For Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary’s hours of operation and event calendar, visit www.jugbay.org.
40 Years in the Life of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (Continued from page 1)
UPCOMING PROGRAMS SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026 Skunk Cabbage Swamp Stomp:
First Flower of the Year 11 a.m.–12 noon, at-home webinar 2–3:30 p.m., hike at the Sanctuary Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 1361 Wrighton Rd., Lothian, MD 20711
Join volunteer Siobhán Percey on the 2026 Annual Skunk Cabbage Swamp Stomp! Siobhán is a Master Naturalist and Jug Bay’s resident skunk cabbage expert. Eastern skunk cabbage is Maryland’s first flower of the year, blooming in January. This is only one of
Everything the Sanctuary is, does, and has accomplished during the past 40 years is because of its people. The current scale of public and educational program- ming, stewardship, and citizen science activities is possible thanks to the many volunteers who donate their hours. Currently, more than 220 volunteers give more than 7,000 hours per year, which is valued at more than $243,000. But the spirit of volunteerism at Jug Bay is not new: In 1989, volunteers were already donating about 3,400 hours a year! Volunteers engage in
its fascinating characteristics. It is alleged to be more than 72 million years old, changing little over that time, an indisputable evolutionary success. It is an extraordinary plant, possessing peculiarities found in few others. Swamp Stomp includes two parts. From 11 a.m. to 12 noon, enjoy a virtual presentation in the warmth of your own home. Then, Siobhán will meet you at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Visitor Center at 2 p.m. to lead you on an off-trail walk. This to fasci- nating plant lives in the swamp along the wetland edges, so appropriate footwear is needed. The terrain is on a slope than may be muddy. Navigation around or over some fallen trees is necessary. Hiking poles are welcome. Don’t forget your boots! Ages: 12 and up. $10 per person. No refunds for participant cancellations or no shows. Registration required at www. jugbay.org. Visit the Event Calendar and click on the event. SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 Magnificent Marsh Mammals 3–5 p.m. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 1361 Wrighton Rd., Lothian, MD 20711
widely diverse opportuni- ties as naturalists, garden- ers, trail monitors, field data collectors, office greeters, program leads, land stew- ards, and more. Working as a well-oiled machine, all people components of the Sanctuary have accom- plished much in environ- mental education, land stewardship, and science.
Engaging visitors, school students, and diverse groups in environmental outdoor education has always been an integral part of the Sanctuary. In 1988, the first “marsh ecology by canoe” (still being offered today) made its debut as a public program and became an iconic offering to showcase the Sanctuary’s magnificent wetland habitat. By 1989, 30 to 40 school children were already participating in weekly guided education programs and the “Children’s Day” event attracted more than 300 participants. Although the number and types of educational programs offered have varied through the years, many visitors and students have and continue to benefit
What mammals inhabit our fascinating marshes at Jug Bay? Find out, and perhaps see some in person, on an evening hike through the woods and along the edge of the marsh. Join Chuck Hatcher, Jug Bay’s resident expert on otters, for
Participants in a canoe program learn about Jug Bay marshes (top) and students explore Mark’s Pond during a Nature Explorers Summer Camp (bottom).
a one- to three-mile walk. Look and listen for signs of activity while Chuck shares interesting facts about these magnificent marsh mammals. Open to all ages able to walk one to three miles. Bring a flashlight. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Fee $5 per person. No refunds for participant cancellation or no shows. Registration required at www.jugbay.org. Visit the Event Calendar and click on the event. With questions, call 410-222-8006 or email jugbay@aacounty.org.
from these hands-on learning experiences. Today, the Sanctuary offers more than 280 public programs a year with more than 2,600 participants. The recurring “Classrooms in the Field” programs engage more than 1,000 students yearly, logging
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MARSH NOTES
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