School groups are welcome to explore the National Wildlife Visitor Center, open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The grounds are open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset, except Tuesdays where we close at 4PM.
Whether you’re planning a school field trip or coordinating a homeschool outing, there are many enriching activities available for students of all ages. While guided field trips are not currently offered, the refuge provides a wide variety of self‑guided experiences that allow groups to learn at their own pace and connect with the natural world.
The Patuxent Research Refuge is also recognized as a Maryland Green Center, an important designation awarded to organizations that help educate schools, teachers, and families about the Maryland Green Schools application process. The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) encourages, engages and empowers our community to understand, responsibly use and promote the natural world.
Learn more about planning your visit at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/patuxent-research/patuxent-visitor-center.
