Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in Kent County, Maryland
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a federal nature reserve on an island in Maryland, where the Chester River meets Chesapeake Bay. The land covers forests, wetlands, and shoreline, connected by several marked walking trails and boat ramps for water access.
The federal government bought the entire island between 1962 and 1967 to prevent it from being developed for housing. Since then it has been managed as a national wildlife refuge, protecting bird and animal populations along this stretch of the Chesapeake.
Shell mounds and pottery pieces found across the island show where Native American communities once settled along these waters. These traces are still visible today and give the visit a layer of history that goes beyond the wildlife.
The marked trails are easy to follow, but wearing sturdy shoes is a good idea as the ground can be uneven or muddy depending on the season. Bringing a boat opens up extra spots for wildlife watching, especially for birds along the water.
In 2002, this refuge was the first in the United States to install a wind turbine to power its office building. The turbine is still running today, making it an early example of renewable energy use on federally protected land.
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