In case the National Wildlife Visitor Center (on the South Tract of the 

Patuxent Research Refuge) is one of your favorite spots to bird, you should 
know this:


"The National Wildlife Visitor Center will be closed from October 29, 2007 
through approximately mid-March 2008 for repairs to the roof and the 
heating/ventilation system. According to Refuge Manager Brad 
Knudsen, “Repairs have been needed for some time and we are pleased that 
federal funding has finally been made available for these projects. We hope to 
continue to provide limited public programs at the Refuge North Tract and on 
the Visitor Center trails and other outdoor areas.  We ask for the public’s 
patience as repairs move forward.” 


Unless posted otherwise, the Refuge trails near the Visitor Center will continue 
to be open sunrise to 4:30 PM with the exception of federal holidays and 

certain weekdays November 5-20. This short-term closure of the grounds will 
allow for much-needed parking lot and entrance/exit road maintenance to 

occur.  Since this maintenance is weather-dependent, we are unable to list 
specific dates for grounds closure at this time. 


Prospective visitors may wish to call (301-497-5763) or check this web site 
[http://patuxent.fws.gov] for periodic construction updates."


Marcy Stutzman
Russett, MD