Saturday, May 18, 2024
MPT is hosting an exciting and educational opportunity on Assateague Island! We will learn more about the wild ponies that have taken residence on this peaceful barrier island. This event includes a presentation about these beautiful animals and how the park manages the population while protecting and maintaining the land. Attendees will also have access to enjoy exploring Assateague Island!
Choose from two presentation sessions: 11am or 2pm
***This event is sold out, email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
EVENT LOCATION
Assateague Island Visitor Center11800 Marsh View LaneBerlin, MD 21811Maryland Public Television (MPT) and the Assateague Island National Park Service come together to educate the community about all the wonders that can be found on the island and what it takes to upkeep the natural habitat for so many species. Assateague Island is home to many animals, but the most sought-after species by visitors are the wild horses that have called this barrier island home for more than 300 years.
Join a ranger to learn the ways these animals are physically designed and behaviorally inclined to adapt to the challenges that island life presents. You will also hear from an expert in the field about how the park manages these horses and the world around them. Following the presentation, attendees can explore the Assateague Island at their own pace.
This event is part of the MPT's Wild Hope engagement grant in collaboration with The WNET Group and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios.
This event is FREE but advance registration is required.
Wild Hope is a new documentary series that highlights global stories of intrepid changemakers who are restoring and protecting our planet through hyper-local initiatives that generate measurable progress. Learn more about Wild Hope and watch episodes by visiting https://www.wildhope.tv/.
Assateague Island is a 37-mile-long island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. Most of the Maryland district is managed by the National Park Service as Assateague Island National Seashore. The State of Maryland manages two miles of the Maryland district as Assateague State Park. The Virginia district is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The National Park Service operates the Toms Cove Visitor Center and a recreational beach within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. For additional details, download Planning Your Visit.
EVENT DETAILS
- Attendees can choose from two presentation slots on May 18: 11am and 2pm. We can accommodate 50 attendees per session.
- At your scheduled time, please meet the MPT events team at the Assateague Island Visitor Center at 11800 Marsh View Lane, Berlin, MD 21811. Check in with the events team near the entrance of the building.
- There is ample parking available for attendees at the Visitor Center. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to park and use the restroom before the event begins.
- The event will begin with the ranger presentation in the Visitor Center, which will run for approximately one hour. At the presentation, you have the option to receive a car entrance pass that will allow you to explore the Island at your leisure. The car entrance pass typically costs $25, but this will be of no cost to you thanks to MPT and the grant funding we received!
- The entrance pass is good for 7 days! You may want to take advantage of camping on the Island or staying overnight locally. Campsites fill up quickly, so visit www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/marylandcamping.htm to learn more and book your site! Please note: camping is only available in the Maryland district of the park.
- At the conclusion of the presentation, if you choose not to explore the Island, there are some exhibits and a book store at the Visitor Center for attendees to enjoy. Find out more information here: www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/hours.htm. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9am-4pm.
- At the conclusion of the presentation, if you choose to explore the Island, you will navigate to one of the park entrance stations with your entrance pass to gain access. The closest entrance station (North entrance) is located on Bayberry Drive, a short distance from the Visitor Center. There is another entrance on the Chincoteague side of the park, located at the end of Route 175 on Maddox Drive in Chincoteague, VA. Please note - you will not be able to access the drive-in camping areas without prior camping reservations. Pay attention to park signage and obey direction of park rangers. Please have your photo ID and entrance pass ready when approaching the entrance station.
- If you plan to explore the Island after the presentation but you do not plan to stay overnight, please note that the sun sets at 8:17pm. The park is open 24/7, but you must have an additional camping pass to stay overnight. Beach vehicle driving passes can also be purchased at an additional cost: www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/fees.htm.
QUESTIONS?Email [email protected].
Your registration will be under the name you've listed here.
By registering for this event, you agree to attend at your scheduled time on May 18. If you cannot attend, please inform us within 48 hours of the event date by emailing [email protected] or calling 410-581-4071. There are limited spaces available and we would love to offer as many opportunities for attendees as possible. Check this box to acknowledge these terms.
The MPT Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). We are fortunate to be able to provide this event for free thanks to grant funding. We appreciate your consideration for additional support. Your contribution supports MPT's service to children, education, and the region.
