Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is the wintering ground for several thousand Canada geese, the largest concentration on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The sanctuary was named after Edgar Merkle (1900-1984), an active conservationist who devoted much of his life to protecting and providing for wildlife.
The geese arrive in mid-October and stay until late February or early March. About 100 geese stay the year round. During the peak of the season, more than 5,000 geese may be present. Corn, millet and other crops favored by geese are grown for them, adding to the marsh and aquatic plants that flourish in the ponds along the Patuxent River.
The sanctuary also offers habitats for a variety of birds and mammals. On a visit to Merkle, one may see red fox, a groundhog, or a white-tailed deer. In the summer, ospreys nest close to the Visitor Center and the hummingbirds, finches and purple martins are abundant. In the neighboring ponds, visitors are likely to see herons and other water birds. On the trails one can see bluebirds and many different songbirds.
Birdwatching, hiking, biking and fishing are available at various times of the year. A service charge of $2 per vehicle is payable at the entrance. Most programs are free or reasonably priced.
The visitor''s center is a handsome building set atop a rise overlooking several ponds and many acres of fields and woods sloping down to the Patuxent River. Its two-story wall of windows and circular balconies face a spectacular view. Ramps and an elevator allow visitors with disabilities to reach both levels of the building and the paths around it.
The exhibits focus primarily on the life history and management of the Canada goose. Other exhibits focus on the habitat of the area. A Discovery Room for children has live snakes, frogs, turtles and other wildlife species. The lower level includes a children''s coloring table and a book nook. There is also a gift shop featuring nature items.
