HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Welcome to the Estuary Center
As one of the facilities of Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation, our mission is to increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of estuarine ecosystems through research, monitoring, and education.
We are one of the few remaining large freshwater tidal marshes in the upper Chesapeake Bay accessible to the public. Otter Point Creek is a shallow tributary located at the headwaters of the Bush River in southern Harford County, MD. The Otter Point Creek Component consists of two land areas (Leight Park and the Melvin G. Bosely Conservancy) connected by 261 acres of shallow open water. Leight Park is 93 forested acres owned by Harford County Parks and Recreation and home to the Estuary Center. The Bosely Conservancy is 350 acres of tidal marsh and wooded wetlands owned by the Izaak Walton League of America – Harford County Chapter.
Through our partnerships with Harford County and the Chesapeake Bay Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR), we offer public, private/group, and school (including home school) programs. Program activities include canoeing, kayaking, pontoon boating, crafts, hiking, education, animal encounters, and research.
Come join us and see what you can discover at the Estuary Center!
- What is the Estuary Center?
- What can I do at the Estuary Center?
- Where are you located?
- What type of research and monitoring do you do?
- How can I sign up for nature programs?
- How do I sign up for school programs?
- How can I volunteer?
- How can I become a member?
- What is CBNERR?
Register your child now for one of our Summer Exploration Nature Day Camps! Click here for a listing of the camps we offer.
NEW! Click here for online registration.
As a courtesy to our visitors, please note that effective January 1, 2012, the use of all tobacco products is prohibited on property owned or leased by Harford County.
Calendar of EventsView all
- The Finton Formula Fun Visiting Scientist Series05/18/2012 @ 4:30 pm-6:00 pmJoin us for exciting hands-on chemistry and environmental science fun, guided by guest scientists from the local community. Topics vary by month. Hurry! Space is limited.
- Beaver Sunset Paddle05/18/2012 @ 6:00 pm-8:30 pmAt the close of the day, beaver come out to play. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open and see how many beaver you can find on the creek this evening.
- Introduction to Kayaking05/19/2012 @ 10:00 am-1:00 pmLearn the basics of kayak use in this American Canoeing Association certified Quick Course. This is an instructional program. Participants will spend most of the time learning about the boat and practicing skills near shore.
- Critter Dinner Time05/19/2012 @ 10:30 am-11:00 amCome watch our turtles, fish and snakes eat as you learn more about these fascinating creatures. Free drop-in program - no registration - no fee - all ages!
- Invasinators05/19/2012 @ 2:30 pm-4:30 pmBecome a part of the volunteer team of invasive plant removers and native plant restorers. Learn why non-native invasive plants are a threat to our ecosystem, how to identify problem plants, and removal and restoration strategies. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and work gloves for field work in the Reserve each meeting date. Participants receive an “Invasinators” T shirt after attending two work days.
What's Happening
