NANJEMOY, Md.—The U.S. Department of the Interior, alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), announced the establishment of the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge, the 573rd addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System. The new refuge, anchored by an initial 31-acre land parcel near Nanjemoy, Maryland, will preserve critical habitats for endangered species while expanding outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area.
“Today, we mark an incredible milestone in locally led conservation efforts as we welcome the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge into our National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “The Biden-Harris administration has partnered with local communities, partners, and Tribes to protect treasured places, bolster climate resilience, and ensure current and future generations have public lands and waters to enjoy and recreate.”
Protecting Habitat, Supporting Local Communities
The Southern Maryland Woodlands Refuge reflects a collaborative conservation effort, emphasizing habitat protection, environmental preservation, and sustainable recreational use. The initial 31-acre parcel, donated by The Nature Conservancy, represents the first of several planned land contributions totaling over 300 acres. The protected forest and wetland habitats will support a diverse array of species, including:
- Northern long-eared bats
- Forest-interior songbirds
- Box turtles
- Conservation-priority salamanders
Additionally, USFWS aims to conserve up to 40,000 acres of essential wildlife habitat across four watershed focus areas in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. The refuge’s protected ecosystems will aid threatened and endangered species like the dwarf wedgemussel, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, puritan and northeastern tiger beetles, and the northern long-eared bat.
“Today’s announcement is a great example of the collaborative conservation that happens when longstanding partners work together in support of community-led priorities,” said USFWS Director Martha Williams. “The Southern Maryland Woodlands Refuge will help support the region’s outdoor economy, protect endangered species, and sustain recreational opportunities for generations to come.”
Responding to Habitat Loss
Maryland has experienced significant habitat loss over the last half-century, with more than 1 million acres of forests and wetlands converted for development since 1973. With the regional population expected to surpass 20 million in the next decade, habitat destruction poses a substantial threat to wildlife and the communities that rely on these natural spaces.
The refuge’s establishment aims to address these challenges by protecting essential ecosystems, improving climate resilience, and fostering sustainable recreational opportunities.
The National Wildlife Refuge System
The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 573 refuges and 38 wetland management districts, providing habitat for thousands of species. With over 69 million annual visitors, the system supports recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, wildlife photography, and environmental education. These activities generate approximately $3.2 billion annually for regional economies and support over 41,000 jobs nationwide.
The Southern Maryland Woodlands Refuge becomes the sixth addition to the Refuge System under Secretary Haaland’s leadership, joining areas such as:
- Willamette Valley Conservation Area (Oregon)
- Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area (Florida)
- Wyoming Toad Conservation Area (Wyoming)
- Paint Rock River National Wildlife Refuge (Tennessee)
- Lost Trail Conservation Area (Montana)
Future Conservation Efforts
The establishment of the refuge aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful Initiative, which aims to conserve and restore 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030 through voluntary, community-driven efforts. In collaboration with partners and willing landowners, the Service continues to expand opportunities for landscape-scale conservation.
“The new refuge represents a vision of collective action to address habitat loss while ensuring access to nature for generations to come,” said Haaland.
For more information on the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
