Visitor Information

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!

Phone: 410-612-1688 or 410-879-2000, ext. 1688
Fax: 410-612-1690
Email: aclec@harfordcountymd.gov
Address: 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, MD 21009

HOURS OF OPERATION

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 noon to 5:00 p.m.
(Gates close promptly at 5:00 p.m.)

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 hunting
Dogs must be on leash to preserve research sites and ensure visitor safety. Owner is responsible for cleaning up after dog.

More Information

Calendar of EventsView all

Knee-High Adventures09/04/2010 @ 10:30 am-11:30 amLet’s go explore! We will be out and about on our Discovery Trail investigating nature with songs, games and sensory activities.
Ants Go Marching One by One09/04/2010 @ 1:00 pm-2:00 pmAnts are everywhere we don’t want them to be. What attracts them and how do they know where they are going? Discover the wonderful world of ants!
Children's Gardening09/04/2010 @ 3:00 pm-4:00 pmHave fun growing food and flowers here and at home. Enjoy crafts, games, and science disguised as fun, as you learn about seeds, life cycles, and growing food and flowers in a watershed-friendly way.
Nature Tales09/05/2010 @ 3:30 pm-4:00 pmStory time with a nature twist! Come listen to some stories, learn new songs and move like the animals.
The Finton Formula Fun Visiting Scientist Series09/10/2010 @ 4:30 pm-6:00 pmJoin us for exciting hands-on chemistry and environmental science fun, guided by guest scientists from the local community. Topics vary by month. Hurry! Space is limited.