Blackwater Refuge In Maryland Adds 400 Acres

CAMBRIDGE, Md. (AP) -- The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is acquiring more than 400 acres that will help support wildlife habitat management needs and maintain the region's ecological diversity.

The property is on a high ridge near the southern end of the refuge on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It features both wetlands and dry forested habitats that are good for migratory bird species, as well as forest-dwelling marsh and water birds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the property from The Conservation Fund. It used part of $2 million in funding that Congress appropriated for Blackwater's land acquisition program in 2009.

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