Glenn L Martin donated over 2,500 acres that now protect migratory birds
A former private hunting preserve now serves as a vital wildlife refuge. This refuge protects tidal marshes and wooded ridges for migratory birds. Established in 1954, it has since expanded significantly in size. The area provides seasonal shelter for waterfowl and nesting grounds for many birds. It also supports mammals, reptiles, and marine species, preserving the bay's natural landscape.
Glenn L. Martin, the aviation pioneer, donated over 2,500 acres of his private hunting preserve in Chesapeake Bay marshland, which has now become an essential refuge for a diverse range of wildlife. Established in 1954 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge protects tidal marshes, creeks, coves, and wooded ridges that serve as seasonal shelter for waterfowl, nesting grounds for various birds, and habitat for mammals, reptiles, and marine species.
Today, the refuge spans 4,548 acres, protecting the northern half of Smith Island and Watts Island in the Chesapeake Bay. The area is home to thousands of waterfowl, nesting locations for wading birds, and supports a broad range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and marine species. Martin National Wildlife Refuge plays a crucial role in the Chesapeake Bay food web and preserves a significant piece of the area's natural landscape and human history.
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