Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recognizes Volunteers at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

June 17, 2023 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently recognized volunteers of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for their service to the refuge during 2022. Volunteers at Eastern Neck NWR do everything from maintaining the butterfly garden, staffing the Visitor Contact Station, and maintaining trails, facilities, and equipment, to leading bird walks, monitoring nest boxes, and surveying waterfowl. During 2022, 55 volunteers contributed 2,820 hours of their time to the refuge!

Eastern Neck NWR volunteers that surpassed the 50-hour milestone in 2022 include Donna Wadsley, Cece Trainor, and Karen Biddle. Pictured with them are Marcia Pradines Long, Refuge Manager, and Michele Whitbeck, Volunteer Coordinator. Not pictured is Bill Burton.

Special recognition was given to volunteers reaching key milestones in the number of hours they have contributed to the refuge. Award pins and certificates were presented to the following volunteers: Karen Biddle, Bill Burton, Cece Trainor, and Donna Wadsley (50 hours); Mary Lou Troy and Marilyn Wilwol (100 hours); John Wilwol (500 hours); and Jerry Lawrey and Stan Rempuszewski (750 hours). Each volunteer received a special recognition gift for their volunteer efforts.

Volunteers at Eastern Neck NWR play a critical role in helping the refuge fulfill its mission. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Eastern Neck NWR, please call 410-221-8157.

Refuge volunteer Jerry Lawrey received recognition for contributing over 750 hours of volunteer service to Eastern Neck NWR. Not pictured is Stan Rempuszewski, who also received recognition for 750 hours of volunteer service.

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a 2,285-acre island which supports a wide variety of habitats including brackish marsh, natural ponds, upland forest, and grasslands for a diversity of wildlife. The refuge holds the designation of Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern-Neckor @EasternNeckNWR.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsnortheast/, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/usfwsnortheast.

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Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Announces 2019 Youth Turkey Hunt

March 23, 2019 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) in cooperation with the National Wild Turkey Federation will once again conduct a spring youth turkey hunt on the refuge for ages 12 to 16 years old.

The Youth Turkey Hunt will include two Saturdays: April 13^th and April 20^th, 2019.

Request applications by email at [email protected] or print applications from https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern_Neck/visit/visitor_activities.html

The refuge will be closed to the public until noon on April 13^th and April 20^th, 2019 for the Youth Turkey Hunts.

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a 2,285 acre island which supports a wide variety of habitats including brackish marsh, natural ponds, upland forest, and grasslands for a diversity of wildlife. The refuge holds the designation of Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Eastern_Neck/.

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Winter Walks in Sanctuary Areas at Eastern Neck NWR

October 20, 2018 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

Three winter waterfowl walks and two Refuge walks at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge – all in sanctuary areas – are again being sponsored this year by Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc. The walks provide a great opportunity to be guided through areas of the Refuge not usually open to the public, with a good chance of spotting waterfowl and wildlife.

Depending on the month and location, participants can expect to observe Canada geese, tundra swans, scaup, ruddy ducks, mallards, buffleheads, black ducks and canvasbacks, as well as bald eagles and other wildlife, such as fox, deer, groundhogs, and wild turkeys.

Guided walks start promptly at 8:00 a.m. on five Saturdays:

November 3- Refuge Walk
December 1 – Waterfowl Walk
January 5 – Waterfowl Walk
February 2 – Waterfowl Walk
March 2- Refuge Walk

These two mile walks take place on flat terrain and typically last for about two hours.A local birding expert or naturalist will guide each walk. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and a camera, and remember to wear boots and dress warmly. There are no rain dates.

Registration for each walk is limited to 20 participants, first-come, first-served. Children over 12 are permitted, but no dogs. Walks are free, but tax-deductible donations payable to Friends of Eastern Neck are greatly appreciated to keep the program self-sustaining. To register at Eventbrite, go to: https://bit.ly/ENwinterwalks. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Baile at 410-639-7160.

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Winter Walks in Sanctuary Areas at Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

August 28, 2017 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

Three winter waterfowl walks and two Refuge walks—all in sanctuary areas—are again being sponsored by Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc.

“This is a great opportunity to be guided through areas of the Refuge not usually open to the public,” says Cindy Beemiller, refuge manager. “You’ll be guided off the beaten path, with a good chance of spotting waterfowl and wildlife.”

Depending on the month and location, expect to observe Canada geese, tundra swans, scaup, ruddy ducks, mallards, buffleheads, black ducks, and canvasbacks, as well as bald eagles and other wildlife, such as fox, deer, groundhogs, and wild turkeys.

Guided walks start promptly at 8:00 a.m. on five Saturdays:

November 4 – Refuge Walk

December 2 – Waterfowl Walk

January 6 – Waterfowl Walk

February 3 – Waterfowl Walk

March 3 – Refuge Walk

A local birding expert or naturalist will guide each walk. Plan for a flat, two-mile outing of about two hours, with cocoa and cookies at Refuge Headquarters after. Bring binoculars and a camera. Wear boots and dress warmly. No rain date.

Registration for each walk is limited to 20, first-come, first-served. Children over 12 are permitted, but no dogs. Walks are free (with a tax-deductible donation payable to Friends of Eastern Neck appreciated to keep the program self-sustaining). To register, go to Eventbrite

NOTE: Each Friday evening before these walks is a “First Friday” in Chestertown, Kent County’s seat, with special exhibits, public performances, including music, and general merriment and fun, with most shops open late.

For more information, contact:

Gren Whitman (in Rock Hall)

E-mail: [email protected]

or call him: 443-691-9370

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Waterfowl Walks in Sanctuary Areas at Eastern Neck NWR

September 14, 2016 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

“This is a great opportunity to see thousands of wintering waterfowl up close, and in areas not normally open to the public,” says Cindy Beemiller, manager of the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. “You’ll be guided way off the beaten track!”

Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc., announces the second year of five Winter Waterfowl Walks at Eastern Neck NWR, one per month, starting November 5.

Conditions permitting, thousands of Canada geese, tundra swans, scaup, ruddy ducks, buffleheads, mallards, black ducks, canvasbacks, mergansers, grebes, and wood ducks can be spotted as the winter progresses. Resident bald eagles are often observed at Eastern Neck, as well as other local wildlife.

Guided walks start at 8:00 a.m. on five Saturdays: November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, and March 4. The walks will include Panhandle Point, Hail Creek, and Shipyard Creek, all Refuge areas ordinarily off-limits to the public.

A local birding expert will guide each walk. Plan for a flat, two-mile walk of about two hours, with cocoa and cookies served at Refuge Headquarters afterward. Bring binoculars and a camera. Wear boots and dress warmly! No rain dates.

Registration for each walk is limited to 20, first-come, first served. Children over 12 are permitted, but no dogs. Walks are free (with a tax-deductible donation to Friends of Eastern Neck appreciated to keep the program self-sustaining). To register at “Eventbrite,” go to: https://bit.do/winterwaterfowlwalks

NOTE: Each of the Friday evenings before these Saturday walks is a “First Friday” in Chestertown, Kent County’s seat, with special exhibits, public performances, including music, and general merriment, with most shops open late.

Because the walks are early morning, if you’re traveling from a distance, you may consider obtaining Friday night accommodations in Rock Hall (5 miles from Refuge) or Chestertown (12 miles). Each registrant will be mailed an information packet with precise directions to the Refuge and local motels and B&Bs, restaurants, shopping opportunities, and other points of interest in Kent County.

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Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge to Hold Youth Turkey Hunt

March 8, 2014 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in cooperation with the National Wild Turkey Federation will once again conduct a gobbler-only spring youth turkey hunt on the refuge. The Youth Turkey Hunt will include two Saturdays during the State season: April 19th and April 26th, 2014.

Pick up applications at the refuge office from 11 am to 3 pm most days. Request applications by email [email protected] or phone 410-639-7056.

Completed applications must be received or postmarked no later than April 3, 2014. See the application for details. The drawing to select youth hunters will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014.

The refuge will be CLOSED from 7:30 am to noon during the Youth Turkey Hunts on April 19 and April 26, 2014.

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Book Signing with Heather Davidson and Joe Lupsha at Eastern Neck NWR

March 7, 2014 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

Heather Davidson

Heather Davidson is known as one of the premier photojournalists in Maryland and, even after moving to Maine in 2005, has spent at least three months each year since then back in her favorite Eastern Shore locales, concentrating on photographing the wildlife at the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, south of Rock Hall, especially the ospreys.

Heather and collaborator Joe Lupsha took so many pictures of ospreys at the Refuge, in fact, that they decided to compile them in a book for everyone to enjoy. The result is Ospreys: Images of their Fascinating World, and she has given the Friends of Eastern Neck first rights to sell the book in the Refuge bookstore.

Ospreys: Images of their Fascinating World

The Friends have scheduled a book signing for Heather and Joe from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the Refuge Lodge. While the book will eventually sell for $16.00 plus tax, it will be offered that day for only $15.00, tax included.

As a bonus, visitors will almost certainly be able to spot the returning ospreys busy building their nests as spring gets under way.

For more information about the signing or for directions to the Refuge, call the Refuge office at 410-639-7056.

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Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge Announces Youth Turkey Hunt Starts April 27

April 17, 2013 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

The refuge will be CLOSED from 7:30 am to noon during the Youth Turkey Hunts on April 27 and May 4, 2013.

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Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Announces Youth Turkey Hunt

March 4, 2013 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in cooperation with the National Wild Turkey Federation will once again conduct a gobbler-only spring youth turkey hunt on the refuge.

The Youth Turkey Hunt will include two Saturdays during the state spring turkey season: April 27^th and May 4^th, 2013. A refuge hunt permit is required. A limited number of permits will be issued to ensure a high-quality and safe hunting experience. Three youth hunters between the ages of 10 and 16 will be randomly selected for each hunt day. Only youths ages 10 through 15 who were not chosen for a past Youth Turkey Hunt at Eastern Neck NWR will be eligible.

Applications for permits may be obtained:

online at https://www.fws.gov/northeast/easternneck/hunting.html
by writing to Eastern Neck NWR, 1730 Eastern Neck Road, Rock Hall, MD 21661
or by contacting Eastern Neck NWR at 410-639-7056.

There is no application fee. There are three ways to submit the completed application. 1) Completed applications sent via mail must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, March 26^th, 2013. 2) Completed applications must be dropped off at the Eastern Neck NWR Refuge Office/Visitor Contact station by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 26^th, 2013. Completed applications must be emailed [email protected] by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 26^th, 2013.

The drawing will be held on Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2013. All successful applicants will be notified by telephone following the drawing.

All youth hunters who have successfully drawn a 2013 turkey tag may access refuge lands for hunt scouting on Sunday, April 21^st and Sunday, April 28^th from 7:30am until 1/2 hour after sunset. All youth hunters who have successfully drawn a 2013 turkey tag must attend a safety meeting the day before their scheduled hunt. This mandatory safety meeting will be held at the refuge at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26^th and Friday, May 3^rd at the Refuge Office/Visitor Contact Station. Youth hunters must present their valid Maryland hunting license at that time. Refuge hunt permits will be issued at the briefing.

Members of the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will be guiding each of the youths selected for the hunt. The youths may be accompanied by a non-gun carrying parent or guardian. The bag limit is one bearded turkey per youth. All Maryland rules and regulations related to the State’s spring turkey season are applicable and will be enforced during the special hunt on Eastern Neck NWR. Detailed refuge-specific hunt regulations will be provided to the successful applicants.

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Eastern Neck Refuge Open House set for December 8

November 11, 2012 by Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge

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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