Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a special Open House on Saturday, December 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to commemorate its 50th year as a National Wildlife Refuge. The community is invited to explore Eastern Neck Island and areas of the Refuge that are normally closed to the public. “This is a great 
time of year to bring your binoculars and learn about local wildlife and island habitat,” says Gren Whitman, president of the Friends of Eastern Neck.
Refuge facilities include miles of hiking paths through woods and meadows, a small natural history/visitor center, ponds, beach access, wildlife and waterfowl observation decks, a watertrail with public access, a butterfly garden (pretty even in winter), a caretaker’s house, picnic areas, bike racks, a small gift shop, restrooms and ample visitor parking.
The Friends of Eastern Neck, the Center for Environment & Society at Washington College, the Kent County Bird Club, a local chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are teaming up to offer guided walks and talks throughout the day. All the tours, talks and nature walks start at the Refuge Office. “It’s a family-friendly schedule,” says Refuge Manager Cindy Beemiller: 9:15 a.m. – Tubby Cove & Boxes Point bird walk; 10:30 a.m. – Cedar Point Wildlife Walk; 11:00 a.m. – Green Tree Reservoir tour; 1:30 p.m. – Shipyard Creek Wildlife Walk; 2:30 p.m. – Duck Impoundment & pond tour. The Open House will also feature live music, a complimentary light lunch, and children’s activities that include crafts and archery.
This rain or shine event is free and open to the public. Tickets for the tours are free and will be available at the Refuge Office the day of the event only. ENNWR is located at 1730 Eastern Neck Road in Rock Hall. For more information, contact Rachel Field [email protected] or call (410) 810-7162. To learn more about volunteer opportunities through the Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc. visit www.fws.gov/northeast/easternneck/ or call (410) 639-7056.
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