JBERD CABINS & CAMPGROUND
JBERD Field Station
The Jug Bay Education, Research, and Discovery (JBERD) Field Station is the first of its kind in Anne Arundel County. It provides overnight facilities (cabins and campground) to support Sanctuary goals on environmental protection, research and monitoring, outdoor education, stewardship, and passive recreation. JBERD is located in the Jug Bay Emory Waters Nature Preserve. This property is part of the Sanctuary Proper and a complex of properties that comprise the overall Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary.
Emory Waters Nature Preserve is a 307-acre parcel of land comprising upland forests, a newly reforested forest, newly established pollinator meadows, several small creeks, and a rich cultural heritage. It also provides access to the shallow Jug Bay tidal freshwater marshes along the Patuxent River.
This property was named to honor the life and cultural heritage of Mr. Emory Waters and all African Americans that worked and lived within Jug Bay and the Patuxent River Watershed. The son of a slave, Mr. William Emory Waters (1877-c. 1950) owned and lived in a half acre parcel of land east of Emory Landing, found at the extreme north end of the Jug Bay Farm Preserve (known during his time as the Patuxent Fishery). A tobacco and corn farm laborer, handyman, fisherman, logger, and waterfowl hunter, Mr. Waters knew a “better way to do most everything”. He worked in the tobacco fields and as a waterman for 30 years.
About JBERD Field Station
Located at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, in southern Anne Arundel County, along Maryland’s Patuxent River, and next to one of the largest tidal freshwater marshes on the US East Coast, JBERD Field Station will support the next generation of environmental protection, research and monitoring, outdoor education, stewardship, and passive recreation activities to be conducted by the Sanctuary and its partners.
Studying Nature
Facilitate and catalyze research, citizen science, and science communication on emerging local, priority issues to conserve a healthy representation of Maryland’s major natural communities. And to advance the knowledge on best practices for land and habitat management through field experimentation.
Teaching About Nature
Grow leaders in the art of environmental education through hands-on research-based learning opportunities for teachers.
Learning About Nature
Promote scientific inquiry for learners at all levels by providing programs and a place for immersive, experiential learning.
Enjoying Nature
Provide a safe and healthy mosaic of natural communities for everyone to enjoy, explore, and restore.
Visitor Information
JBERD Field Station - Cabins and Campground at Jug Bay Emory Waters Nature Preserve
6034 Pindell Road, Lothian MD 20711
JBERD is located about three miles or 10 minutes from the Sanctuary Proper’s Visitor Center. The entrance to Emory Waters Nature Preserve is gated. The parking lot is located about 0.6 miles following the gravel road.
Please drive slow (limit 15 mph) and watch for creatures on the road.
No pets allowed.
Ranger Station
The ranger station is staffed daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. However, at times staff may be working on the Field Station grounds, patrolling other properties, or doing chores.
Please visit the Ranger Station to/for:
- General information about reservations and programming.
- Support during checking-in and/or checking-out from your overnight stay.
- Report any issues.
- Purchase firewood (using a QR code system established by the Friends of Jug Bay).
- Borrow trail maps, the orienteering activity map, board games, books, and other nature interpretative materials.
- Borrow wagons to carry materials and equipment from the parking lot to the cabins and/or walk-in campground.
- Provide feedback.
Contact us:
Kara Bourland, Management Assistant (rpbour26@aacounty.org)
Park Ranger on duty (rpimho25@aacounty.org - (443) 758-7849)
At JBERD Field Station, we follow the
LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
Ammenities
The Friends of Jug Bay (FOJB or Friends) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was formed in 1986 to support and promote Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The Friends receive funds from membership dues, donations, grants, fundraisers, and the sale of merchandise. Some of the projects and activities supported by these funds include research internships, summer camp scholarships, school bus transportation, stewardship projects, office and maintenance support, staff and volunteer development, scientific and educational equipment and materials, and other special projects.
What We Support!
Preservation & Conservation
The Friends play an active role monitoring local land use changes that may impact the Sanctuary and the Patuxent River watershed. We also work with the local government and third parties to facilitate land preservation or acquisition.
Internships
The Friends provide paid internships to qualified university students who are majoring in environmental sciences and related fields. Interns conduct research or develop educational tools and programs under the supervision of a mentor, offering thema valuable opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to the body of knowledge and resources of the Sanctuary.
Summer Camp Scholarships
Every summer, the Friends provide several scholarships to elementary and middle school students who otherwise would be unable to participate in the science summer camp programs at the Sanctuary.
School Bus Transportation
The Friends assist with transportation costs each year for schools with limited budgets to bring students to the Sanctuary for fun, educational field trips geared toward meaningful outdoor experiences.
Stewardship Projects
The Friends provide financial support for many stewardship programs including maintaining pollinator gardens, river and watershed clean ups, and controlling emerald ash borer and other invasive threats to Jug Bay ecosystems.
Staff & Volunteer Development
The Friends of Jug Bay provide financial support for Sanctuary volunteers and staff to participate in workshops and conferences that enhance their professional development and further the mission of the Sanctuary.
Scientific & Educational Equipment & Materials
The Friends provide scientific and educational equipment (e.g., books, nets, water testing equipment, microscopes) that young school students, research interns, and citizen scientists use to do research and learn about wetland and terrestrial ecology. Equipment funded by the Friends includes books, nets, water testing equipment, microscopes, game cameras, radio telemetry gear, etc.
Special Projects
The Friends assist with transportation costs each year for schools with limited budgets to bring students to the Sanctuary for fun, educational field trips geared toward meaningful outdoor experiences.
Jug Bay Education, Research & Discovery (JBERD) Field Station
Located within the Sanctuary along Maryland's Patuxent River at the Emory Waters Preserve, the Jug Bay Education, Research, and Discovery (JBERD) Field Station will provide valuable opportunities for both the education and scientific communities and the citizens of Anne Arundel County, the Chesapeake Bay region, and beyond.
The natural and cultural resources of JBERD include:
- 225 forest acres
- Access to over 300 wetland acres
- 30 meadow acres
- Archaeological resources
- Vernal Pools and creeks
The facilities will:
- Offer overnight facilities to researchers, educators, students, and the public
- Support unique citizen science and volunteer programs in Anne Arundel County and southern Maryland
- Expand Graduate/undergraduate internship programs at Jug Bay
- Provide residential, research-based learning opportunities for teachers
- Afford an opportunity to study the rich 10,000-year American Indian history of Jug Bay
- Advance knowledge on best practices for land and habitat management through field experimentation.
Phase 1
Nearly $1.3 million was raised in 2020 for construction of overnight cabins and furniture, a bath house with restrooms and showers, and the creation of a master architectural plan for the field station. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Anne Arundel County, and the Friends of Jug Bay were the funding partners.
Construction for Phase 1 of the Jug Bay Field Station will begin in the fall of 2023
Phase 2
We are asking for your help to raise funds for Phase 2 –
for the construction of laboratory space, meeting areas, offices, kitchen and dining room for the field station.
Estimated funding needed:
$3 - 4 million
About the Board
The business of the Friends is conducted by a Board of Directors made up of members with strong backgrounds and passions in the natural sciences. The Board meets every month to decide how to raise and disperse funds, and to monitor issues that could affect the Sanctuary. The Board of Directors welcomes suggestions from members and encourages them to help with projects and committee activities.
Love Jug Bay and want to help support its work? Consider joining the FOJB Board! To contact the Board please email info@friendsofjugbay.org
Jug Bay Award
In 1996, the Friends initiated a conservation award to recognize an individual whose active involvement in the Jug Bay region has contributed to a better understanding and appreciation of this unique wetland ecosystem. The award is presented at the Annual Meeting of the Friends in April of each year.