How do we ensure the survival of ecosystems, habitats, and species? How do we better understand the life-sustaining attributes of ecosystems and their importance locally and globally? These are some of the questions being tackled by scientists at the Smithsonian and other research facilities around the globe. Work in the area of migratory bird research is the focus of this behind-the-scenes visit to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Blackwater Refuge, located along the Atlantic flyway, was established in 1933 as a refuge for migratory birds. Participants learn about current research on protecting, restoring, and conserving habitat for migratory birds during a talk by refuge biologist Matt Whitbeck.

The refuge has rich tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, forests, and small amounts of cropland and impoundments that are seasonally flooded for waterfowl use. A chief wintering area for Canada geese, it hosts as many as 50,000 geese, ducks, and tundra swans from October through November.

Take a guided nature walk through forested habitats, where staff interpret forest management practices and the benefits for neotropical songbirds. Go looking for eagles, guided by longtime volunteer Zeeger de Wilde.

A picnic lunch is included and participants will receive a copy of Smithsonian Book of National Wildlife Refuges.

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C St., S.W., with a pickup stop at the New Carrollton Metro Rte. 50/east-side Kiss and Ride kiosk at about 7:55 a.m.

The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is dedicated to fostering greater understanding, appreciation, and protection of bird migration. Learn more about the center’s research on the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Website.

The National Museum of Natural History’s Division of Birds houses and maintains the third largest bird collection in the world with over 640,000 specimens.