Birdwatchers, hikers, photographers and angles will have more hours to enjoy the Patuxent Research Refuge facilities in Laurel as the refuge extends its hours for public visitation this summer.

Beginning Friday, June 10 and continuing through Aug. 13, the North Tract entrance to the refuge on Route 198, in Anne Arundel County, will remain open until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Then entrance opens at 8 a.m. daily.

The walking trails of the National Wildlife Visitor Center, off Powder Mill Road between Route 197 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, will remain open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays for "Twilight Tuesdays," June 14 through Aug. 16. The visitor center grounds open at dawn so that birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and others can enjoy the trails.

For more information about the refuge or for directions to the National Wildlife Visitor Center or the Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, go to http://patuxent.fws.gov.