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Places We Protect

Dorchester Pond

Maryland / DC

Aerial view looking down on a large pond surrounded by trees.
Dorchester Pond Delmarva bays are seasonally flooded freshwater wetlands that are among Maryland's rarest natural communities. © USEPA by Eric Vance

These geologically mysterious seasonal ponds are one of the state’s rarest natural communities.

Overview

Description

Dorchester Pond is the largest coastal plain pond in Maryland, and possibly on the Delmarva Peninsula. The preserve protects the pond and the surrounding forest, which is made up of loblolly pines. Farm fields also surround the pond. 

Delmarva Bays host numerous rare plants and provide important habitat for amphibians. As the name implies, these bays occur only on the Delmarva Peninsula, typically along the backbone of the peninsula where soils are poorly drained.

The seasonal flooding and saturated soils discourage many tree species, thus creating a meadow-like opening dominated by grasses and sedges. Although the surrounding forest is essential to the health of the bays, it is these openings in the forest that harbor the nationally- and state-rare plant and animal species. 

52 acres have been protected at this preserve since 1986. Management focuses on reducing the encroachment of woody species on the pond edges by manual clearing, prescribed burns to enhance habitat for rare plants, and supervising a permitted hunting program to control the deer population. 

This preserve is not open to the public due to the fragility of the pond. Even a few visitors can cause severe damage to the plants and animals that live there. Thank you for your understanding and help in protecting this ecological rarity. 

Access

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

This preserve is not open to the public due to the fragility of the pond.

Location

Dorchester County, MD

Explore our work in Maryland / DC

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 on 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.

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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