Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

In addition to a wealth of wetlands and forests, Blackwater Refuge is also host to over 250 bird species, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, 165 species of threatened and endangered plants, and numerous mammals that can be spotted throughout the year in Blackwater's marshes, forests, meadows, and fields. During winter migration, Blackwater Refuge is also home to upwards of 15,000 geese and 10,000 ducks. The refuge is currently host to three recovered species: the formerly endangered Delmarva fox squirrel, the delisted migrant peregrine falcon, and the recently delisted American bald eagle. Mammals Blackwater Refuge is home to a variety of mammals, which until recently included the South American nutria. Introduced to the refuge in the 1930s, intensive trapping efforts starting in 2002 helped nearly eliminate the animal from the area. Among the mammals is also the Delmarva fox squirrel, considered a formerly endangered species. Blackwater forest management programs are working to protect this squirrel. Reptiles and amphibians The marshes and swamps of Blackwater provide an ideal living environment for a number of reptiles and amphibians. Blackwater Refuge's reptiles include: Blackwater Refuge's amphibians include: Birds Blackwater Refuge is a major feeding ground for migrating birds, most abundant being the Canada goose. Swans, cranes, and more than 20 species of duck can be found in its waters. Also of note is the bald eagle, another of the refuge's protected species. The refuge is home to one of the highest concentrations of nesting bald eagles on the Atlantic coast. In all, the refuge is a resting ground for over 200 varieties of bird. Some of the more common birds to be spotted in Blackwater Refuge are: Bald eagles The most famous wildlife resident in the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge is the bald eagle. The refuge hosts the largest breeding population of bald eagles on the East Coast north of Florida, and during the winter, many eagles migrate to Blackwater Refuge from northern states and from Canada. The Friends of Blackwater website offers a live Eagle Cam that monitors an eagle nest on the refuge. In addition, the Friends of Blackwater also offer a live Osprey Cam that follows the adventures of a nesting pair of ospreys through the spring and summer. ==Visitor opportunities==

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge also offers a wealth of recreational and visitor opportunities for all age groups. Although much of Blackwater Refuge is composed of wetlands, there are still many ways to get close to the wildlife and to enjoy the scenery. The refuge features a visitor center on Key Wallace Drive where visitors will find wildlife exhibits, an authentic eagle's nest, Eagle Cam and Osprey Cam TV monitors, the Eagle's Nest Book and Gift Shop, a butterfly garden, restrooms, and maps and brochures that will help visitors make the most of their visit. On the second floor of the Visitor Center is the "Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature Observatory", which features bird exhibits and spotting scopes for viewing the Blackwater River, the marsh, and the Osprey Cam platform. (The second floor is accessible via a staircase or a handicap-accessible elevator). The staff at the Visitor Center also offer educational programs for children, as well as frequent organized bird walks and an annual Eagle Festival. Access to the refuge is from dawn till dusk. The heart of Blackwater Refuge can be accessed via the Wildlife Drive, which is a paved road—approximately in length (or a loop) ==Staff and volunteers==

The Blackwater Refuge staff is supported by the Friends of Blackwater, which is a non-profit citizen support group that puts in many volunteer hours at the refuge and sponsors various programs and projects throughout the year. In 2003, the Friends of Blackwater were named the "Friends Group of the Year". == Land use history ==

Under British authority, the Maryland General Assembly of May 1669 recognized Indian ownership of land that is now, in part, Blackwater Reserve. General Assembly recognition came in response to Ababco Hatsawap and Tequassimo tribal leadership messages communicated by the Lower House to the Upper House as a result of a murder trial involving a member of the Wiccomis Nation. The General Assembly observed the Ababco Hatsawap and Tequassimo nations were at risk of being extinguished by persistent Wiccomis Nation and Matwhas Indian attacks without British protection. The friendly tribes sent word that they'd not sold certain land to the English and desired their land on the south shore of the Choptank River to Secretary Sewall's Creek (now Warwick River) be off limits to the English. The General Assembly granted the request in an gesture known as the League of Peace. The tribes, being free to sell this land, did. The following is from Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, April 1666-June 1676, Volume 2, Page 200 (spelling updated): By 1726, the Ababco Hatawap and Tequassimo nations had sold much of their land. By 1792, their population dwindled (according to William Vans Murray) to a few remaining descendants residing at Locust Point. While the original land parcel is often described as the only "fee-simple Indian Reservation granted by the British," the General Assembly acted to a fulfill a request, to protect and keep peace. That legally nothing prevented sale of their land, undoubtedly inspired the legal framework of later reservations. == References ==