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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Maryland  /  Cambridge  /  Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge

4.8
#1 of 16 in Things to do in Cambridge
Must see · Wildlife Area · Nature / Park
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The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the critical migration highway called the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, just 12 mi (19 km) south of Cambridge, Maryland in Dorchester County, and consists of over 28,000 acres (110 km2) of freshwater impoundments, brackish tidal wetlands, open fields, and mixed evergreen and deciduous forests. Blackwater NWR is one of over 540 units in the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Blackwater Refuge is fed by the Blackwater River and the Little Blackwater River. The name "blackwater" comes from the tea-colored waters of the local rivers, which are darkened by the tannin that is picked up as the water drains through peat soil in the marshes.
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Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
521 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By ddallas1969
    This area is always different depending on the time of year. It's a great drive-through area where you may spot an owl, an eagle, swans, geese, snakes, turtles, frogs. You just never know! We like....  more
    This area is always different depending on the time of year. It's a great drive-through area where you may spot an owl, an eagle, swans, geese, snakes, turtles, frogs. You just never know! We like....  more »
  • By CarJef
    Informative and well maintained center. Ride around the grounds was very enjoyable. Did get to see an eagle in a field. Bring binoculars! 
    Informative and well maintained center. Ride around the grounds was very enjoyable. Did get to see an eagle in a field. Bring binoculars!  more »
  • By David C
    We visited this National Wildlife Refuge on a cold, windy and rainy day. But despite the crummy weather, we were not disappointed, the Visitors center is a good place to start. The rangers are... 
    We visited this National Wildlife Refuge on a cold, windy and rainy day. But despite the crummy weather, we were not disappointed, the Visitors center is a good place to start. The rangers are...  more »
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