Once upon a time, three islands floated in the Chesapeake Bay to the east of Baltimore. While looking like tiny scraps of land to most people, others saw potential. Thirty years and 90 million cubic yards of material later, Hart-Miller Island was born. The Army Corps of Engineers and Maryland Department of Natural Resources rebuilt the 1,100-acre island to safely dispose of dredging material while adding habitat for bay birds and wildlife. Join us for a morning boat and bus tour of the island, offered through Maryland Environmental Service. As an important habitat for migrating shorebirds, nesting terns, and grassland-nesting songbirds, the site was developed with upland grassland and wetlands that flow into an extensive pool. A one-acre nesting island was constructed after a Maryland Ornithological Society survey was completed. We will be on the lookout for birds while on the bus and at all stops.
Bring a picnic lunch to eat near the beach at our last stop on the bus tour, Hart-Miller Island State Park. Snow cones and cold drinks are available for purchase at their small store. Cash only. No credit cards are accepted.
While at the beach, the MES crew will provide seining nets and waders to borrow for both kids and adults. Participants may wade out as teams to scoop up aquatic life and fish for us to view on shore.
The minimum age is six years old.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, participants need to be able to board a boat with assistance, climb stairs, and hike .5 miles on a gravel road.
- The exact meeting location will be listed in your confirmation email after payment has been received.
- Note that the marina has changed from last year. Note new address in your registration confirmation email.
- Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
- Dress according to the weather, including a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. No sandals.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, tick and insect spray.
- Bring your camera and accessories.
- Bring binoculars.
- Bring your guidebooks.
- No pets, please.
Please note that while this tour is offered for free from MES, we appreciate your donation to cover our costs in offering this program.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. No refunds are available for this program.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
