Blackwater Wildlife Refuge
In addition to the wetlands, Blackwater Refuge includes areas of mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, controlled freshwater impoundments, and active croplands. The freshwater impoundments and cropland are maintained to help increase the diversity of food and wildlife at the Refuge.
Living in the marshlands and forests of Blackwater are many forms of unique and interesting wildlife. In addition to the num
erous birds at Blackwater, there are 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, and many resident mammals including whitetail deer, Sika deer (a small Asian elk), foxes, otters, muskrats and raccoons.
erous birds at Blackwater, there are 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, and many resident mammals including whitetail deer, Sika deer (a small Asian elk), foxes, otters, muskrats and raccoons. If you come to Blackwater Refuge, stop first by the Visitor Center where you will find wildlife exhibits, an authentic eagle’s nest, a Book and Gift Shop, and maps and brochures that will help you make the most of your visit. We really enjoyed watching the current events on the live Eagle Cam and Osprey Cam TV monitors, especially when mom or dad brought back a fish for the fledglings. There is an active butterfly garden on the back patio.
On the second floor of the Visitor Center is the Wild Birds Unlimited "Pathways to Nature" Observatory, which features bird exhibits and spotting scopes for viewing the Blackwater River, the marsh, and the Osprey Cam platform.
After our picnic lunch, we went to the Wildlife Drive, which is a four-mile-long paved road along the Blackwater River and offers nice views of the local wildlife, including the Bald Eagles and the Delmarva Squirrel. You can either drive, bike, or walk along the Drive. Th
ere are also several land trails throughout the area. We recommend the designated short or long drive through the refuge as one of the most delightful scenic drives in the Chesapeake Bay region. It’s even more fascinating making the journey on a bike.
ere are also several land trails throughout the area. We recommend the designated short or long drive through the refuge as one of the most delightful scenic drives in the Chesapeake Bay region. It’s even more fascinating making the journey on a bike.Blackwater is a “small boat heaven” with hundreds of miles of calm paddle water. In response to the renewed interest in kayaks and canoes, the refuge has established paddling trails where you can explore tidal marshes and brackish ponds for an up-close look at the resident and visiting wildlife. The three Blackwater Refuge paddling trails were named "Recommended Water Trails” by the American Canoe Association.
Come to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge where a day’s journey will leave you with a lifetime of memories.