Congressional Estuaries Caucus Field Trip

Join the Congressional Estuaries Caucus on a trip to Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary, a component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System, for a day of kayaking, birding, and exploring all the restoration and preservation work happening at the Reserve! Staff will have the opportunity to meet with local experts to learn more about Chesapeake Bay –  America’s largest estuary, kayak through the bay, and get up close with projects that are underway to keep the bay safe, clean, and healthy.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, September 26th, 2025
• Time: Depart Rayburn House Office Building at 9:00 a.m., return around 2:30–2:45 p.m.
• Location: Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary, a component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS)
• Itinerary:
  • Carpool or drive to meet at Mt. Calvert (Patuxent River Park, 16801 Mount Calvert Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772) part of the Chesapeake Bay-Maryland NERR around 9:50–10:00 a.m.
  • Guided kayak-based observation (~90 minutes) focused on monitoring and science activities
  • Drive to Jug Bay site for 12:30 p.m. lunch (included)
  • Explore site features: visitor center, trails, lookout tower, and research demonstrations
  • Conclude at 2:00 p.m. and return to Capitol Hill by 2:30–2:45 p.m

Transportation will be available to and from the site, but participants are also welcome to drive themselves (If you plan on driving yourself, please be sure to check with your office first regarding any questions of reimbursement). Participants should wear close-toed water shoes and bring sun hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles. Lunch will be provided and a lunch order can be placed at the RSVP link below.

We’d also like to encourage your boss to consider joining the Congressional Estuaries Caucus (currently only in the House). The CEC is a bipartisan caucus co-chaired by Reps. Mast, Larsen, Haridopolos, and Bonamici that advances awareness and support for estuaries nationwide. If you are interested in learning more about the Congressional Estuaries Caucus or joining as a member of the caucus, please reach out to Brad Williamson at bwilliamson@estuaries.org.

This trip adheres with House and Senate Ethics requirements.