NASA Gives 105 Acres to Wildlife Refuge in Maryland

A century-old forest that once helped launch rockets is getting a second life as protected wildlife habitat.

NASA officially transferred 105 acres of wooded land from its Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, to the neighboring Patuxent Research Refuge this month. The property, nicknamed "Area 400," had been used for propellant research since the 1960s but sat mostly untouched as that work moved to other facilities.

The transfer creates the largest continuous forest block between two major cities. The nearly 13,000-acre Patuxent Research Refuge is now even more valuable as the nation's only refuge specifically dedicated to wildlife research.

"For over six decades, NASA Goddard has helped shape humanity's understanding of Earth," said Jamie Dunn, NASA Goddard's center director. "We're glad to present this land to our colleagues in the Fish and Wildlife Service, whose conservation and research helps do the real legwork in preserving our Blue Marble for future generations."

The timing couldn't be better for local wildlife. Before the transfer, NASA cleaned up the site completely, removing 11 small buildings, roads, and utilities from a small clearing. The rest of the 105 acres remained forest, virtually unchanged since the 1960s.

The ceremony on July 7 included a hopeful touch. Guests released monarch butterflies and scattered milkweed seeds across the property, planting literal roots for the land's new purpose.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about trees and trails. The expanded refuge protects critical habitat for species that need large, uninterrupted forests to thrive. As urban development continues to fragment natural areas, blocks of protected land like this become lifelines for wildlife populations.

The transfer also opens new recreational opportunities. Visitors can now explore additional trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding. The refuge supports fishing and hunting too, connecting more people with nature right between two major metropolitan areas.

The partnership took five years to complete, starting with discussions in 2021. That patience paid off with a seamless transfer that benefits both agencies and the public.

"Through working with partners on the best use of land, we can continue to conserve America's natural beauty and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for land is simply let it be wild.