Blackwater NWR Blackwater NWR is the largest of three refuges in the Complex having an approved boundary of 66,000 acres. The administrative office is located about 12 miles south of Cambridge, Dorchester County, Maryland. Officially established in 1933 for the "purpose of providing habitat for migrating and wintering birds," additional lands and purposes have since been added under the authorities. Martin and Susquehanna are the other two refuges. Upon completion, the complex will encompass 72,000 acres of internationally important habitats spread over 120 miles in three states: Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.Often referred to as the "biological crescent of the Eastern Shore," the refuge dominates the wetlands in the 716,000 acre Nanticoke/Blackwater River Watershed. The Nanticoke River, the heart of the refuge's Nanticoke Division, has been designated a MD Wild and Scenic River. The refuge's brackish marshes compose more than 80% of the watershed's intertidal wetlands, and 50% of the Nanticoke watershed in MD. 40 types of rare wetland communities are found within the watershed, and over 30 Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) are within the refuge. Over 1/3 of Blackwater's total acreage is within two NHAs. The refuge is noted for being the most northern site for expansive three-square bulrush dominated marshes in the U.S. The watershed is 38% forested and includes the largest continuous pine forest left on the Delmarva peninsula, making the refuge extremely important to neotropical migrants, forest interior dwelling species, and the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. National and international distinctions are: a "BioReserve of Critical Importance" for the survival of 165 threatened and endangered plants and 56 species of animals; an "Internationally Important Bird Area;" and a "RAMSAR site." The refuge annually winters over 200 bald eagles, and supports the largest nesting population of bald eagles north of Florida on the Atlantic Coast. 35% of the Atlantic Flyway's waterfowl population uses the Chesapeake Bay and the Blackwater region. Four "Special Status" fish, and 44 special attention nongame birds rely on the refuge.
Calvert Cliffs State Park The cliffs which dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for thirty miles in Calvert County, were formed over 15 million years ago when all of Southern Maryland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Over 600 species of fossils have been identified from these cliffs, with the teeth of various species of shark as the most abundant fossils. Along with the interesting cliffs, the park offers nature trails, picnic areas, playground equipment, fishing and many interpretive programs. The park is 14 miles south of Prince Frederick on Maryland Routes 2 & 4. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
Casselman River Bridge State Park (4 acres. In Garrett County, east of Grantsville on U.S. Route 40.) Astride the Casselman River just east of Grantsville stands historic Casselman River Bridge. Originally constructed in 1813-14, the fine single arch stone bridge once served the old National Road which linked Cumberland, Maryland with the Ohio River. The bridge cresses an area named Little Crossings in 1755 by George Washington, then a young military aide on the staff of British General Edward Braddock. Braddock led an army against a French fort near what is now Pittsburgh. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right hand side)
Catoctin Mountain Park In the 1930's, after years of making charcoal to fuel the iron furnace, mountain farming, and harvesting of trees for timber, land was purchased to be transformed into a productive recreation area; helping to put people back to work during the great depression. Beginning in 1935, the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area was under construction by both the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Originally planned to provide recreational camps for federal employees, one of the camps eventually became the home of the Presidential retreat, Camp David. The Presidential retreat is not open or accessible to the public, but the eastern hardwood forest of Catoctin Mountain Park has many other attractions for visitors: camping, picnicking, fishing, 25 miles of hiking trails, scenic mountain vistas, all await your exploration.
Cedarville State Forest The Piscataway Indian Tribe made this section of Southern Maryland its winter camping ground because of the mild climate and abundance of game. Legend says there is an Indian Burial ground in Cedarville, but to date is has not been located. The headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp are located in Cedarville. The swamp extends Southward through Charles County for 20 miles, emptying into the Wicomico River. The Swamp is one mile wide, and serves as a haven for wildlife. The surrounding land is mostly agricultural fields. In colonial times and there after efforts were made to drain the swamp for cultivation. Drainage ditches are still evident. To this day, the swamp remains wooded bottom land. This is a Maryland State Forest. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
Chapel Point State Park Chapel Point State Park is located on the beautiful Port Tobacco River, a tributary of the Potomac River. Chapel Point is an undeveloped multi-use park. There is a waterfront area that offers excellent fishing. A Maryland Bay Sport Tidal License is required. Watch your tides before visiting this area. At high tide there is almost no beach. This area has a small sand launch area that is suitable for the launch of small john-boats, canoes and kayaks, and personal watercraft. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
