Bring the family for a day of raptor fun at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, as we host our 15th Annual Eagle Festival on Saturday, March 14.

The Eagle Festival is our most popular event of the year and will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday. All events are free, and food and drinks will be available. The event will be held rain or shine.

Activities include live birds of prey, Wildlife Drive tours, our highly popular Eagle Prowls, bald eagle and golden eagle presentations, as well as fun events for the kids such as wildlife crafts, a youth archery range, and an owl pellet exploration.

Special guest speakers include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raptor specialist Craig Koppie, who will join Teena Ruark Gorrow to talk about eagles of the Chesapeake Bay. Also American Birding Association president and longtime Delmarva resident Jeffrey Gordon will present an exciting armchair tour through the Delmarva birding year. And the presentation "Landscapes of Freedom" will show you how Harriet Tubman used landmarks and natural features in the Blackwater area to help lead people to freedom on the Underground Railroad. You can also check out our new exhibits in the recently renovated Visitor Center.

For more information, including a full list of events, visit our Eagle Festival web page or call 410-228-2677.

On May 16 and 17, the Friends of Blackwater will host the 7th Annual Wild Goose Chase bicycle ride and festival, which now has events for both men and women. The Wild Goose Chase raises funds for the Friends of Blackwater and also offers participants a wonderful spring weekend in and around the Refuge. Visit our Wild Goose Chase web page to learn more about the event and how to register.