Loveable Birds & Beasts @ Patuxent #1 (Rating: D)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

We'll do a roughly two-mile nature hike at a moderate pace (2.5 - 3 mph) with multiple stops on dirt trails through "Rachel Carson's" prestigious Patuxent Research Refuge, ending up at the nature center to view the hike leader's solo exhibit of WILDLIFE PHOTOS.

MEET: 10 a.m. in front of the South Tract campus' visitor center.
(Note: We'll likely end our official hike and nature photo exhibit viewing before noon. But ON YOUR OWN, you may want to plan extra time to explore the other exhibits at the visitor center and to drive to the nearby larger North Tract campus to view hummingbirds at the visitor center and explore some of its many trails. )

MISCELLANEOUS: Adults only and no pets.

WEATHER POLICY:
We will likely hike in slight rain but if heavy rain or thunderstorms are forecast, we will just go inside to see the exhibit. I'll post our weather update here by 5 pm on June 8.

BRING:
Sense of Humor. Sense of Awe. And all the regular things, like mask, water, and a snack or lunch. Please wear shoes that can handle slippery surfaces and potentially muddy trails. Optional: hat, bug spray, and camera.

RESTROOMS:
Available at start in the visitor center.

PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE (South Tract) :
10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD
301-497-5772
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research/visit-us
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research/visit-us

Copy these GPS coordinates into Google maps or just click on this Google map. 39.026595, -76.799016
https://goo.gl/maps/kzYsCAGeNn1eE8QG8

PATUXENT TRAIL MAPS: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ST%20Tri%20Fold%20Map_0.pdf

BIRDS & BEASTS WILDLIFE PHOTOS:
Hike leader's solo "Loveable Birds & Beasts" nature photo exhibit runs from June 1 to June 30. A free reception is June 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.
https://www.naturephotographydcmdva.com

PATUXENT'S HISTORY & WORLD-ALTERING WORK ON DDT:
http://npshistory.com/brochures/nwr/patuxent-history-perry.pdf

RACHEL CARSON (Silent Spring author who did some of her ground-breaking work on DDT at Patuxent.):
https://www.fws.gov/staff-profile/rachel-carson-1907-1964-author-modern-environmental-movement

https://rachelcarsoncouncil.org/about-rcc/about-rachel-carson/

VOLUNTEER: Patuxent is actively seeking volunteers -- as are other federal, state, and local parks and refuges!