What We Do

Black grass blades above two wavy water lines on a white background

Friends of Jug Bay Supports

*Mouse over the images to learn more*

People gathered outdoors in a park for an event, with chairs and green umbrellas under trees.
Man kneeling in tall grass outdoors, wearing a hat and backpack, holding a white notebook and pen.
Children wading in a pond, smiling and holding up plants in bright sunlight.
Group of children posing in a muddy forest stream, smiling and crouching among green trees.
Group of volunteers standing beside bags of collected trash in a wooded park area
Audience seated in a meeting room, facing a presentation screen with slides displayed.
Person pouring liquid into a container in a lab or kitchen workspace with jugs and a red bucket
Green decorative pitcher with handle and raised design on a light cloth background

Jug Bay Award

Green decorative pitcher with handle and raised design on a light cloth background

In 1996, the Friends initiated a conservation award to recognize an individual whose active involvement in the Jug Bay region has contributed to a better understanding and appreciation of this unique wetland ecosystem. The award is presented at the Annual Meeting of the Friends in April of each year.

  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
  • 2009
  • 2008
  • 2007
  • 2006
  • 2005
  • 2003
  • 2002
  • 2001
  • 2000
  • 1999
  • 1998
  • 1997
  • 1996
Two small wooden cabins in a grassy park with leafless trees under an overcast sky

Jug Bay Education, Research & Discovery (JBERD) Field Station

Located within the Sanctuary along Maryland's Patuxent River at the Emory Waters Preserve, the Jug Bay Education, Research, and Discovery (JBERD) Field Station will provide valuable opportunities for both the education and scientific communities and the citizens of Anne Arundel County, the Chesapeake Bay region, and beyond.

The natural and cultural resources of JBERD include:

  • 225 forest acres
  • Access to over 300 wetland acres 
  • 15 meadow acres
  • Archaeological resources
  • Vernal Pools and creeks

The facilities will: 

  • Offer overnight facilities to researchers, educators, students, and the public
  • Support unique citizen science and volunteer programs in Anne Arundel County and southern Maryland 
  • Expand Graduate/undergraduate internship programs at Jug Bay
  • Provide residential, research-based learning opportunities for teachers
  • Afford an opportunity to study the rich 10,000-year American Indian history of Jug Bay
  • Advance knowledge on best practices for land and habitat management through field experimentation.

Phase 1

Nearly $1.3 million was raised in 2020 for construction of overnight cabins and furniture, a bath house with restrooms and showers, and the creation of a master architectural plan for the field station. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Anne Arundel County, and the Friends of Jug Bay were the funding partners. 


Construction for Phase 1 of the Jug Bay Field Station will begin in the fall of 2023

Phase 2

We are asking for your help to raise funds for Phase 2 – 

for the construction of laboratory space, meeting areas, offices, kitchen and dining room for the field station.



Estimated funding needed:

$3 - 4 million


Donate to JBERD
Jung Bay Environmental Research Field Station brochure with river photo and “Importance” text panel

Volunteer

Help Us Make a Difference

Friends of Jug Bay offers a variety of volunteer roles, ranging from short-term assistance with annual events like Soup ‘n Science to long-term leadership positions on our Board. We appreciate the dedication of community members committed to the success of the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. Please click the link below to share your interests with us.

I would love to help Friends of Jug Bay