The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Visitors explore Choptank Wetlands © David Dadurka

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Take a trip to this preserve for canoeing and birdwatching! View All

Plan Your Visit

Access to the wetlands is permitted by small boats only. View All

Get Directions

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.

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.

Things To Do

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

Plan Your Visit

Get the Most from Your Visit

• As of June 29, 2007, the boardwalk is closed until further notice.
• Hours: Open year round for canoeing and birdwatching.
• Access is permitted by small boats only; overland access is no longer available due to the closure of the boardwalk. 

Directions

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.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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