FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 1994 CONTACT: Nell Baldacchino 301-497-5766
"The human future depends on our ability to combine the knowledge of science with the wisdom of wildness." (Charles Lindbergh)
Thus begins a discovery trek through the exhibits at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on the grounds of the Patuxent Environmental Science Center, Laurel, Maryland. Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt is Master of Ceremonies at the October 18th Dedication of the largest Science and Environmental Educational Center in the Department of the Interior. Speakers on the agenda include Senator Paul Sarbanes, Congresswoman Steny Hoyer, and the Director of the National Biological Survey, Dr. H, Ronald Pulliam.
Although interest in having a National Visitor Center to tell the story of wildlife research has existed for many years, it wasn't until 1987 that actual planning of this facility began, under the guidance of Patuxent Director Harold J. O'Connor.
Designed to accommodate one million visitors per year, this unique facility seeks to impart to young and old alike an increased knowledge of and appreciation for the earth's vital resources. It highlights the work of professional scientists who strive to understand wildlife and their habitats.
Interactive exhibits focus on natural resource issues, migratory bird studies, habitats, endangered species, creature life cycles, and the research tools and techniques used by scientists.
The Visitor Center also offers an extensive trail system, wildlife management demonstration areas, outdoor education sites for school classes, and a tram tour of surrounding habitats. A large auditorium and meeting rooms can accommodate national and international scientific conferences, environmental meetings, teacher workshops, environmental lectures, and traveling displays. A gift shop, Wildlife Images, operated by the Friends of Patuxent, Inc. (a non-profit cooperating association), offers a variety of environmental books and other educational materials.
After the Dedication, the Visitor Center will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It will be of special interest to educators and school children in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area as well as national and international visitors.
The Visitor Center is located off of Powder Mill Road, two miles east of the Baltimore/Washington parkway. It is in close proximity to the Beltsville Agricultural Visitor Center and the NASA Goddard Visitor Center Criptologic Museum -- all Federal visitor facilities in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor.
The National Wildlife Visitor Center is an educational facility of the National Biological Survey, the newest Bureau of the Department of the Interior. The National Biological Survey gathers, analyzes and disseminates biological information necessary for good stewardship of natural resources. It is designed to serve as an information clearinghouse and source of solid scientific information for use by local communities, development interests, wildlife managers, landowners, and private and nonprofit groups.
For additional information about the National Wildlife Visitor Center or the National Biological Survey, please call 301-497-5760.
Fact Sheet
Site of Watchable Wildlife opportunities from viewing areas and outdoor trails.
The site of major exhibits on natural resource issues, habitats, endangered species, species life cycles and the research tools and techniques used by scientists.
Site for educational opportunities for school children, natural resource and scientific conferences, lectures, special exhibits and displays.
A source of information for teachers and other users of resource information.
An outdoor education site and wildlife management demonstration area.
The Visitor Center will also have: A gift shop, operated by a cooperating association, which will sell wildlife-related books and other educational materials. Profits will support the Center and its programs.
An Auditorium which accommodates 230 people (218 fixed seats; 12 wheelchairs).
A multipurpose room complex that accommodates two 100-seat theaters and can be subdivided into three smaller rooms depending on need.