At a glance
* Size: 162 Acres
* Habitat: Mix of fields and woodlands, including hemlock groves, with streams and a pond.
* Trails: Yes.
* Notable birds seen: Ruffed Grouse, Bobolink, Hooded Warbler.
* Parking: Yes.
* Facilities on site: House overnight options; advance reservations necessary. The house is closed for the winter from late October through early April.
* eBird: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L473407
* Birder’s Guide Description (includes trail map): https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/carey-run-mos-sanctuary/
* Driving Directions: Google Maps
Caution: Coyotes, bears, rattlesnakes, and copperheads occur on the property. Be alert.
Carey Run Sanctuary (Garrett County)
Acquired in 1962, Carey Run was the first sanctuary that MOS purchased. The original property, complete with a farmhouse, was only 52 acres. In 1973, MOS purchased another 110 acres, bringing the Sanctuary to its current size of 162 acres.
Carey Run Sanctuary takes its name from the main stream that flows through the property; Carey Run is a tributary of the Savage River. The property also contains other streams and a freshwater pond. The fields are mowed once annually to maintain good habitat for a diverse assortment of sparrows. The Sanctuary is home to many coniferous (Eastern Hemlock, White Pine, and Douglas Fir) and deciduous trees, including Wild Cherry, maples, oaks, birches, and beeches. The fields hold many species of native blooming perennials that support pollinators.
The old farmhouse was built in 1887 from white pines growing on the property. The house has a kitchen, parlor, bedrooms and indoor plumbing. Beds are available for overnight accommodations. If you wish to stay at the house, please complete the online Carey Run Reservation Request Form.
The many trails at Carey Run guide visitors through each of its habitats. The Old Braddock Road, which runs along the Sanctuary’s southern border, has significant historical importance. Interpretive signs depicting General Braddock’s use of the road during the French and Indian War line the trail. The signs also describe the flora and fauna found on the property throughout the last 250 years. The signs were created by T.C. Hager as an Eagle Scout project.
With its overnight accommodations, Carey Run can host personal birding visits as well as larger gatherings, such as nature study camps or research projects.
The MOS Sanctuary Committee sponsors volunteer work weekends at the Sanctuary each spring and fall, when routine maintenance and improvement projects take place. The dates are announced in the MOS calendar and by email to MOS members. If you wish to participate, please contact the Sanctuary Committee Chair.
Overnight Stay Regulations and Reservation Request Form
- Please read the Overnight Stay Regulations for Personal Visits by MOS members.
- Then make your reservations in advance using the Carey Run Sanctuary Reservation Request Form.
- The Reservations Coordinator will confirm your reservation by email and will send you the Check-in/Check-out procedures for opening and closing the house.
- Note that you must bring your own bedding, linens, and food.
- DO NOT BRING FIREWOOD FROM OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY. This is to prevent spread of insects that damage trees. If you plan to use the wood stove or outdoor firepit, you must gather downed wood on the property. Do not cut any standing trees, whether living or dead.
- DO NOT LEAVE ANY FOOD BEHIND WHEN YOU LEAVE.
- Take all your garbage and trash with you.
- Please leave a note in the log book describing your stay.
- Make sure that all windows are closed and that the house is securely locked when you leave.
- You are responsible for leaving the sanctuary houses clean and orderly, and closing up according to the Check-out procedures and the Regulations.
Carey Run Calendar
You’ll need to login to view the calendar
Overnight Stay Fees
- At least one person staying overnight on a personal visit must be an MOS member.
- Overnight stays at Carey Run are a flat rate of $25 per night, regardless of the number of visitors.
- Additional donations are always appreciated and help to maintain the MOS Sanctuaries.
- Groups such as schools, clubs, scout troops, research projects and so on may request a waiver or reduction in the fees for bona fide nature study programs, research projects, nature education programs, etc. Contact the Carey Run Reservations Coordinator at CRreservations@mdbirds.org to inquire about fee waivers or reductions.
We encourage payment of sanctuary overnight fees through our online payment form. Payment is not required at the time of requesting a reservation, but is required before you arrive; the Sanctuary Reservations Coordinator will provide a link to the payment form upon confirmation of your reservation. Please wait until your reservation has been confirmed before submitting payment. Please submit payment prior to your arrival.
If not able to pay online, you may send a check, made payable to the Maryland Ornithological Society, to Melissa Hensel, the Carey Run Reservations Coordinator. If you want to pay by check, please let Melissa know by sending her an email, and she will provide her mailing address to you.
Directions to Carey Run
| From Frostburg, go west on I-68 to Route 546 | 4 miles | |
| Go south on Rt. 546 (Beall School Road) to “T” | 1 mile | |
| Turn right to first fork in road | 0.25 miles | |
| Take right fork to bend in road | 0.5 miles | |
| Turn right on Carey Run Road to wooden bridge | 0.25 miles | |
| Cross bridge, turn left to first right | 1 block | |
| Turn right and continue to sanctuary house | 0.25 miles |
Donate to the MOS Sanctuary Fund
Sanctuary Fund Donation Form
The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) appreciates donations designated to the Sanctuary Fund, which supports the ongoing maintenance and operations of the ten MOS sanctuaries, as well as for acquisition of additional lands. MOS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax-deductible.
