Patuxent Research Refuge

Manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Designation: National Wildlife Refuge
Size: 25,661 acres
Region: Maryland

Mushroom harvest rules

Harvest prohibited

US National Wildlife Refuges

Collecting any plant on a national wildlife refuge is prohibited unless a special permit or another refuge rule allows it.

50 CFR 27.51(a) prohibits disturbing, destroying or collecting any plant or animal on a refuge except by special permit, unless otherwise permitted under the subchapter. Some refuges have their own public-use rules; confirm with the refuge office before picking.

Official source: eCFR: 50 CFR 27.51 Disturbing, injuring, and damaging plants and animals

Last verified: November 11, 2026

Rules change. Confirm with the land manager before you pick.

See the foraging laws for Maryland.