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• Exhibit/Fundraiser: Nature's Wonders - Let's Preserve Them!

  • Start
    1 May 2026
  • End
    30 May 2026
  • Location
    National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD 20708

  Nature's Wonders - Let's Preserve Them!

  Photos by Dr. Nishanth E. Sunny, Patuxent Volunteer and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland

  Drawings by Isha A. Sunny, Patuxent Volunteer

  May 1-30, 2026
  9:00am to 4:00pm (Wednesdays to Saturdays)

  This exhibit will feature beautiful photographs of butterflies, birds, and local flora and wildlife, mostly from Patuxent Research Refuge, by Dr. Sunny, along with some of his daughter Isha’s pencil drawings. Plus, they have generously decided to have this exhibit be a fundraiser for Friends of Patuxent and this refuge! 

  Enjoy their exhibit, then choose your favorite print and purchase it in Friends of Patuxent's Wildlife Images Bookstore & Nature Shop (open Wed.-Sat., 10am-3:30pm). Your purchases will be available for pick-up from the shop once the exhibition concludes*. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the work and mission of this refuge through the refuge's partner nonprofit, the Friends of Patuxent!
  

  *Accommodation may be possible for customers traveling through the area and unable to return for purchase pick-up.

  

  Photo by Dr. Nishanth Sunny
  

  Dr. Sunny has also collaborated with experienced educator-volunteers at the refuge who will offer special children's programs on three Saturdays in May at the National Wildlife Visitor Center. Each day's activity session, designed for children ages 4-12 years, will be followed by light refreshments and a Meet & Greet reception with Nishanth and his daughter Isha. Adults are welcome to participate in the activities with their children but not required to do so. To participate, please meet at the front desk on the scheduled day and time. No registration required.

  • Saturday, May 9^th – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: Dennis Hartnett, Patuxent volunteer, will lead an interactive program, "Wolves and Other Predators." This activity will provide an overview of various predators in nature and how their behavior can impact the surrounding species and environment. Wolves and Other Predators - Children's Program | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • Saturday, May 16^th – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: Barrie Hershkowitz, Patuxent volunteer, will lead an interactive program, "Monarch Butterflies and their Magical Migration." This activity will provide an overview of the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly and how they prepare for their 3000-mile southern migration. Monarch Butterflies and their Magical Migration - Children's Program | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • Saturday, May 23^rd – 11:00AM to 12:00PM: Diana Ogilvie, Patuxent volunteer, will lead an interactive program, "Nature Walk." This short walk through the trails will highlight some common species of interest and their interactions and impacts on the nature around them. Nature Walk - Children's Program | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

  
  

  

  Drawing by Isha Sunny

  
  

  
  

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• North Tract Bike Ride - Celebrating 90 Years of Patuxent!

  • When
    7 Jun 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    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!

  
  

  
  

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• Local Community Environmental Fair - Save the Date!

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

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

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• North Tract Bike Ride - Celebrating 90 Years of Patuxent!

  • When
    13 Sep 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    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!

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Pollinator Festival - Save the Date!

  • When
    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!

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