Visit Us
Martin National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public to protect wetland habitats. However, much of the refuge can be seen by boat, and an interpretive display about the refuge can be found at the Smith Island Cultural Center.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
First established in 1954 through a 2,569 acre donation by the late Glenn L. Martin, the Martin National Wildlife Refuge now covers 4,548 acres, including the northern half of Smith Island, 11 miles west of Crisfield, Maryland, and Watts Island, located between the eastern shore of Virginia and Tangier Island in lower Chesapeake Bay.
Our Species
The tidal marsh, coves, creeks and ridges of Martin National Wildlife Refuge provide an important rest area and winter home for thousands of migratory waterfowl and nesting habitat for a variety of wildlife that change with the seasons.
Projects and Research
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently supervised a living shoreline construction project at Martin NWR. This project not only protects vital wildlife habitat, but also helps preserve the livelihoods of Smith Island residents.