Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Paul W. Gillespie — The Capital / fileNaval Academy midshipmen repair a boardwalk at Jug Bay in June 2008, that was damaged by spring storms. The volunteers jacked up the buckled dock to install new bracing. Truxtun Park boat ramp

J. Henson — The Capital / file
A Green Tree Frog rests on a leaf at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Truxtun Park boat ramp

J. Henson — The Capital / file
Chris Swarth, Sanctuary Director, stands in the Wetlands Center while preparing for the sanctuary's 20th anniversary in 2005.

Information courtesy of Anne Arundel County

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is operated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.

Situated on the eastern side of the Patuxent River, the sanctuary consists of more than 1,500 acres of tidal freshwater wetlands, forests, meadows and fields along the Patuxent River. It is located in southern Anne Arundel County, 20 miles east Washington D.C. and 18 miles south of Annapolis.

The wetlands contain large diverse stands of aquatic plants, which are home to many birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. The sanctuary is one of the estuarine sites within the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System, Maryland — a research and education program administered jointly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources and Anne Arundel County.

The Friends of Jug Bay is a non-profit citizen's organization that acts to preserve the Sanctuary and to support its education and research programs. Through membership dues and donations, the 900 FOJB members provide critical support that greatly enhances Sanctuary programs and activities.

Although public access and activities are limited to preserve habitats, visitors are welcome to hike, birdwatch, photograph wildlife, or to simply enjoy the scenery. Hikers should stay on marked trails. All plants and animals are protected.

Besides being open to the general public three days a week the sanctuary is open other days to accommodate educational programs, school visits, group tours, research and fieldwork, workshops and meetings.

The Parris N. Glendening Nature Preserve is open for hiking daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no entrance fee for the Preserve, but groups must make a reservation.