Education - For Everyone

In addition to being valuable habitat for endangered species and vital sites for research within the Chesapeake Bay, Otter Point Creek, Jug Bay, and Monie Bay are also great recreational and informal destinations.

Jug Bay and Otter Point Creek both have miles of trails, many of which feature dramatic views of the estuary. The components frequently offer guided tours of the reserve to visitors. Please check the components web sites below or the events calendar to find out more about upcoming programs for all ages.


A young firl sitting on the ground.Do you have questions about the human or natural history of the Chesapeake Bay?

Are you a life long learner with questions? Visit the “For Students” page for information about the Bay and estuaries across the US, because students come in all shapes, and sizes, no matter their age.


Woman putting a bird in a nest. Patuxent River Park

Operated by the Maryland National Capitol Parks and Planning Commission, the Park is 7,000+ acres of tidal freshwater wetlands along the Patuxent River. It is located in Croom, southeast of Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, 20 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. and 15 miles north of Waldorf.


Two young girls standing behind tall grass. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Operated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Park, the Sanctuary is 1,600 acres of tidal freshwater wetlands, forests, meadows, and fields along the Patuxent River. It is located in Lothian, southern Anne Arundel County, 20 miles east of Washington D.C. and 18 miles south of Annapolis.


Image of man wearing baseball cap and smilling. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center

Operated by Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Izaak Walton League of America, the Otter Point Creek component is 704 acres of shallow freshwater marsh, forests, and wooded wetlands. It is located at the headwaters of the Bush River in Abingdon, southern Harford County, 23 miles northeast of Baltimore and 8 miles south of Bel Air.

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