Choptank Wetlands
An incredibly diverse area of flora and fauna

King's Creek/Choptank Wetlands		Boardwalk at Choptank Wetlands

Why You Should Visit
A survey of natural areas by the Smithsonian Institution ranked this marsh system as one of the most important Chesapeake Bay natural areas. King’s Creek, an undisturbed, brackish marsh, is unusually rich in plant species and bird life.

Location
About two hours east of Washington, DC.

Hours
Open year round for canoeing and birdwatching. 

*** As of June 29, 2007, the boardwalk is closed until further notice. ***

How to Get the Most from Your Visit
Access is permitted by small boats only; overland access is no longer available due to the closure of the boardwalk.

Directions for Canoe Access:

From the Baltimore/Washington area, take Route 50 east across the Bay Bridge to Easton. Turn left (east) onto Route 331/Dover Road towards Preston. Continue 2.1 miles and turn left onto Black Dog Alley Road and then immediately turn right onto Kingston Road. Continue until the road ends at a T-intersection (3.7 miles). Turn right, and drive 0.7 miles to Kingston Landing where you can put your boat. Go downriver (southwest) to the first creek on your right (King’s Creek). Follow the creek upstream (northwest) to the boat dock on your left (there is no boat ramp). Please note that our boardwalk is closed.

For more information on how to visit Choptank Wetlands, please contact the Maryland/DC Chapter office at (301) 897-8570 or lbonner@tnc.org.

What to See: Plants

• arrow arum
• switchgrass
• cattails

What to See: Animals

• Winter: northern harrier, wood duck, snipe
• Spring: red-winged blackbirds, osprey, least bittern, red-tailed hawks

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
For its diverse flora and fauna and as habitat for nesting waterfowl and spawning fish.

What the Conservancy Is Doing Here

• 656 acres purchased, donated or placed under easement since 1976
• Study of common reed (phragmites australis) underway to understand its effect on marsh ecology
• Future transfer of the preserve to Talbot County Parks and Recreation as a conservation easement that will prohibit any development on the land.