New Interpretive Trail through native meadow and Observation Platform at Eastern Neck Visitor Center. Photo by Tom Eagle

Observation Platform and Native Landscaping. Photo by Tom Eagle

New Handicapped accessible photo blind complete with slte roof and western red cedar siding. Photo by Tom Eagle.

Great News! Refuge Volunteers and staff finally completed the construction of one of two new interpretive trails on Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. The Friends of Eastern Neck, in partnership with the National Aquarium in Baltimore, were awarded over $80,000 in grant funding from the National Park Service's Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network in support of the creation of both an interpretive paddling trail and new nature trail with photo blind on Eastern Neck Refuge. The grant provided a wonderful opportunity for Friends group members and other volunteers to be involved with needed improvements on the refuge under the leadership of the refuge's friends and partners at the National Aquarium.

The interpretive nature trail project included developing a trail, two observation platforms and a native conservation landscaping area adjacent to the new headquaters/visitor center located at the East Neck Lodge. Due to the large number of visitors to the visitor center, the area is ideal for an interpretive trail, bay access and wildlife observation. Specifically, the project included a nature trail, native plant landscaped area, wildlife viewing platform, photography blind, and interpretive signs. All observation platform surfaces and railings were constructed from recycled materials, which not only supports the Services conservation policy but the material will far outlast traditional wood decking. The Marsh Overlook / Photo Blind was partially constructed with excess material from the renovation of the 1933 hunting lodge and therefore sports a nostalgic slate roof and cedar shake siding. The native landscaping around the front of the visitor center is mulched with recycled clam shell while the beds in the rear are mulched with recycled tires. The entire trail and observation platforms are ADA compatible. The completed project will help visitors enjoy, explore and better understand both the historic and natural beauty of the refuge. Interpretive topics along the trail include history of the Eastern Neck hunting lodge, native vegetation and tidal wetlands and wildlife. From start to finish, several extremely dedicated volunteers rose above and beyond the call of duty to prove their dedication and devotion to Eastern Neck Refuge. Rock Hall resident and professional architect, John Donnelly drafted professional plans and drawings of the observation platforms and provided them at no cost to the project; while Richard Miller served as the project supervisor to ensure deadlines were met and a quality product completed. Richard Miller is an active member of a local volunteer organization called "Rebuilding Together" whose mission is to help people in need make essential repairs to their homes. Leann Miller was also instrumental in assisting the Aquarium with the administration of the grant as well as assisting with the initial phases of construction. See attached photos of examples of Richard and Leann's handiwork. Longtime Friends member and Bayscape caretaker Zeeger de Wilde, in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, designed and planted the native landscaping. Other partners in this project include Rock Hall Lumber and Rock Hall American Legion Post 228, Maryland Conservation Corps, National Civilian Community Corps (Americorps) and Chesapeake Bay Trust. When the dust cleared and the last section composite railing was fastened and the last slate shingle secured, our dedicated volunteers invested over 3200 hours of their valuable time in this project.

The second project was to establish the much anticipated water trail around Eastern Neck Island. The trail connects biologic, scenic, historic and ecologic sites located around the island for the recreational and educational benefit of paddlers. The trail consists of seven points of interest including island loss, wetland restoration, historical locations, SAV beds, key wildlife viewing areas, hiking trails, and other recreation sites which contain interpretive wayside signs, easily accessed and viewed by paddlers. All of the stopping points along with navigational markers and other useful information are displayed in a water proof, tear proof, floating map-and-guide. Partners include: National Aquarium in Baltimore, NPS Gateways Network, Maryland DNR, FOEN, Chester River Outfitters, Chester River Kayak Adventures, Chesapeake Paddlers and Rock Hall Lumber. Total volunteer hours for this project are well over 1000 hours.

Please join us in celebrating the grand opening of these new trails on October 28, 2006 at Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.