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Friends of Patuxent

Supporting Research, Wildlife Conservation, and Education at the Patuxent Research Refuge
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Below is a list of special events at the Patuxent Research Refuge that are hosted and/or organized by the Friends of Patuxent. For a full list of upcoming USFWS events at Patuxent, click here.

Upcoming events

    • 7 Jun 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • North Tract Visitor Center, 230 Bald Eagle Dr, Laurel, MD 20724

    As part of the 90th Anniversary Celebration, join the Friends of Patuxent for a fun bike ride on the North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge!

    Participants will enjoy a scenic ride through North Tract, the largest area of the Refuge. Along the route, the Friends of Patuxent will highlight key milestones from Patuxent’s 90‑year legacy, from groundbreaking wildlife research to the protection of native species and ecosystems that continue today.

    This family‑friendly event will have a relaxed pace and is designed for riders of all experience levels. There will be opportunities to stop and enjoy wildlife or ask questions about the Refuge. 

    Ride Length: 10 miles (5 miles out, 5 miles back)

    Please remember to bring:

    • Bikes (in safe, working condition) and helmets

    • Water

    • Sunscreen

    • Comfortable walking shoes or bicycle

    • Your friends and family

    Mark this milestone year and join us! Come celebrate nature and help support conservation programs at Patuxent!



    • 13 Jun 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Laurel, 20708 MD

    Build Your Outdoors Confidence: Learn to ID Poison Ivy

    Ready to explore the outdoors with total confidence? Join us for a two-part interactive workshop designed to take the guesswork out of identifying poison ivy.

    Part 1: The Basics (Indoors): We will start inside the Visitor Center with a brief, visual discussion covering poison ivy basics, how to tell it apart from look-alike plants, its role in our ecosystem, and what to do if you accidentally touch it.

    Part 2: The Trail Walk (Outdoors): Put your new skills to the test! We will take a short, guided walk near the Visitor Center to practice spotting poison ivy in its natural environment.

    Once finished, all participants will take home an informational brochure and a handy wallet card for future outdoor adventures!

    To ensure a fun and safe experience on the trail, please come prepared for a short walk in a wooded area.

    Required Gear:

    • Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)

    Recommended Items:

    • Bug spray and sunblock
    • A hat for sun protection
    • Long sleeves and pants (optional, but highly recommended for extra protection)

    Poison ivy shouldn't keep you from enjoying nature. By learning how to spot it accurately, you and your family can hike, camp, and explore with peace of mind. Space may be limited, so please arrive on time!

    Suitable for families with school-age children (5+), beginners, and anyone looking to feel more comfortable in nature.


    • 25 Jul 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    Local Community Environmental Fair on July 25, 2026. More details coming soon!

    • 13 Sep 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • North Tract Visitor Center, 230 Bald Eagle Dr, Laurel, MD 20724

    As part of the 90th Anniversary Celebration, join the Friends of Patuxent for a fun bike ride on the North Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge!

    Participants will enjoy a scenic ride through North Tract, the largest area of the Refuge. Along the route, the Friends of Patuxent will highlight key milestones from Patuxent’s 90‑year legacy, from groundbreaking wildlife research to the protection of native species and ecosystems that continue today.

    This family‑friendly event will have a relaxed pace and is designed for riders of all experience levels. There will be opportunities to stop and enjoy wildlife or ask questions about the Refuge. 

    Ride Length: 10 miles (5 miles out, 5 miles back)

    Please remember to bring:

    • Bikes (in safe, working condition) and helmets

    • Water

    • Sunscreen

    • Comfortable walking shoes or bicycle

    • Your friends and family

    Mark this milestone year and join us! Come celebrate nature and help support conservation programs at Patuxent!



    • 26 Sep 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    Friends of Patuxent's Pollinator Festival will return on September 26, 2026 from 10am to 2pm. More details coming soon!

Past events

1 May 2026 Exhibit/Fundraiser: Nature's Wonders - Let's Preserve Them!
24 Jan 2026 Gallery Talk - "In the Galápagos Islands" by David Jonathan Cohen
8 Jan 2026 Fundraiser - "In the Galápagos Islands" by David Jonathan Cohen
8 Jan 2026 Exhibit - "In the Galápagos Islands" by David Jonathan Cohen
1 Nov 2025 Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
4 Oct 2025 Urban Wildlife Conservation Day
18 Sep 2025 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Contest
12 Jul 2025 What Makes a Good Nature Photo?
28 Jun 2025 What Makes a Good Nature Photo?
15 May 2025 Turtles on the Hill Film
4 Apr 2025 Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge Film Series
7 Mar 2025 Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge Winter Film Series
7 Feb 2025 Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge Winter Film Series
3 Jan 2025 Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge Winter Film Series
1 Jan 2025 Alexander Winch Exhibition
4 Dec 2024 Sam Droege Exhibition
2 Nov 2024 Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
1 Oct 2024 Vanishing World
28 Sep 2024 Magical Monarchs & Pollinators
1 Aug 2024 Birds, Bees, Butterflies and Patuxent
1 Jul 2024 Barbara Dahlberg Wildlife Quilts
22 Jun 2024 Crisis in the Chesapeake Bay: Ospreys in Peril
1 Jun 2024 Laura Wolf Gallery Show
11 May 2024 Wild Bee & Flower Festival
1 May 2024 Birds in Flight and a Side Trip to South Africa by Bill Reichhardt
2 Apr 2024 Nature Through Women's Eyes
1 Mar 2024 Photography of Rick Dove
1 Feb 2024 Art of Amanda Spaid
16 Dec 2023 Bird Photography for Beginners by Bill Reichhardt
1 Dec 2023 Birds of the Chesapeake Region by Bill Reichhardt
4 Nov 2023 Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
14 Oct 2023 Urban Wildlife Conservation Day
14 Oct 2023 Dr. Chan Robbins Outdoor Center & Trail Dedication
7 Oct 2023 Walk for the Wild
7 Oct 2023 Walk for the Wild
23 Sep 2023 2023 Pollinator Festival
1 Jul 2023 Fun and Games with Phillips Farm Photos: Photography of Jean Phillips
1 Jun 2023 Loveable (Native) Birds & Beasts: Photography of Barbara J. Saffir
19 Nov 2022 Friends of Patuxent Annual Membership Meeting 2022
5 Nov 2022 Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
1 Oct 2022 Urban Wildlife Conservation Day
24 Sep 2022 Pollinator Festival
16 Jul 2022 Bird Fest / Festival de Aves
11 Sep 2021 Fall Conference
31 Jul 2021 Annual General Meeting
1 Apr 2021 Spring Gala

© Friends of Patuxent Research Refuge, Inc.

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Contact Us:
Office: (301) 497-5789
Fax: (301) 497-5765

friendsprr@friendsofpatuxent.org

Address:

10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Laurel, Maryland 20708-4011

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