Hammel Glade
One of the most botanically diverse mountain peatlands in the Appalachians

Hammel Glade provides habitat for many uncommon plant, animal, and bird species.

Visiting the Preserve
Hammel Glade is only open to scientific research with prior permission from The Nature Conservancy, because of the fragility of the mountain peatlands.  Thank you for your understanding and help in protecting this important part of Maryland's natural heritage.

Plants

• Nationally endangered Jacob's ladder, and seven other state rare species, including the buckbean and goldthread.
• One of Maryland's finest stands of red spruce forest.

Animals

• Uncommon northern water shrew
• Two breeding birds rarely seen in Maryland, the sharp-shinned hawk and alder flycatcher.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Hammel Glade's 208 acres harbors a pocket of boreal life that is a relict from the last Ice Age 15,000 years ago.  These rare mountain peatlands are reservoirs for the southernmost occurrences of several unique and unusual species in North America.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing Here
Protected since 1984, in addition to monitoring and research, the Conservancy also acts as a steward to ensure that the site maintains its ecological viability.