The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

These coastal plain ponds, also known as Delmarva bays, are seasonally flooded freshwater wetlands and one of the state's rarest natural communities. Dorchester Pond is the largest coastal plain pond in Maryland, and possibly on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Visiting the Preserve
Dorchester Pond and Wetipquin Pond are only open to scientific research with prior permission from The Nature Conservancy, because of the fragile ecology of Delmarva bays.  Thank you for your understanding and help in protecting this important part of Maryland's natural heritage.

Location
Maryland's Eastern Shore

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

To protect one of Maryland's rarest natural communities, Delmarva bays.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing Here

• 51 acres purchased since 1986
• Removing woody vegetation and planning prescribed burns to enhance habitat for rare plants — volunteers welcome!
  

Plants

• Creeping St. John's wort (nationally rare)
• Purple bladderwort
• Torrey's mountain mint

Animals

• Carpenter frog

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

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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