Waterfront Guide 25th Edition

HART-MILLERISLAND
Summer Family Fun
IN MAY 2016, the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Department of
Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA)
opened the South Cell of Hart-Miller Island (HMI) Dredged
Material Containment Facility for the first time to the public.
Last year, over 77,000 people came to enjoy the recreational and
educational opportunities at HMI, with the greatest interest in
biking the South Cell and attending the Ranger-led impromptu
and interpretive programs. In 2020, public access to the HMI
South Cell will continue for its fifth season, beginning Memorial
Day weekend and continuing through September. The hours of
operation will remain the same for the 2020 season and will
continue to operate Thursday–Monday from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
When visiting the island, patrons can participate in Ranger-led
interpretative programs, which are designed to be engaging and
informative for every age group, including fish seining, guided
natural and historic interpretation, treasure hunts, and Monarch
butterfly tagging. Patrons can also enjoy family-friendly and
recreational activities such as beach volleyball. New for 2020 is
the addition of $1 snowcones for patrons to enjoy on hot
summer days.
At the HMI Ranger Station, there are natural history displays of
monarch chrysalis and of live Monarch butterflies, plants, and
bird habitats that may be found on the island, as well as items
(such as animal bones) for visitors to touch and feel. Ranger
Station exhibits are open when staff is present and provide
another way for staff to educate visitors about insects, flora,
fauna, and avian species native to the island, as well as the
island’s history.
Monthly “Family Fun Days” will be held again, in June, July and
August 2020. These events are great opportunities for families to
enjoy a
unique and
very special
island together, learn how HMI was constructed, see stunning
and breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay, and appreciate
the abundant wildlife and habitats. Past Family Fun Day
activities included fish seining, guided hiking or biking tours,
wildlife viewing opportunities, drop-in volleyball, island history,
milkweed patch exploration, insect identification, and arts and
crafts for kids. Please note that Family Fun Days may be
cancelled during poor weather conditions.
Bicycles and binoculars are available to South Cell visitors free of
charge to observe birds and other wildlife while traveling along
several miles of trails that circle a large pond and include covered
benches with breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay. The
1.8-mile White Trail Loop around the South Cell is marked with
signage about the island’s ecosystem and history. A monument
to the HMI Citizen’s Oversight Committee (COC) stands
where several trails converge, to honor the committee for its
service as a voice for citizens monitoring the formation and
impact of the island since 1981. The COC oversees the island
and monitors the future development, use, and maintenance of
the Hart-Miller-Pleasure Island chain, as well as the water quality
in the area immediately surrounding the islands.
The second annual Hart-Miller Island 5-mile race was held in
October 2019 by DNR in conjunction with Charm City Run;
the number of runners increased from 50 in 2018 to more than
80 in 2019. The third annual HMI 5-mile race is being planned
for October 2020.
The HMI North Cell is currently being designed for a wildlife
habitat. When the North Cell habitat development is complete,
it will be managed and operated by DNR as part of the State
Park, similar to the South Cell.
Come and enjoy everything HMI has to offer
in the 2020 season!
The island is accessible only by personal boats and no
public shuttles are available at this time. Concessions
are available for purchase near the Ranger Station.
For the most up-to-date information regarding the HMI
State Park please visit
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/hart
miller.aspx and follow the Maryland State Park Twitter
account (@MDStateParks) for closure announcements
during inclement weather.
WATERFRONT GUIDE 21