Goals & Mission
The Sanctuary protects more than 1,500 acres of natural lands along the Patuxent River estuary in southern Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Each year about 10,000 people visit the Sanctuary to enjoy the scenery, to view wildlife, and to participate in educational and research programs. The Friends of Jug Bay have prepared a Fact Sheet that describes the Sanctuary, the unique character of the Jug Bay area, and several issues that could have a negative impact on the local environment.
The Sanctuary has three primary goals:
1. To Provide Environmental Education Opportunities
Programs focus on habitats, water chemistry, and reptile, amphibian, bird, fish, invertebrate and plant populations. Activities foster awareness and understanding of wetland and upland forest ecosystems.
2. To Conduct Ecological Research
Natural history, wildlife population status, and environmental conditions are studied by staff naturalists and volunteers to better understand wetland ecosystems and the ecology of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. Jug Bay is also open to researchers from other institutions, universities and government agencies.
3. To Conserve and Protect the Jug Bay Ecosystem
Critical habitats and wildlife populations found within the Sanctuary are protected and monitored to ensure their continued survival. Volunteers and staff practice land stewardship to maintain healthy, natural ecosystems. Policies are implemented and reviewed in order to achieve these goals. Current management decisions are guided by a Management Plan.