You’d be forgiven if you thought that Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary was only a research facility, or only a park. The reality is that it is a lot of both.
Address: 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian
Website: jugbay.org
Admission: $6
Hours: Open only on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 5pm
Parking: Free
Pets: No Dogs allowed
Notes: Most paths are not stroller accessible
There are 17,000 acres that make up Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and include forests, meadows, wetlands, creeks, vernal pools, sand and pine barrens. The National Audubon Society has declared Jug Bay an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it provides critical habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
At any time there are at least ten different studies being conducted at Jug Bay. Volunteer Citizen Scientists are welcome. The Box Turtle Habitat and Population Study began in 1995 and is one of the longest running Citizen Science programs in the country. There are often training sessions and events for the Jug Bay community.
What if you just want to hike? Jug Bay has over nine miles of hiking trails, several observation decks, a nature play space and events that include canoeing, kayaking and education. The entrance road to Jug Bay is a narrow path through a field that ends at the parking lot which is surrounded by a meadow and forest.
There are trails that are good for hikers of all levels, including a few that are wheelchair accessible. Little kids will enjoy the Nature Play Space and the observation viewpoints dotted around the sanctuary. And if they are up for a little adventure, take the Marsh Broadwalk trail that can be accessed on the right as you enter, before you reach the Wetlands Center.
The trail is initially a scramble in the woods down a steep embankment but then it opens up onto the marsh. A boardwalk meanders along the wetlands and past native plants that were being enjoyed by lots of butterflies the last time I was there. You’ll want to hold the hands of little kids who have a hard time staying on the boardwalk. The water isn’t deep here but it would not be fun to fish someone out of the water if they accidentally took a tumble in.
Jug Bay is all about observing the critters who live there. Even the Nature Play Space has an element that looks like a giant bird’s nest. The Otter and Railroad Bed Trails each have an observation blind for those who like to bird watch.
Jug Bay is a unique environment that is best enjoyed by walking the trails and observing the surroundings.