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Places We Protect

Ranck Woods

Maryland / DC

In the foreground, the delicate pink blossom of a lady's slipper orchid. Mature trees grow in the shaded forest in the background.
Pink lady's slipper Older forests, such as Ranck Woods, are increasingly uncommon on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. © Steve Meyer

A stately, mature forest on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Overview

Description

Ranck Woods is a mature, mixed forest of conifers and hardwoods. The dominant trees are loblolly pine, beech, red maple, sweet gum and oak. The understory trees are cherry, dogwood, amelanchier and American holly. In the spring, the forest floor is covered with spring beauties and may-apples, interspersed with pink lady’s slipper orchids.

The Delmarva fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus), an endemic subspecies, lives in Ranck Woods. Because of its dwindling numbers and the destruction of its mature forest habitat, the Delmarva fox squirrel is listed as federally endangered. 

Older forests, such as Ranck Woods, are becoming increasingly uncommon on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Such remaining woods not already protected are threatened by development and timber harvesting.

43 acres have been protected at Ranck Woods since 1987.  

Access

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

This preserve is not open to the public.

Location

Talbot County, MD

Size

43 acres

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Visiting Our Nature Preserves

Read our Preserve Guidelines to learn about permitted and prohibited uses, and ways of enjoying these spaces.

A NOTE ON HUNTING: Several TNC nature preserves in Maryland include hunting leases for deer management. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to find information on hunting season, licenses and access to public lands. When visiting a TNC nature preserve during hunting season, please wear blaze orange and try to avoid visiting in the early morning or evening hours when hunting is most active. For additional guidelines on how you can hike safely during the hunting season, visit the American Hiking Society.

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Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

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