Glenn Martin National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge on Smith Island, Maryland.
Glenn Martin National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wetland area in the northern section of Smith Island in Chesapeake Bay. It consists of tidal marshes, coves, creeks, and vegetated ridges spread across approximately 4,500 acres (1,820 hectares).
The refuge was established in 1954 when Glenn L. Martin donated approximately 1,040 hectares for this purpose. Over the following decades, the reserve expanded to its current size through additional land acquisitions.
The refuge is deeply connected to Smith Island's heritage and is valued by local communities as a vital space for preserving their natural surroundings. Visitors gain insight into the importance of these wetlands through guided boat tours that highlight their role in sustaining regional life and ecosystems.
The refuge itself is closed to public access, but visitors can view its landscapes and wildlife from guided boat tours departing from nearby Crisfield. These tours offer the best way to explore the area and observe its inhabitants.
The area maintains nesting structures designed to help peregrine falcons rebuild their population following a dramatic decline. These towers have been in place since the 1980s and play a key role in supporting the species' recovery across the region.
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