose. Other exhibits focus on the habitat of the area. A Discovery Room for children has live snakes, frogs, turtles and other wildlife species. The lower level includes a children's coloring table and a book nook. There is also a gift shop featuring nature items.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. The Visitor Center is open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday only; it is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday - Friday from May 15 - September 15.
CRITICAL AREA DRIVING TOUR
The four-mile Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour (CADT) is open for self-guided driving tours on Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. throughout the year. The tour begins at Patuxent River Park. Take Croom Airport Road, off Croom Road (north of Merkle). The CADT travels across the Mattaponi Creek onto the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary.
The CADT is open for biking, hiking and horseback riding daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, January through September. Access for hiking and biking is from either end of the tour. Horses are prohibited on the CADT bridge, so all horseback riding on the CADT must begin and end at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary.
The CADT offers a unique opportunity to see and learn about the outstanding natural resources along the Patuxent River.
Maryland Conservation Corps
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is supported by a Maryland Conservation Corps Program. The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an AmeriCorps program that engages young adults, ages 17-25, who want to dedicate a year of service to natural resource conservation. Over a ten to 11-month period, MCC members work as crews to complete 1,700 hours of service. Conservation service activities include: trail maintenance, environmental education, stream & wetland restoration, park facility improvements, invasive species removal and Bay grass planting. Extensive member training is provided, including: First Responder certification, Wildland Fire Fighting certification, Search and Rescue certification, Park Operations, Environmental Education and Interpretation, Chainsaw Safety, Leave No Trace and Canoe Trip Leading.
No minimum qualifications are required other than transportation to the designated job site and a desire to serve. Low-cost State Housing is available at certain crew sites. Benefits include a living allowance of $7.00/hour, health care benefits, child care assistance (if eligible) and a $4,725 education scholarship award for those members that complete $1,700 hours of service. MCC employs a Zero Tolerance Policy for any member who uses alcohol or illegal drugs while attending an MCC project, training or event.
For more information or to apply, contact the park manager or download an application from the Maryland Department of Natural Resource’s Maryland Conservation Corps website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mcc/yearround.htm
DIRECTIONS TO MERKLE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
- From Annapolis: 34.5 miles
Follow Route 50 West to Route 301 South. Continue on Route 301 South to Croom Road (Route 382). Turn left on Croom Road and follow to St. Thomas Church Road. Turn left on St. Thomas Church Road (watch carefully for oncoming traffic) and continue to Fenno Road. Follow Fenno Road, and signs, to the Sanctuary. - From Baltimore: 35.5 miles
Exit Beltway (I-695) at Route 3 South to Route 301 (joins at the junction with Route 50). Continue on Route 301 South to Croom Road (Route 382). Turn left on Croom Road and follow to St. Thomas Church Road. Turn left on St. Thomas Church Road (watch carefully for oncoming traffic) and continue to Fenno Road. Follow Fenno Road, and signs, to the Sanctuary. - From Washington, D.C.: 11.7 miles
From Beltway (I-495/95) follow to Exit 11 at Route 4 East (Pennsylvania Avenue) toward Upper Marlboro. Continue on Route 4 to Route 301 South. Continue on Route 301 South to Croom Road (Route 382). Turn left on Croom Road and follow to St. Thomas Church Road. Turn left on St. Thomas Church Road (watch carefully for oncoming traffic) and continue to Fenno Road. Follow Fenno Road, and signs, to the Sanctuary. - From Waldorf: 11 miles
Follow Route 301 North to Croom Road (Route 382). Turn right on Croom Road to St. Thomas Church Road. Turn left on St. Thomas Church Road (watch carefully for oncoming traffic) and continue to Fenno Road. Follow Fenno Road, and signs, to the Sanctuary.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
11704 Fenno Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-888-1410
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.