The Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is located along the tidal Patuxent River in southern Maryland, United States. It was established in 1985 and is operated by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. It includes more than 1,500 acres of tidal freshwater wetlands, forests, meadows and fields. The wetlands, with large stands of aquatic plants including wild rice, are home to many birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Miles of trails and boardwalks traverse a variety of habitats and provide glimpses into the rich history of the region. In 1990, the Sanctuary became a component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The sanctuary is also recognized as a Nationally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy and the National Audubon Society. The goals of the sanctuary are to provide environmental education opportunities to the public, to conduct ecological research, and to conserve Jug Bay's unique ecosystem. Each year about 10,000 visitors enjoy programs for students, families and groups. Several hundred volunteers act as docents and guides to the public and assist with long-term ecological studies. In return, volunteers gain in-depth knowledge of ecology, natural history, and the functions of wetland ecosystems. The sanctuary is located in Bristol, Maryland, 43 miles from the mouth of the 115-mile long river. The Wetlands Center is at 38°47′05″N 76°42′06″W, three miles southeast of Upper Marlboro and six miles west of Lothian, with a mailing address of 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD 20711. It is 17.5 miles southwest of Annapolis and 19.5 miles southeast of Washington, DC.
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