The
Patuxent Research Refuge has a north entrance that we didn't know about. The refuge is part of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge was created in 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt's executive order in 1936. Its mission is to preserve wild lands and wild life along with providing an area for research. At 13,000 acres, it is the largest forested area between Baltimore and Washington.
We visited during hunting season, so most of the trails were closed to non-hunters. One trail that was open was the
Merganser Pond Trail. It loops around Merganser Pond (no surprise there!). The trail is about half a mile, but making the loop is more like a full mile since the trail ends at a road that comes back around to the parking lot. The pond looks tranquil. Approaching the water is impossible due to fences that preserve the flora.
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No fishing at the pond |
We saw a beaver lodge out in the pond but no beavers. Maybe they know about the hunting?
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Well, no fishing for humans, anyway |
The trailhead is clearly marked at the edge of the pond. The path leads to an observation area.
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Go this way |
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The observation area |
The view from the observation area was not particularly impressive to us. I am sure with binoculars and bird activity, there'd be more to see.
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Another side of the pond |
The trail then led us into the woods for a pleasantly shaded walk.
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Into deeper cover |
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An easy trail to follow |
At one point we found a bridge over a mostly dry stream bed. The kids were disappointed with the lack of water. Boy, did they show it!
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Sad at the bridge |
Further down the trail, I spotted a snake having a sunny nap. We did not disturb it even though it disturbed my kids. They walked a little faster and more gingerly after the sighting.
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