Public Programs

Reservations and entrance fees are required for all events, unless noted.
Call 410-741-9330 or e-mail programs@jugbay.org.
See Directions to the Sanctuary.
Programs are open to families and individuals. An adult must accompany children under 13.
Scouts and other groups must call to arrange a separate program.
Please note age limits for each program.

Entrance Fees
Adults: $3
Children under 18: $2
Over 60: $2
FOJB family membership: $25

Birding at Jug Bay
Saturday, September 6; 8:00-11:00am
Saturday, October 4; 8:00-11:00am
Saturday, November 1; 8:00-11:00am
Saturday, December 6; 8:00-11:00am
For Ages: 12 and over
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Learn the skills of identifying birds by sight and sound. Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow.
Sunset Hike
Saturday, September 6; 6:00-8:00pm
For Ages: 10 and over
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Dusk is a time when many animals are just beginning to awake for the day. We'll search woods and fields for signs of deer, foxes, rabbits and owls. We'll end the hike watching the sun set over the Patuxent River. Bring a flashlight for the last leg of the hike. Be prepared to hike a few miles.
Snakes of Jug Bay
Thursday, September 11; 6:00-8:00pm
For Ages: Teens and adults
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Come find out about the habitats and life histories of the snakes of Jug Bay, including those common, rare, and not yet recorded from the three properties that now make up the protected area.
Beginning Birdwatching
Saturday, September 13; 9:00-11:00am
For Ages: 10 and over
Free
Location: Woolton's Landing (See note)

Learn about our native songbirds and their habitats. Bring a field guide and binoculars if you have them.
Nature Detectives
Saturday, September 13; 2:00-4:00pm
For Ages: 10 and over
Free
Location: Woolton's Landing (See note)

Where do animals go and what do they do? Become a Jug Bay Detective and search for clues like animal tracks and scat to learn how to unravel nature's mysteries.
Patuxent Paddling Potpourri
Saturday, September 20; 1:00-5:30pm
For Ages: 14 and over (Experienced paddlers)
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

We'll enjoy a longer canoe trip down the Patuxent River for experienced paddlers. We'll see what's out and about on Jug Bay on an autumn afternoon. If time permits, we'll explore the Mataponi Creek. Bring water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Canoe instruction and all equipment provided. Participants will hike about one mile to canoe launch. To reserve a space, mail your payment ($5.00 per person) in advance to the Sanctuary. Please include your names, address, daytime phone number, number of people in your party and the ages of children. Canceled in case of rain or high winds.
September Equinox Hike
Sunday, September 21; 5:00-7:00pm
For Ages: 10 and over
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

The Autumn Equinox, when the sun is directly over the equator, officially marks the transition from summer to fall. In early evening, we'll search woods and field for signs of deer, foxes, rabbits and owls, then end the hike watching the sun set over the Patuxent River. Be prepared to hike a few miles.
If Trees Could Talk
Saturday, October 4; 2:00-4:00pm
For Ages: All
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Though trees can't talk many have a story to tell. Join us for a hike around the Sanctuary to visit the biggest, knurliest, and most unusual trees on the property to see and hear the tales their bark holds. All ages are welcome but take into consideration that we will be walking several miles.
Walk Around Wooton's Landing
Saturday, October 25; 9:00-11:00am
For Ages: 10 and over
Location: Woolton's Landing (See note)

Visit one of the lesser known and infrequently visited parts of the Sanctuary. We'll see what's out and about as Mother Nature prepares for winter. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for moderately difficult walking.
Owl Prowl
Saturday, October 25; 6:00-8:00pm
For Ages: All
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Come and learn about owl adaptations and go on a short night hike. We will bring along a tape to play owl calls and see if owls respond! We'll return in time to enjoy a campfire and marshmallows. Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.
Full Moon Hike
Saturday, December 13; 4:00-6:30pm
For Ages: 10 and over
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Enjoy a brisk evening hike under the "Moon before Yule". We'll see the sun set and explore the trails around the Sanctuary's River Farm. Meet at the Wetlands Center and drive to the River Farm. Be prepared to hike three to four miles.
Beginning Birds
Saturday, December 13; 9:00-11:00am
For Ages: 10 and over
Location: McCann Wetland Study Center

Learn about our native songbirds and their habitats. Bring a field guide and binoculars if you have them.
December Solstice Hike
Sunday, December 21; 3:30-5:30pm
For Ages: 10 and over
Location: Plummer House

Greet the arrival of winter on the shortest day of the year. We'll look for signs of the new season at the Sanctuary's Glendening Nature Preserve and hopefully catch a glimpse of the setting sun. We'll finish with some light refreshments. Be prepared to hike two to three miles.

Programs at Wooton's Landing
Wooton's Landing is a 140-acre park located at the edge of the Patuxent, off Sands Road, a few miles from the Sanctuary. In the 1990s, agencies restored this former sand and gravel mine and installed 72 acres of reconstructed wetlands. For directions, contact the Sanctuary.
NOTE: There are no facilities at Wooton's Landing, so we recommend you carry water and use the restroom before you arrive.