TOP 10 Conservation areas in Maryland

Buccaneer Beach is a popular family-friendly institution located at 13710 Central Avenue in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, United States. This beachfront destination offers a range of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Buccaneer Beach provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea. Whether you're looking to unwind with a good book or make a splash in the waves, this charming institution has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of Buccaneer Beach for yourself!

Saw Mill Branch/Buzzard Rock/Forest Glen Trails is a beautiful park located in Catonsville, Maryland, United States. This institution offers a variety of scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests, past babbling brooks, and up to stunning overlooks like Buzzard Rock. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape into nature, with opportunities for birdwatching, picnicking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Saw Mill Branch/Buzzard Rock/Forest Glen Trails has something for everyone to enjoy.

Fawn Field Pond is a serene park located in Odenton, Maryland, United States. This picturesque institution features a tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of nature while taking in the beautiful scenery, making Fawn Field Pond a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or simply enjoy the great outdoors, Fawn Field Pond is the ideal location for a day of tranquility in the heart of Maryland.

The Curtis Bay Water Tower is a historic landmark located at 1317 Filbert Street in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. This iconic structure stands tall as a testament to the city's rich industrial history and serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation and infrastructure. The tower, with its unique design and impressive height, offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for visitors and tourists to admire. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply want to take in the sights of Baltimore, the Curtis Bay Water Tower is a must-see destination.

Little Falls Stream Valley Park is a picturesque park located in Bethesda, Maryland. This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush greenery, winding trails, and babbling stream. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or a picnic in this beautiful natural setting. The park is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to explore its scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or a place to unwind and recharge, Little Falls Stream Valley Park is the perfect destination.

Heineman Park is a beautiful park located at 351 Dewey Drive in Annapolis, Maryland. This park offers a peaceful and scenic environment for visitors to enjoy nature and relax. With well-maintained walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, Heineman Park is a popular destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Whether you want to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with friends, or let your kids play on the playground, Heineman Park has something for everyone. Come and explore this wonderful park in the heart of Annapolis, Maryland.

Herald Harbor Community Water Access is a picturesque park located in Crownsville, Maryland, United States. This institution provides the local community with access to the beautiful waters of the area, allowing for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The park offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the waterways. With its convenient location and stunning views, Herald Harbor Community Water Access is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Spriggs Farm Park is a charming and family-friendly park located at 965 Bayberry Drive in Arnold, Maryland, United States. This peaceful oasis offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscaping, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day outdoors. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a fun-filled day with the family, Spriggs Farm Park is the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Blue Heron Nature Preserve, formerly known as Price Creek Environmental Area/Nemo Equestrian Trail/Greenberg Property, is a 300-acre park located in Stevensville, Maryland, United States. This nature preserve offers miles of natural surface hiking and equestrian trails that meander through wetlands, pollinator habitats, meadows, and forests. Protected by a Maryland Environmental Trust Easement, the preserve plays a crucial role in conserving water quality and habitats in the Price Creek and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. Visitors can enjoy the sight of waterfowl and migratory bird species, as well as a variety of native flora and fauna in their natural environment.

Back Creek Community Park is a picturesque park located at 6204 Tilghman Island Road in Sherwood, Maryland. This community park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with lush greenery, walking trails, and a peaceful creek running through the grounds. Visitors can enjoy picnics, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation in this beautiful natural setting. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to exercise and connect with nature, Back Creek Community Park has something for everyone.

Ferry Point Trail is a scenic park located in Queenstown, Maryland, United States. This beautiful trail offers visitors a peaceful and relaxing outdoor experience, with stunning views of the surrounding nature and the nearby water. Perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, Ferry Point Trail is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to exercise and explore, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Ferry Point Trail and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Patuxent Wetland Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 1426 Marlboro Road in Lothian, Maryland, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity of wetland habitats. With a variety of walking trails, boardwalks, and observation points, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and observe the wildlife that calls the park home. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Patuxent Wetland Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Melwood Community Pond is a serene and picturesque park located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, United States. This beautiful institution offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy nature and relax by the tranquil waters of the pond. With lush greenery, walking paths, and benches scattered throughout the park, it is the perfect place to unwind and connect with the outdoors. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply admire the wildlife, Melwood Community Pond provides a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem in Upper Marlboro.

Cedarville State Forest, located at 10201 Bee Oak Road in Brandywine, Maryland, is a park and tourist attraction managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This 3,707-acre forest is home to over 50 species of trees and offers 19 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The forest showcases various forestry practices and natural resource management techniques used by the department. Historically, the Piscataway Tribe used the region as a winter camping and hunting ground due to its mild climate and abundant game. In the 1930s, the State purchased the land to create a forest demonstration area. The Civilian Conservation Corp developed roads and trails in the forest under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's direction. Cedarville State Forest also operated charcoal kilns in the 1950s, with one kiln remaining as a historic demonstration.

Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the Patuxent River Park offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Bordering Jug Bay and extending along the Patuxent River, the park features trails and boardwalks that provide easy access to the tidal marsh system and forested habitats of the region. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, birdwatching, and hiking while taking in the sights and sounds of the marsh ecosystem. The park also offers a campground and pavilion for those looking to stay overnight or host events in a picturesque natural setting. With a canoe launch, visitors can explore the marsh firsthand and observe wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, and egrets. The park is home to a variety of plant species, including the Threatened red turtlehead and wild rice, which provide important resources for migrating birds like the rare sora.

Franklin Point State Park is a stunning 477-acre peninsula located in Shady Side, Maryland, United States. Nestled among the Chesapeake Bay, Deep Creek, and Flag Pond, this park offers a variety of marsh, forest, and field areas, with a sandy shoreline overlooking the bay. Visitors can enjoy passive activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and paddling in this beautiful natural setting. Managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Franklin Point State Park has limited parking available off Dent Road. Future plans include developing a soft launch and small day-use area for non-motorized vessels. The park is gated with a combination lock, and visitors must enter their name and email address to receive the current lock numbers.

Patuxent Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Patuxent River and its watershed. Located at 17412 Nottingham Road in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, this institution serves as a tourist attraction for those interested in learning about the importance of clean waterways and environmental conservation efforts. Visitors can explore educational exhibits, participate in river clean-up events, and take guided tours of the river and its surrounding area. Join the Patuxent Riverkeeper in their mission to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the Patuxent River and its diverse ecosystem.

Crossroads Sportsman Club is a premier institution located at 12516 Naves Cross Road Northeast in Cumberland, Maryland. As a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen, the club offers a range of activities including hunting, fishing, shooting, and other outdoor recreational pursuits. With a strong emphasis on conservation and responsible sportsmanship, members of the Crossroads Sportsman Club enjoy access to well-maintained facilities and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you are an experienced hunter or a beginner looking to learn new skills, this club provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Come join us at Crossroads Sportsman Club and experience the thrill of the great outdoors in a friendly and inclusive setting.

The Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail Trailhead is located in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, United States. This park is part of the Chesapeake Beach Rail Trail, which follows the original Chesapeake Beach Railway route from Washington, D.C. to Chesapeake Beach. Managed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, this trail spans three counties in Southern Maryland, totaling 28 miles in Calvert and Anne Arundel counties, and 11 miles in Prince George's County. The park features a 100-acre tract named Fishing Creek Park, with a trail that connects to residential communities and provides off-road access to Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. Construction of the trail began in 2008 and was completed in 2011, with a dedication ceremony held in September of that year.

Osage Trail is a serene and picturesque park located in Queenstown, Maryland, United States. This beautiful institution offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the great outdoors. The trail is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun day out with family and friends, Osage Trail is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the heart of Maryland's natural beauty.

Smallwood State Park is a picturesque park located in Marbury, Maryland, United States. Named after General William Smallwood, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, the park offers visitors a range of amenities including a marina, boat launching ramps, picnic areas, camping facilities, pavilions, and nature trails. The park is also home to Smallwood's Retreat, the restored house of General Smallwood, which is open to visitors seasonally. One of the unique attractions of Smallwood State Park is the 'Osprey Cam', which provides a live-stream feed of an Osprey nest thanks to a donation from the Southern Maryland Audubon Society. Visitors can observe the Osprey in their natural habitat and even witness the banding of the chicks for scientific research. The park staff works diligently to monitor the Osprey and contribute valuable data to the federal database for tracking their movements.

Calvert Cliffs State Park, located at 10540 H G Trueman Road in Lusby, Maryland, is a stunning tourist attraction that showcases the massive cliffs along the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay. These cliffs, formed over millions of years, reveal the remains of prehistoric species and provide a unique fossil hunting experience. Visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, fishing pond, hiking trails, and a playground made from recycled tires. The park also offers picnic areas, a pavilion for group events, and camping sites for youth groups. Access to the beach for disabled individuals can be arranged in advance.

The Observation Site, located on Observation Access Road in Cambridge, Maryland, is a picturesque park offering over 20,000 acres of public recreation space. Visitors can explore the refuge year-round through hiking trails, paddling trails, and a popular 3.6-mile Wildlife Drive perfect for photographers and birders. The site is also ideal for cycling, with flat, low-traffic roads in the area. Additionally, the site offers opportunities for deer hunting from September through January, as well as waterfowl and spring turkey hunting. Established in 1933, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for migratory birds, boasting diverse habitats such as tidal marshes, hardwood forests, wetlands, and croplands. The refuge is a crucial resting and feeding area for migrating and wintering waterfowl, as well as a key wintering spot for Canada geese along the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge supports a high concentration of nesting bald eagles and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the Delmarva peninsula fox squirrel and the American bald eagle.

Blackwater Refuge, located at 3185 Key Wallace Drive in Cambridge, Maryland, is a sprawling park offering over 20,000 acres of public recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the refuge year-round through 5 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of paddling trails, and a 3.6 mile Wildlife Drive popular with photographers and birders. The refuge is also open for deer hunting from September through January, as well as waterfowl and spring turkey hunting. Established in 1933 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is home to diverse habitats including tidal marshes, forests, wetlands, and croplands. It serves as a vital resting and feeding area for migrating and wintering waterfowl, and is a key wintering spot for Canada geese. The refuge supports a high concentration of nesting bald eagles and is home to the largest natural population of formerly endangered Delmarva peninsula fox squirrels.

Seaside View Recreation Park is a picturesque campground, lodging, and park located at 48593 Sea Side View Road in Ridge, Maryland, United States. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this park offers a spectacular seaside view that has been a beloved retreat for families since 1969. The park is surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting for visitors to relax and unwind. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The park is also a great spot for picnics and family gatherings. With its stunning seaside view, Seaside View Recreation Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area is located in Charles County, Maryland near La Plata, United States. It encompasses the forested bottomlands of Mattawoman Creek and was once home to the Piscataway Indians. The original tract of 754 acres was acquired by the State of Maryland in 1929, and has since grown to 5,190 acres, making it the largest Wildlife Management Area in the Southern Region. The area is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service, with a focus on conserving diverse wildlife populations and habitats for public enjoyment through hunting and wildlife-dependent recreation. The Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office issues Free Public Hunting Permits and takes reservations for public hunting properties in the Southern Region. The area features mature uplands and bottomland forests, wildlife food plots, greentree reservoirs for waterfowl, and a 23-acre lake stocked with rainbow trout for fishing and kayaking. Hunting is permitted during legal seasons, and the area is home to a public shooting range with specific restrictions.

Woods and Water Camping MD is a serene park located at 27178 Fairmount Road in Westover, Maryland, United States. Nestled among lush woods and tranquil waters, this campground offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching in the beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a family-friendly adventure, Woods and Water Camping MD is the perfect destination for nature lovers.

The Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center is a picturesque park located at 6695-6699 Verrazano Bridge in Berlin, Maryland, United States. This center is dedicated to the conservation and study of coastal ecosystems, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the unique flora and fauna that call this area home. With walking trails, educational programs, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, the Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to connect with the natural world.

The Oxbow Lake Trail, located in Russett, Maryland, United States, is a beautiful park that spans approximately 70 acres of wetland in the floodplain of the Little Patuxent River. This important area was acquired with the help of the Maryland/DC Chapter and is managed by the Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation. The preserve features the Little Patuxent Oxbow, created over hundreds of years by beaver activity, as well as the Laurel Oxbow Lake, the largest naturally occurring body of freshwater in Maryland. Visitors to Oxbow Lake Trail can enjoy a variety of native plant species, amphibians, and birds, including the northern spring peeper frog, bald eagle, and blue heron. The preserve also boasts beautiful blooms of mountain laurel and blueberry bushes, as well as a unique ecosystem supported by shallow waters even during dry summer months.

Wincopin Trails is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 9299 Vollmerhausen Road in Jessup, Maryland, United States. Our institution is dedicated to providing a top-notch experience for all visitors, with a focus on being data-informed, people-driven, and expanding opportunities for everyone. The County Council, made up of five members elected from separate districts, serves as the legislative branch and provides important constituent services for residents. At Wincopin Trails, you can enjoy the latest updates and essential information to make the most of your visit. Come explore and experience all that Wincopin Trails has to offer!