Just five years ago this small farm noted for its impressive array of habitat and wildlife diversity was purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources so that it would become Hopkins Branch Wildlife Management Area, home of the Susquehannock Wildlife Center! Thanks to our great partnership we have been able to care for and enhance this beautiful place for a wide variety of wildlife species and the public who seeks to enjoy them.
We are truly appreciative for this place we have come to know, love and call home. These incredible 20 acres in Darlington where our at one time seemingly unattainable vision for a first of its kind center for research, education and conservation focused on the globally significant ecosystems of the Lower Susquehanna region is rapidly coming to life.
In recent months we have been mostly continuing renovations to our various indoor spaces but also finalizing an outdoor native turtle pond enclosure, completed a green bathroom that demonstrates sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies, and continue to enhance wildlife habitats such vernal pools, pollinator meadows, snake dens, as well as bird and flying squirrel nest boxes.
Even though we are still not open to the public, we’ve had special wildlife movie nights, campfires, stargazing events, hikes, hosted scout projects and school projects from elementary to college students, conducted research, as well as held countless volunteer days to maintain, renovate and enhance the property.
We are actively focused on our biggest goal, to do everything we can to ensure the Wildlife Center fully reaches its potential so that it may open to the public. Thanks to a wonderful community of construction professionals and volunteers we are now completing the necessary structures and utilities to create our research lab, animal holding area, enhanced accessibility, an additional classroom space and our museum quality exhibit floor. This area will use creative and immersive displays focusing on the local ecosystems featuring up-close looks at rare, declining, unusual and misunderstood species of the Lower Susquehanna region.
We are targeting to compete all of the major renovations by this summer, leaving the final and most exciting portion of our goal to build our exhibits. Stay tuned as we announce an exciting gathering to celebrate our progress and see the space first hand this summer. You will have the unique opportunity to be a part of completion of the Wildlife Center.
With your help and investment in your local wildlife, our vision can become a reality!
