Patuxent River Park

Patuxent GUIDE TO

River Park

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF

Patuxent River Park 1961 Patuxent River Watershed Act enacted 1962 M-NCPPC embarked on a land acquisition program, purchasing 21 acres of riverfront property in Upper Marlboro 1968 Patuxent River designated one of Maryland’s scenic rivers 1982 W. Henry Duvall Tool Museum opens to the public 1987 Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour opens to the public 1990 Designated a component of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, one of 27 sites nationwide

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he Patuxent River is known for its treasured resources and natural beauty. The dense woodlands of the upper reaches, give way to the ecologically important wetlands of the middle river. Farmlands dominate the southern region creating scenic vistas as the river flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Archaeological and cultural resources tell the story of 10,000 years of human habitation. Its 115-mile length is the longest river flowing entirely within the state. In 1968, it was designated a “Maryland Scenic River.”

2002 Destination on the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, a National Park Service partnership 2004 Designated an “Important Birding Area” by the National Audubon Society 2008 Patuxent Water Trail opens to the public

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission recognized the importance of the river and developed a “Master Plan” for its protection. The Commission embarked on a land acquisition program, and today owns more than 7,000 acres along 55-miles of riverfront property in Prince George’s County.

The park is governed by a “limited-use” policy, permitting only those activities that are compatible with the natural resources and preserve the scenic character of the river.

Several properties are open to the public.

2011 Designated a “Green Center” by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education 2012 Patuxent River Park celebrates its 50th Anniversary

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Montgomery County

he Patuxent River provides excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The Patuxent Water Trail offers paddlers access to the river, to camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and wildlife areas. The water trail is managed in cooperation with state and local agencies and conservation organizations. Special rules and regulations apply.

11 1 Fran Uhler Natural Area 95

4 Patuxent River 4-H Center 3

5 Marlboro Natural Area

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6 Billingsley Point

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Archaeological Park

8 Jug Bay Natural Area

Selby’s Landing (8), 17601 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro.

Parking is limited to 25 vehicles including vehicles with trailers.

No personal watercraft permitted.

10 Aquasco Farm

44 301

9 Clyde Watson Boating Area

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11 Cedar Haven Fishing Area 95

POTOMAC RIVER

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

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Park Activities Key

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Clyde Watson Boating Area (9), 17901 Magruder’s Ferry Road, Brandywine. Parking is limited to 15 vehicles with trailers and 25 additional vehicles. Personal watercraft are permitted with restrictions; only 7 permitted at one time, access to shoreline in posted area only and “no wake” zone.

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Jackson’s Landing (8), 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro.

Parking is limited to 12 vehicles with trailers and 12 additional vehicles.

No personal watercraft permitted.

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3 Queen Anne Natural Area

The Patuxent River Park manages three boat ramps along the river in Prince George’s County. A “special-use” park permit is required to launch trailered boats and restrictions apply. There is no overnight use permitted, no fuel facilities and parking is available on a first come basis.

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Anne Arundel County

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Charles County

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Fran Uhler Natural Area

Governor Bridge Natural Area

Queen Anne Natural Area

10300 Lemons Bridge Road, Bowie, MD 20720 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

7600 Governor Bridge Road, Bowie, MD 20716 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

18405 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

Fran Uhler Natural Area, bordering the Patuxent River between Bowie State University and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center includes wooded floodplains, non-tidal wetlands, upland forests, and meadows. The park has more than five miles of scenic woodland trails open for hiking, bicycling, and nature study. Visitors can also take the boardwalk loop trail for a closer look at the river.

Governor Bridge Natural Area is located near the Bowie Baysox Stadium. At one time the property was an active sand and gravel mining operation which was abandoned in the 1960s and neglected for years. In the 1980 s the property was selected as a “mitigation” site and a restoration plan was developed to return the land to it natural environment. Today, largemouth bass flourish in the 8 acre lake under a managed “catch and release” program. The park has over two miles of scenic woodland trails for hiking, bicycling, and nature study.

Queen Anne Natural Area is located in an historic area. The Port Town of Queen Anne was established in 1706 and was a major river crossing from southern Maryland to Annapolis.

Wildlife biologist Francis Morey Uhler, whose office was near this site, donated the funds to purchase the land in 1986. The property was an illegal trash dump but has been restored to its natural state with the help of volunteers. Today, the park is managed with assistance from the Prince George’s Audubon Society under the “Adopt-a-Refuge” program.

Access is restricted. Pedestrian traffic only.

Directions: Located next to Bowie State University. From the Capital Beltway (I-495), exit onto Route 450 (Annapolis Road) East. Make a left onto Lemons Bridge Road. Parking is available at Bowie State MARC train station.Walk to entrance.

The property also provides access to the river for canoes and kayaks. The site has a launch pad, parking facilities and is the initial launch point for the Patuxent Water Trail.

The river is susceptible to seasonal flooding so visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access is restricted.

Directions: From Route 301 in Bowie, turn onto Governor Bridge Road. Go 1.5 miles to park entrance on the right.

The park has over four miles of scenic woodland trails for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Fishing is permitted along the river near the old Queen Anne Bridge. The property also provides access to the river for canoes and kayaks. The site has a floating dock, parking facilities and is a launch site on the Patuxent Water Trail. The river is susceptible to seasonal flooding so visitors are encouraged to check river conditions and plan ahead. Access is restricted.

Directions to fishing area: From Route 214 in Bowie, turn south onto Queen Anne Bridge Road. Go 0.4 mile to stop sign. Proceed another 0.3 mile to park entrance.

Directions to canoe launch: From Route 301 in Bowie, turn onto Queen Anne Road. Go 2.2 miles and turn right at entrance to the Patuxent River 4-H Center. Take gravel road to landing. Access restricted.

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Patuxent River 4-H Center

Marlboro Natural Area

Billingsley Point

18405 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301-390-7259; TTY 301-699-2544

17100 Swanson Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

6900 Green Landing Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

The Patuxent River 4-H Center is located on 74 acres of land near the Patuxent River and is an open space environmental education facility. The center is a cooperative venture between the Patuxent River 4-H Foundation, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service.

The site has cabins for overnight use, an activity center with meeting rooms and dining facilities, and an outdoor pavilion. Catering services are available.

Marlboro Natural Area is comprised of over 1,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and open fields. This is one of the largest contiguous parcels of park property along the river. Much of the property is in agricultural production following best management practices and a soil conservation plan. A portion of the property is leased to the Prince George’s Radio Club for flying remote model airplanes and special rules apply.

Billingsley Manor is a brick Tidewater Colonial plantation house that sits on 430 acres overlooking the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Western Branch. The house and land were named for Major John Billingsley, the original 1662 land grant owner. Even though Major Billingsley never lived on the property, and there have been 27 title adjustments over its long history the name “Billingsley” remains. The present house was built around 1740 by the prominent Weems family on, or very near, the site of an older 1695 house built by Colonel James Hollyday, first Chief Justice of Prince George’s County Court.

The center offers a wide variety of environmental education programs and activities for people of all ages. Daily, weekly, and overnight programs are offered regularly along with traditional 4-H activities. The center is accredited by the American Camping Association. Advanced reservations are required for all activities. Call ahead to make sure staff is available.

Directions: From Route 301 in Bowie, turn onto Queen Anne Road. Go 2.2 miles and turn right at entrance to Patuxent River 4-H Center. Follow road to activity building.

On the south end of the property sits Compton Basset, considered one of the Prince Georges County’s finest examples of Georgian style architecture. Built in the late 18th century, Compton Basset is significant for its association with colonial history, the War of 1812 and Catholicism in Maryland.

Marlboro Natural Area has over four miles of scenic woodland trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. A designated parking area for visitors and horse trailers is located off Swanson Road.

Directions: From Route 301 turn onto Swanson Rd. Go .25 miles and bear right at the fork. Go .25 miles to the park entrance.

Billingsley has been substantially altered and modernized both in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; however it is still one of the oldest structures remaining in the County and a unique example of a plantation house. The house is available for tours, rentals, and seasonal events.

Directions: From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take exit 11A (Pennsylvania Avenue, Route 4). Go 8 miles and exit onto Route 301 South. Go past Giant Food and turn left at green and white SHA Garage sign. Follow the road past the gate house onto WSSC property (you must announce your destination at the gate call box). Follow M-NCPPC signs to very narrow road. Go over bridge and drive slowly along paved road to only possible right turn, Green Landing Road. Follow road to the house at the end and make a right into the parking lot.

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Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park 16801 Mount Calvert Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773 301-627-1286; TTY 301-699-2544 Mount Calvert is one of the most significant historical and archaeological sites in Prince George’s County. The site represents over 8,000 years of Native American, Euro-American, and African American cultures. In 1658 Phillip Calvert patented Mount Calvert as a 1000-acre plantation. In 1683, an Act for the Advancement of Trade assisted in establishing towns throughout the Chesapeake region to encourage settlement and commerce. One such town was Mount Calvert which eventually became Charles Town. In 1696, when Prince George’s county was established, it was named the first seat of government. Charles Town was the center of economic, governmental, and religious activities until the county seat was moved to Upper Marlboro in 1721.

During the middle and late 18th and early 19th centuries, Mount Calvert functioned as a typical Southern Maryland plantation. In 1789 John Brown built the existing federal period house and by 1860 fifty-one African Americans were enslaved at Mount Calvert.

The park features ongoing archaeological and historical research and provides programs and hands-on activities for the public. Hiking is also permitted. Relic or artifact collecting is strictly prohibited.

Directions: From Route 301 in Upper Marlboro, turn onto Route 382 (Croom Road). Go 3 miles and turn left onto Mount Calvert Road and go 3 miles to park entrance.

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Jug Bay Natural Area 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544

Jug Bay Natural Area is the headquarters for the Patuxent River Park.

This 2,000 acre tract of land is comprised of various natural habitats that buffer the Patuxent River and provide a critical link in conserving the area’s natural resources.

Jug Bay is one of the most important freshwater tidal estuaries in the Chesapeake Bay region. The Commission works cooperatively with federal, state and local agencies, and conservation organizations to ensure that the Patuxent River remains one of Maryland’s premiere river greenways. Jug Bay Natural Area is a component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland, a nationwide network of diverse coastal estuaries that serve as laboratories for scientific research, education and monitoring. The park is also a site on the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, a partnership of parks, refuges, museums, historical communities and trails where visitors can experience and learn about the Chesapeake Bay. Jug Bay is also designated as an “Important Birding Area” by the National Audubon Society. Lastly, the park is a designated “Green Center” by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education. The park serves as a resource to the school community’s commitment to environmental literacy and sustainability.

The park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities to the public. There are more than 14 miles of scenic woodland trails for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. The park offers primitive tent camping and facilities for day-use picnics. There are two fishing areas

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that offer good tidal fishing year-round. Jug Bay has two standard boat ramps. A “special use” permit is required to launch.

The wetlands of Jug Bay are an excellent place to explore by canoe or kayak. The park offers daily canoe and kayak rentals and guided trips. Jug Bay is also a launch site on the Patuxent Water Trail. Access is restricted.

The park is home to the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. This collection of late 19th and early 20th century buildings tells the story of life in southern Maryland.

Visitors can also enjoy the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Tour, a four-mile roadway that connects the park with Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary.

Guided interpretive programs are available on a seasonal basis for all ages. River ecology tours aboard a pontoon boat feature the river’s wetlands, wildlife, and history. Boardwalks provide easy access to Black Walnut Creek Nature Study Area where guided nature hikes explore the bio-diverse communities of the river.

Directions: From Route 301 in Upper Marlboro, turn onto Route 382 (Croom Road). Go 4 miles and turn left onto Croom Airport Road. Follow signs to the park entrance on left.

For directions to boat ramps, see the detailed information under “boat ramps” on the reverse side.

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Clyde Watson Boating Area

Aquasco Farm

Cedar Haven Fishing Area

17901 Magruder’s Ferry Road, Brandywine, MD 20613 301-627-6074; TTY 301-669-2544

16665 Aquasco Farm Road, Aquasco, MD 20608 301-627-6074; TTY 301-669-2544

18400 Phyllis Weatley Boulevard, Eagle Harbor, MD 20608 301-627-6074; TTY 301-669-2544

Clyde Watson Boating Area provides boating access to the river in the southern part of the county. The facility includes a standard boat ramp and pier, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Parking is limited to 15 vehicles with trailers and 25 additional spaces. A “special use” permit is required to launch a trailer drawn boat. The property is also a launch site on the Patuxent Water Trail. Access is restricted

Aquasco farm is an 840-acre agricultural site located in the rural part of the county. Much of the land is still actively farmed, following best management practices and soil conservation plans to protect the land. The Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital lease 80 acres for primitive camping. In addition, special areas are set aside for beagle training and specific regulations govern their use. The property is also managed for bow hunting in conjunction with land

Cedar Haven Fishing Area is located in the southeastern corner of the county, adjacent to the town of Eagle Harbor.

Here the river is over a mile wide and offers visitors a panoramic view from its sandy shoreline. In 2019, a “living shoreline” using wetland vegetation and other natural materials, was built to protect and stabilize the eroding banks. Fishing is permitted along the shoreline and stone sills. A Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license is required and surf rods are recommended.

The property is also a launch site for the Patuxent Water Trail.

Access is restricted.

The facility is dedicated to Clyde Watson, a local resident, outdoorsman, and conservationist.

Directions: From route 301 in Upper Marlboro, turn onto Route 382 (Croom Road). Go 12.5 miles and turn left onto Magruder’s Ferry Road.

Go 1.2 miles to park entrance on left.

owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Directions: From Route 301 in Upper Marlboro, turn onto Route 382 (Croom Road). Go 14.7 miles and turn left onto Route 381 (Aquasco Road). Go 1.1 miles and turn left onto Aquasco Farm Road. Go 1 mile to park entrance on right.

Directions: From Route 301, turn onto Route 382 (Croom Road). Go 14.7 miles and turn left onto Route 381 (Aquasco Road). Go 3.4 miles and turn left onto Eagle Harbor Road. Go 1.6 miles and bear left onto Trueman Point Road. Go 0.6 miles and bear left onto Banneker Boulevard. Go 0.5 miles and park entrance will be straight ahead.

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Patuxent River Park The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Natural and Historical Resources Division 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro MD 20772 301-627-6074 / TTY 301-699-2544 www.pgparks.com

In order to protect and preserve the fragile resources of the river, a “limited-use” policy governs the park’s use. Only those activities that are compatible with the natural environment and preserve the scenic character of the river are permitted.

Advanced registration or a special-use permit is required for all activities.

The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.

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