Patuxent Wildlife Center: 3 Mile Hike and Visitor Center

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/1/f/c/600_343237372.jpeg

This is a very short hike of approximately three miles, we'll do the outside loop of all the trails followed by the short inner Loop Trail/Goose Pond Trail by the Visitor Center. We will hike slow and take pictures. The National Wildlife Visitor Center has one of the best visitor center exhibits I've ever seen. Expect to spend at least 1 hour or more exploring all the interactive displays.

The National Wildlife Visitor Center is the largest science and environmental education center in the Department of the Interior (http://www.doi.gov/). Designed to accommodate one million visitors per year, this unique facility seeks to impart to young and old alike an increased knowledge of and appreciation for the earth's vital resources. It highlights the work of professional scientists who strive to improve the condition of wildlife and their habitats.

Interactive exhibits focus on global environmental issues, migratory bird studies, habitats, endangered species, creature life cycles and the research tools and techniques used by scientists.

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/FTP/ST_trailmap.pdf

Afterwards, we hit a local place for chili/lunch.