So strange! Was walking the same trails I have for years and an armed guard with bulletproof vest and RIFLE approached me and told me to leave! I hear the management is undergoing some issues but what s up with the military-like security? Supposed to be a research institute...but WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?!?!
What can l say, you need to visit this community and have hands on experience, once you visit this place you may not want to leave.
Very interesting find. Just a quick visit. Caution: As of today's date, the road is under serious construction. All hiking trails start at the Reed Center and visitor check-in is required. I will however return, this looks like a great place to spend time outdoors!
This organization has destroyed the wildlife that was once left undisturbed for hundreds of years in the area. Was a dairy farm and undisturbed farmland since 1910, yet has spent 11.3 million dollars of taxpayer money to re-pave a road that did not need to be disturbed, destroyed numerous trees holding soil in place that will now contribute to polluting runoff into the Rhode River which connects to the Chesapeake Bay, and has built numerous structures in areas that were previously undisturbed in the name of "preservation". Do not be fooled by the name- this organization has destroyed what was previously undisturbed wildlife and overbuilt due to unmonitored budgets lack of oversight of true wildlife conservation or wildlife protection. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) needs to investigate the wasteful spending going on in this organization. It is absurd. If you have any doubts, take a trip down Contees Wharf Rd. in Edgewater, MD, right off Muddy Creek Rd. (MD 468) and see your tax dollars at work destroying what was once a wildlife preserve and has now become a major bureaucratic construction zone.
This place has changed so much. Used to be pristine & natural environment. Would take my family here all the time. Now is totally built up with guards, gates, structures, signs everywhere. No longer has the nature feel. SERC has also left their signage, traps, experiments , etc. all over the Rhode River (I am also an avid boater). Really sad to see what has happened to this place, and will no longer be visiting.
Nice spot for a walk with a toddler. Not super stroller friendly so in I would recommend baby wearing or just walking (our under 2 year old child almost do the 1.5 mile Java Trail loop. Reed education center is where must park has a public bathroom with changing table. The Java Trail is mostly flat and had lots of bridges and colorful trees. It also s wings right by the water for great views of the kayaks and airplanes.
The security there are very rude. They built it up so much and made the area much less enjoyable.
Lovely place but full of unnessacry rules that makes it hard to do more than walk around (without your pets) be prepared to be turned away by the guard
Beautiful marshes, fields, and forests. It has great hiking trails as well as fantastic citizen science volunteer opportunities to participate in the research that is going on at SERC and in the region. It is my new favorite place.
This is a great place for a hike.
You can also join a class or two.
We've seen SERC from both the water and Muddy Creek road and wanted to explore it. We visited today and went for hike. Easy to get in. The security officer was super friendly and gave us a map and good directions to the Reed Education Center. We were very impressed. Lots of well marked trails, paths and terrific water views. Didn't go into the visitor center on this trip, but it looks awesome. The place is spotless. I'm going to follow up re: volunteer opportunities. We'll be back. Five stars all day long.
Great spot for a walk. Trails are well maintained. You'll walk through forests, over marshes, and stumble across secluded beaches. There is also a public dock for small boats and kayakers.
serc.si.edu
