Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a 2,285-acre island refuge at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay in Kent County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The refuge has a number of different types of Chesapeake Bay habitats, including 1000 acres of tidal marsh, 600 acres of upland forest, and 600 acres of croplands managed for wildlife and as a demonstration of Bay-friendly agricultural techniques.
Eastern Neck NWR serves as an important migration stopover and wintering area for thousands of waterfowl representing over two dozen species. In addition, the refuge is a major Chesapeake Bay staging and wintering area of the majestic tundra swan. Along with its valuable natural resources, Eastern Neck NWR has rich cultural and historical significance, with human occupation dating back thousands of years.
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Related Trip Ideas
- A Winter’s Day at Eastern Neck Island
- Where and When to Catch the Bay’s Fall Bird Migration
- Dave Isbell
Nearby Places
At the Site
Activities to do
Facilities/Amenities available
Hours
The trails and refuge are open every day from 7:30 am (sometimes earlier) to one half hour after sunset. Visitors must be out of the refuge by this time. The gate will be locked at one half hour after sunset.
The bookstore and visitor center are open daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. January through March and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April through December.
(Note: Many places fill to capacity on busy, nice weather days, especially holiday weekends. Please call ahead or visit the official website to get the most up-to-date information before visiting.)
Fees
There is no entrance fee at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
Activities
Nearly six miles of roads and trails are open to visitors most of the year. Four wildlife trails and a handicap-accessible boardwalk and observation tower are available for those who wish to observe the varied habitats of the refuge. Bicycling is popular on the roads of the refuge because of the scenery and the small amount of traffic. However, bicycles are not permitted on the trails, and are only allowed on the paved and gravel roads.
Kent County operates the Ingleside Recreation Area and Bogles Wharf landing within the refuge. The Ingleside Recreation Area, on the northwest side of the refuge, has facilities for crabbing and car-top boat launching from April 1 to September 30. Picnic tables are available for use during these months. Bogle's Wharf landing is located on the east side of the refuge and offers trailered boat launching facilities (county permit required - not available at the refuge office). It is also possible to launch canoes or kayaks from this location. Additionally, fishing opportunities are available at the refuge entrance from the bridge that spans the Eastern Neck Narrows.
There are limited deer-hunting opportunities each fall. On ten days in September and October, the refuge permits deer hunting by hunters that obtained a permit thought a lottery drawing system. The harvest of deer on the island controls the deer population to the benefit of the habitat, other wildlife, and the deer. The refuge is closed to the public on these days.
History
The refuge was established on December 27, 1962 to be a sanctuary for migratory birds.
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