Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its Eagle Festival the weekends of March 5 and 6, and March 12 and 13. With the continuing need for social distancing, this year’s festival will be a unique mix of virtual and limited in-person activities. On-site activities will require pre-registration, while virtual programs are offered on Facebook (@BlackwaterNWR) and Zoom. The Wildlife Drive will be free of charge both weekends.

A guided bird walk will kick off each morning, in search of ducks, geese, swans, songbirds and, of course, bald eagles. Kids ages 8 and up can sign up for youth archery, where they will become familiar with the safe use of equipment before learning to shoot targets. Kids of all ages can dissect an owl pellet and discover what owls eat by examining skeletal remains found within. Or consider registering for a guided 5-mile bicycle tour of Wildlife Drive with refuge staff. Pre-registration is required for all programs at bit.ly/blackwatereaglefestival. More information is available at the refuge’s website at fws.gov/refuge/blackwater, or by calling 410-228-2677.

Follow on Facebook @BlackwaterNWR for eagle identification tips and a roundup of some of the best hotspots to see eagles on the refuge.

Refuge volunteer Ron Ketter will present the virtual program “Waterfowl and Marsh Birds along Wildlife Drive” on Sunday, March 6, at 7 p.m. Register at Eventbrite at bit.ly/blackwatereaglefestival to receive the Zoom link for this program hosted by the Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Looking to get some fresh air? Bring the young ones out to the refuge to hike the Woods Trail and read the picture book “The Busy Tree” by Jennifer Ward. This StoryWalk will be installed along the Woods Trail beginning March 5 through the end of the month. Learn about the importance of a tree and the animals that can be found there, while getting physical activity outdoors with the family.

Stop by the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center to view the winning artwork from the 2022 Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest, as well as the winners of the Friends of Blackwater’s Refuge Photo Contest. Visitors will also be able to make a wildlife button to take home. Visitor Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Pets are not permitted outside of vehicles on the refuge, so please leave pets at home.

To protect the health of those who live, work and visit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public lands and facilities, face masks are currently required inside all federal buildings. They are also required outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.