Once upon a time, three islands floated in the Chesapeake Bay to the east of Baltimore. While to most people they looked like tiny scraps of land, others saw potential. Thirty years and 90 million cubic yards of material later, Hart-Miller Island was born. The Army Corps of Engineers and the 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 by the 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 on our last stop on the bus tour, Hart-Miller Island State Park. Snow cones and cold drinks may be available for purchase at their small store; however, it may be closed for the year due to budget cuts. If it is open, the store only accepts cash, no credit cards.
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.
Please note that while this tour is offered free of charge by MES, we appreciate your donation to help cover our costs in offering this program.
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.
- Our meeting location will be included in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Closed-toe shoes are REQUIRED.
- Children welcome age 8 and up. Must be able to listen while on the bus.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details if you have them.
- Bring your guidebooks, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is canceled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:- Education for All: $0
- NHSM Member Donation Level 1: $5
- NHSM Member Donation Level 2: $10
- Non Member: $10