Patuxent Research Refuge

Overview

The Patuxent Research Refuge is the nation's only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research. It was established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The research is collected by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The refuge is divided into three areas which include the North Tract, Central Tract, and the South Tract. The North Tract offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, trails, and many interpretive programs for visitors. The Central Tract is where the offices and study sites of the research biologists are located. The South Tract is where the visitor center and its trails are located. The refuge over 12,800 acres of protected habitat for wildlife. This space is critical for wildlife as it provides breeding and wintering habitats. The land is managed to maintain biological diversity, and it also protects native and migratory species. It also gives us an area to research these species in their natural habitat, so we can help protect them in the future.

Prince George's County