Visitor Information

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Anita C. Leight Estuary Center Building is open to the public:

Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Leight Park
Open daily dawn to dusk
(Gates close at dusk)

410-612-1688 or 410-879-2000, ext. 1688
Fax: 410-612-0819
aclec@harfordcountymd.gov
700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, MD 21009

Located on the shores of Otter Point Creek, the Estuary Center is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, year round.  Join us for one of our many public education programs or events, including sunset canoe trips, blooming marsh kayak trips, Critter Cruise pontoon boat rides, and many other hands-on family science and nature programs.  Get wet and muddy as you volunteer to assist with our research and monitoring efforts like fish seining, turtle tracking, or marsh plant surveys. Stroll through the Visitor Center's hands-on exhibits to learn about Chesapeake Bay ecology and other fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna. Explore the Discovery Room, home to a 300-gallon freshwater turtle pond and other amazing critters.  Or just meander the 2 miles of hiking trails through dappled upland forests of black gum and maple trees.  No matter what you choose, just make sure to come see what the Estuary Center has to offer the whole family!

Inclement Weather Policy
If County Government opens on time and schools are closed, Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed to the public. If County Government opens on time and schools are delayed in opening, Parks and Recreation facilities will open at 10:00am. to the public.

For contact information or staff listing, see "About Us".

In our Reserve, please remember:

• No collecting of plants or animals
• No bikes, horses, roller blades or skateboards
• No metal detectors
• No hunting
• Dogs must be on leash to preserve research sites and ensure visitor safety. Owner is responsible for cleaning up after dog.

Registration Required For Events Unless Otherside Noted

Calendar of EventsView all

• Plankton Monitoring Studies08/22/2018 @ 10:00 am-12:00 pmOur plankton citizen science project is a great opportunity for science-minded individuals to contribute to monitoring and research at the Center. Help is needed with collection, identification, and analysis of plankton samples. Interested individuals should contact the Center for introductory training.
• Members Only - Early Migrants Paddle08/25/2018 @ 9:00 am-11:30 amTwo months past the longest day of the year, shortening days and cooler nights are signaling “time to pack up and fly south” to the earliest migrators of the avian world, as well as migratory butterflies and dragonflies. Mosey across the creek and through the marsh in search of some of these “early birds”.
• Critter Dinner Time08/25/2018 @ 1:30 pm-2:30 pmWatch our turtles, amphibians and snakes eat while learning about these fascinating creatures.
• Invasinators08/25/2018 @ 2:30 pm-4:30 pmBecome a part of the volunteer team of invasive plant removers and native plant restorers. Learn why non-native invasive plants are a threat to our ecosystem, how to identify problem plants, and removal and restoration strategies. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and work gloves for field work in the Reserve each meeting date.
• Tails and Tots08/26/2018 @ 2:00 pm-3:00 pmStory time with a natural twist! Come listen to some stories, learn new songs, and move like the animals.

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