Patuxent Research Refuge

Patuxent Research Refuge is one of over 540 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world’s largest network of lands and waters dedicated to protecting wildlife and their habitat.

Established in 1936 by executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Patuxent Research Refuge is the Nation's only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research.

Patuxent Research Refuge is divided into three areas: 1) North Tract, which offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, trails, and many interpretive programs; 2) Central Tract, where the offices and study sites of the many research biologists are located at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; and 3) South Tract, where the National Wildlife Visitor Center and its trails are located. The National Wildlife Visitor Center and North Tract are the only areas open for visitor activities.

For more information, there is an official website:

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/

This set of photos were taken at the North Tract at Lake Allen and along the Wildlife Loop and other bike trails.  North Tract Trails offer many sanded trails great for mountain biking and hiking.  Lake Allen is a great place for fishing and watching wildlife and wildflower photography.

Lake Needwood in the Spring

Lake Needwood in the Spring

Lake Needwood - Rock Creek National Park

Located in Rockville, Maryland, Lake Needwood is a 75-acre lake that is a park of Rock Creek Regional Park.  It has children's playground, picnic area, boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, anchoring, fishing.  It is a place for families and friends to come for some relaxation, excise and spend time on or off water. The Rock Creek Hiker/Biker trail begins at Lake Needwood and extends 20 miles into Washington, DC.

Victoria, British Columbia - (3) Marina

Victoria, British Columbia - (2) The Butchart Garden

One of most exotic gardens in the world, the Butchart Gardens is a must-see heavenly place. You will be wooed by so many different types of flowers and flower arrangements there.

Victoria, British Columbia- (1) Inn Harbor

The capital of British Columbia, one of the most beatufiul cities in the world, Victoria has some of the country's exquixit scenery: ocean or mountain vista, flower gardens, golf course, hiking trails, fishing, shopping and dinning. Here is Inn Harbor.