We partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and our local community to preserve and support Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.


Recent Posts


  • Wood Ducks
    by David Holyoke, Friends of Eastern Neck You will never forget the first time you see a male Wood Duck in breeding plumage. When I came across one at a local pond as a new birder, my first thought was. “That can’t be real.” As I got closer and saw that it was… Read more: Wood Ducks
  • TRASH BASH
    Thanks to Shore Rivers for organizing a service event at the Refuge in collaboration with the Friends of Eastern Neck. Seventeen volunteers from both organizations, including Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards, spent the late afternoon hours of May 30 collecting a truckload full of trash and debris from various locations on the island. Volunteers… Read more: TRASH BASH
  • Tubby Cove Boardwalk Extension Completed
    Visitors walking to the open observation platform at Tubby Cove will notice an improved crushed-stone path and brand-new boardwalk extension. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked through frigid winter weather to make this happen, including David Holyoke and Jerry Lawrey (pictured), who led the project; Bob Ford; and John Wilwol.

Visit Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Neck dock

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a breathtaking 2,285 acre island that is home to an abundance of wildlife, paired with stunning views of the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay. It’s no wonder people from all around the area love to spend time exploring what the Refuge has to offer.

Our Mission

We are a volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. We have approximately 250 members. Our volunteer members staff the Visitor Contact Station and the Friends’ Bookstore and Gift Shop and provide advice and information to our visitors. Friends volunteers are also directly involved in research, maintenance and the hosting of educational events. All of our income, whether it is from gift shop sales, memberships or donations, is dedicated to the support of the refuge and its programs.

We would love to have you join us!

Visitor Services at the Refuge

The Visitor Contact Station, Gift Shop and Bookstore is staffed by Friends volunteers. Opening hours are on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.  A knowledgeable volunteer will be there to help you with your visit.

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