Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

Maryland / DC

Visit the only stand of bald cypress in Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay.

Overview
Visit
Audio Tour

Protected in 1957, Battle Creek Cypress Swamp is The Nature Conservancy's first preserve in Maryland. It harbors bald cypress trees at the northernmost limit of the species' natural range in the United States, making this a uniquely captivating place in the region.

Since 1977, the preserve has been leased to Calvert County and operated as a county park. The Calvert County Natural Resources Division operates a quarter-mile boardwalk and a nature center to further enhance your visit. Admission is free

Before You Go

Download the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Visitors Guide (pdf)

View Preserve Guidelines

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Please note: dogs are not allowed at any Conservancy preserve.

LOCATION

Calvert County, MD

Explore Our Work in this Region

EXPLORE

One hour drive south from Washington, DC, near Prince Frederick, Maryland.

View Directions | Open in Maps

HOURS

The nature center is open year round. Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 to 5:00 Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 For more information call (410) 535-5327.

HIGHLIGHTS

Quarter-mile boardwalk, Nature center, Self-guided audio tour

Size

The Nature Conservancy owns 100 acres here.

Before You Go

Download the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Visitors Guide (pdf)

View Preserve Guidelines

What to See: Plants

In the spring, a blanket of wild flowers covers the ground in the northern part of the swamp
Bald cypress trees, some standing 100 feet tall
May-apples, pink lady's-slippers

What to See: Animals

Warblers, including the Kentucky, worm-eating, prothonotary, and others

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp

Visit the only stand of bald cypress in Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay.

Get Directions

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Visit the only stand of bald cypress in Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay.

Download an Audio Tour

Planning a visit to Battle Creek? Before your trip, download our self-guided audio tour to your handheld device. It's like having a naturalist in your pocket!

Step 1: Download the Battle Creek audio tour map. The numbers marked on the map correspond to the audio files in the tour. This map will help identify which audio tracks to play based on your location on the trail, so make sure to take a copy with you on your trip.  
Step 2: Download and save the mp3 audio files to your handheld device. Play the corresponding track when you reach a waypoint along the trail. Listen to them all or pick & choose based on your interests!

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Andy Brown is the Senior Naturalist with Calvert County Natural Resources Division. He has enjoyed a career-long relationship with The Nature Conservancy through the management of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary for the last 28 years. Andy is an avid birder and is particularly interested in Barn Owls and Bluebirds and maintains nest box projects in Southern Maryland for these species.