Explore The ‘Ghost Fleet’ And Hunt For Wildlife At Mallows Bay BioBlitz

NANJEMOY, Md. — One of Southern Maryland’s most unique landscapes is turning into a real-life scavenger hunt for nature lovers.

The Mallows Bay–Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary will host a BioBlitz on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mallows Bay Park, inviting the community to step outside, explore and see how many species they can find.

Part of the global City Nature Challenge, the free event turns everyday explorers into citizen scientists. Using the iNaturalist app, participants can snap photos of plants, insects and animals while contributing to a worldwide effort to document biodiversity.

The City Nature Challenge began in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco and has since grown into a global event led by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Held annually over four days at the end of April, the challenge encourages cities around the world to document local wildlife and collaborate in tracking biodiversity.

Whether it’s spotting a butterfly, identifying native plants or discovering something unexpected along the shoreline, every observation counts.

Set against the backdrop of Mallows Bay’s famous “Ghost Fleet” of historic shipwrecks, the event blends outdoor adventure with hands-on learning. Organizers say the goal is to make science accessible, interactive and fun for all ages.

The BioBlitz will feature a guided hike at 11:30 a.m. led by Walk Charles County and the Southern Maryland Audubon Society, along with seining for aquatic organisms with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, science stations with binoculars and field guides, and kayak rentals available on-site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For those looking to get out on the water, kayak rentals will be available on-site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a chance to paddle through Mallows Bay’s “Ghost Fleet” and explore the historic shipwrecks up close.

No experience is needed to participate, and all ages are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a smartphone to log observations, but anyone can join in and learn along the way.

Participants can check in at the blue NOAA tent upon arrival. Attendees are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded to take part in species tracking.

The event highlights the ecological importance of Mallows Bay, a site known not only for its historic shipwrecks but also for its rich and diverse habitats that support a wide range of wildlife.

Registration is available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries at sanctuaries.noaa.gov/mallows-potomac/involved/events.html

This event is also part of Charles County’s “Walk With Us” initiative through Healthy Charles County, encouraging residents to stay active while exploring local parks. The April 26 walk at Mallows Bay is one of several scheduled walks this season, offering guided opportunities to get outside, stay active and connect with the community.

---