CHECK LIST OF BIRDS
NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER
PATUXENT RIVER
MARYLAND
Welcome to the Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division. NAWC-AD is the world’s premier research, development, test and evaluation facility for Naval aircraft systems, and home of the Test Pilot School where future astronauts are trained.
Located in the coastal plain, on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the Center occupies a broad headland known as Cedar Point, at the confluence of the Patuxent River and the Bay. Nine miles of shoreline delineate the point. Three tidal creeks with adjacent marshland and six freshwater ponds provide wetland habitat. Upland habitat types include pine and hardwood forest, brushy fields and grassland.
The installation supports an Environmental Center with numerous interpretive displays on the natural history of southern Maryland. The natural resources staff provides programs and educational projects for base personnel and area residents.
Resource management coordinated with military operations has resulted in excellent wildlife habitat. Due to aircraft operations and the nature of testing, access for the general public is by special permission. Photography is strictly limited. For further information, please contact Natural Resources Office, 301/863-3670.
NAVY NATURAL RESOURCES AND LAND
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Navy and Marine Corps manage more than four million acres worldwide. Much of this land is located in sensitive wetlands along valuable coastlines, some of the most ecologically significant areas in the world. The location of our real estate holdings makes it imperative that we plan and execute our various military missions in harmony with our environment. It is a Department of the Navy goal to promote an environmental protection ethic within the Navy workforce. The Department of the Navy supports numerous partnerships with other Federal, State, local and private resource groups to promote such programs as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation, Wetlands Protection and Enhancement, and Watchable Wildlife.Jacqueline E. Schafer, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and the Environment, has noted, “It will be difficult forthe Navy to succeed in its mission unless it has earned the confidence of its neighbors. To keep this confidence, the Navy must emphasize natural resources stewardship in every aspect of its land use.” It does. Come see for yourself and discover our resources.
Rarities
The following birds have been seen here only once:
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
White-winged Dove
The U.S. Navy and Partners in Flight are cooperating on an international program to promote the conservation of migratory birds. For information, contact DoD Partners in Flight by email or call 540-349-9662.