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.