HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday thru Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
LINKS
The Estuary Center and Otter Point Creek have been designated as a Maryland Natural Area. What is a Maryland Natural Area?
Maryland is often referred to as “America in Miniature” because so many unique landscapes are found within its borders. The Maryland Natural Areas initiative seeks to identify the best remaining natural areas found within our state.
These Natural Areas are truly special places in Maryland. Voluntary recognition as a Natural Area carries a commitment to sustainable management of a given area to conserve the natural features that the area was established to recognize and protect. In most cases, current management practices have maintained the exceptional natural features that distinguish these sites.
In the end, the goals of this effort are to identify and conserve Natural Areas for future generations while increasing public awareness of these special natural places.
Partners
Harford County Parks and Recreation
Responsible for operating and maintaining space (passive and active), and providing a comprehensive program of leisure opportunities and activities.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Part of a reserve system established by Congress in 1972 to protect estuarine areas as natural field laboratories for long-term research and monitoring.
Izaak Walton League of America
One of the nation's oldest and most respected conservation organizations.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere.
Other Centers in the Area
One of the other two sites within CBNERR - MD. Located in Lothian, MD.
This 2,000-acre tract of land is comprised of various natural habitats that buffer the Patuxent River and provide a critical link in conserving the area's natural resources. Located in Upper Marlboro, MD.
A local nature center that has 110 acres of wildlife viewing areas, a mill museum, a nature store, and hiking trails. Located in Pylesville, MD.
More Information and Research
A website of DNR's Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment (TEA) Division provides easy access to near real-time, mapped and historical Chesapeake and Coastal Bays water quality information and data.
This site provides, primarily, an avenue for elementary, middle and high school students, and their teachers, to learn more about estuaries, research, and explore NOAA's Living laboratories - the National Estuarine Research Reserves. But also delivers scientific information and real-time data in a meaningful form for anyone interested in estuaries.
National Estuarine Research Reserve - Centralized Data Management Office
Chesapeake Bay region link to the centralized database monitoring site of weather and water quality data.
Mushroom species list from the 2012 BioBlitz at the Estuary Center.
Calendar of EventsView all
- iNaturalist Trek - Cancelled05/30/2020 @ 10:00 am-11:00 amTap into your inner naturalist! Use the iNaturalist app while searching Leight Park for interesting plants and animals and help us collect biodiversity data. Learn how you can utilize this program on other outdoor adventures.
- Wildlife Explorers - Cancelled05/30/2020 @ 10:30 am-11:30 amWith a naturalist as your guide, discover the changes that take place in Leight Park throughout the spring. Observe the weather, the growing plants, and the animals that live here. *Program developed by the National Recreation and Park Association*
- Kids 'n Kayaks - Cancelled05/30/2020 @ 1:00 pm-3:00 pmLearn beginner paddling strokes and techniques and take a short tour of the creek while using your new skills.
- Date Night Dinner Cruise - Cancelled05/30/2020 @ 6:00 pm-7:30 pmRelax with your sweetie while floating down the Bush River. Savor a delicious dinner as the sun slips toward the horizon and the creek settles into evening. *Meet at Estuary Center
- Tie Dye with Nature - Cancelled05/31/2020 @ 2:00 pm-3:30 pmWalk the trails and find art inspiration! Collect natural items to use for a tie dye activity. Bring your own white t-shirt for dyeing.
What's Happening
