Contee's Wharf
Our friends at Scenic Rivers Land Trust have done it again with outdoor activities to showcase our terrific natural features and get us out in the fresh air for some exercise. On July 25, they’re sponsoring a wetland guided canoe tour of Muddy Creek on the Rhode River.
Your guides will include members of the SRLT and scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. The two-hour tour (not an ill-fated three hour tour!) will take you through the 550-acre parcel on this Chesapeake Bay wetland now protected by a conservation easement with the SRLT.
You’ll be able to learn about the wetland’s ecology, fin out why fish and crabs depend on wetlands, and learn how Smithsonian Environmental scientists are studying them. The tour starts at Contee’s Wharf Road off Muddy Creek Road in Edgewater. You have a choice of 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. If you want to go it alone, pick up a complimentary trail map and brochure to help you explore the 14 miles of wilderness shoreline.
You may either use Smithsonian canoes or bring your own. If you use the Smithsonian’s, you’ll pay $25/person. Smithsonian canoe rental is $12, and the remaining is a charitable contribution toward SRLT. Your gift has a triple payback. You’ll be learning about a true “Gem” of the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll be making a charitable contribution, and your contribution will be matched 2:1 by the Biophilia Foundation to help fund future educational and conservation efforts of the SRLT.
Please let the SRLT know in advance if you plan to bring your own canoe or kayak, so that they can register you for a launch permit. You need to pull your boat from the water by 4PM. Of course, PFDs are required for everyone while on the water. The minimum age is six years old, and children under 15 yrs must be accompanied by adult.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT
Register by calling 410- 424-4000 to register for either the morning or afternoon tour or register on line at http://www.srlt.org/woods/signup.php.
Directions to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center:
From Washington DC:
Take US Route 50 east towards Annapolis
Exit south at MD Route 424 Davidsonville Rd
Turn left at stoplight onto MD 214 Central Ave east
From Maryland Eastern Shore:
Take MD Route 50 west across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Immediately after the I-97 exit, Exit right onto MD Route 665 Aris T. Allen Blvd east
Exit south onto MD Route 2 across the South River bridge through Edgewater
Turn left at stoplight onto MD 214 Central Ave east
From Baltimore MD:
Take I-97 south towards Annapolis
Exit east onto MD Route 665 Aris T. Allen Blvd
Exit south onto MD Route 2 across the South River bridge through Edgewater
Turn left at stoplight onto MD 214 Central Ave east
From Southern Maryland:
Take MD Route 2/4 north to Sunderland
Continue on MD Route r north to Wayson’s Corner
Exit onto MD Route 408 east, which becomes MD Route 2 north
Turn right at stoplight onto MD 214 Central Ave east
From Central Avenue, Edgewater MD:
Follow MD 214 Central Ave east to stoplight at MD 468 Muddy Creek Rd
Turn right and proceed south about 1 mile
Turn left at the SERC sign at Contee’s Wharf Rd
Proceed east 0.8 miles on gravel road to SERC sign, then turn right onto paved road
After passing the gate, take an immediate left and proceed 1/3 mile down Dock Rd
The Philip D Reed Education Center and parking will be on the right.