[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]























                                     PROTECTION
                                   STRATEGY REPORT




                      Ecological Significance of High Priority
                        Geographic Areas of Particular Concern








                                    SUBMITTED TO:


                             Coastal Resources Division
                               Tidewater Administration



                                    SUBMITTED BY:

                          Maryland Natural Heritage Program
                           Department of Natural Resources
                           Tawes State Office Building, El
                              Annapolis, Maryland 21401



                                  September 30, 1991

                       Preparation of this report was partially
                      funded by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
                        Resources Management, National oceanic
                            and Atmospheric Administration

















































                         r- US Department of Commerce
                          NOAA Ccastal Services Conter Library
                                    South llobso:-.i Avenue
                               6@@Aeston, SC 2D405-2413      J,












                                  BLACK BOTTOM PONDS



           County: Kent
           USGS Quad: Millington
           Approximate Acreage: 270


           SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                The preserve encompasses a nontidal wetland complex of
           Delmarva bays, deciduous forested and shrub-dominated swamps,
           emergent marshes, and beaver impoundments. Forested sandy ridges
           border the wetlands and two perennial streams nearly surround the
           wetland complex.

                The focus of the preserve is a group of ,four Delmarva bays
           located in the southwest portion of the preserve. These seasonal
           ponds harbor an exceptional number and variety of rare plant
           species. Among these is Featherfoil (Hottonia inflata), a State
           Endangered species known to occur at just five other Maryland
           sites. Unlike the other rare species found in the ponds,
           Featherfoil matures throughout the winter under standing water.
           Its flowers then begin to emerge above the water surface in
           spring. In contrast, the other rare species germinate and mature
           during the summer on the ponds' exposed mudflats; flowering
           occurs from midsummer to early fall.

                Large stands of Harper's Fimbristylis (Fimbristylis
           perpusilla), a State Endangered species, and the State Rare
           Clustered Bluets (oldenlandia uniflora) occur in three of the
           four seasonal ponds. Harper's Fimbristylis is a candidate for
           federal listing as Endangered or Threatened. Fewer than 20
           extant populations of this species have been reported worldwide
           and thirteen of those populations occur on Maryland's Eastern
           Shore. However, only one of the Maryland populations is
           currently protected.

                Populations of three other State Endangered species, (Small
           Beggar-ticks (Bidens discoidea), Short-bristled Hornedrush
           (Rhynchospora corniculata)and Giant Sedge (Carex gigantea)] also
           occur in at least one of the four ponds. At most, just one
           population of each of these species is presently protected in
           Maryland.



           ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


           Element Name              Common Name            Status

           Bidens discoidea          Small Beggar-ticks     State Endangered

 AS
 _41                                       1











             Element Name                Common Name              Status

             Carex gigantea              Giant Sedge              State Endangered

             Fimbristylis perpusilla     Harper's Fimbristylis    State Endangered


             Hottonia inflata            Featherfoil              5tate Endangered

             Rhynchospora corniculata    Short-bristled           State Endangered
                                         Hornedrush

             Oldenlandia uniflora        Clustered Bluets         Stat"e Rare



             OTHER SITE VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

                  Additional rare species may occur in the preserve,
             particularly in the Delmarva bays. Because the flora and fauna
             in many of the wetlands vary both seasonally and annually with
             fluctuations in water level, several visits are required to
             obtain a complete rare species list for the site.

                  The nontidal wetland complex provides excellent habitat for
             a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Potential habitat is
             present for the State Endangered Eastern Tiger Salamander
             (Ambystoma tigrinum) and Barking Treefrog (Hyla gratiosa), and
             the Carpenter Frog (,Rana virgatipes), a species In Need of
             conservation.

                  Suitable  habitat is also present for a diversity of bird
             species. For   example, the preserve contains foraging habitat for
             waterbirds, and both breeding and wintering habitat for migratory
             waterfowl. Moreover, forested areas in the preserve are of
             sufficient size, age, and shape (with respect to edge:area ratio)
             to support some obligate forest interior breeding birds.

                  Additionally, the preserve contains natural (i.e., riparian
             habitats) as well as man-made (i.e., transmission line right-of-
             way) landscape features that function as wildlife dispersal and
             movement corridors to other nearby natural areas.












                                                2












                                   BROOKVIEW PONDS



          County: Dorchester
          USGS QUAD: Rhodesdale
          Approximate Acreage: 380


          SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

               The Brookview Ponds Preserve includes nine naturally-
          occurring seasonal ponds that provide habitat for numerous rare
          species. Like other seasonal ponds (also referred to as Delmarva
          Bays) on the Delmarva Peninsula, the hydrological system of these
          ponds is linked to groundwater levels. The ponds usually fill
          with water in the winter and spring and dry during the summer.
          The abundance of herbaceous vegetation in the 'Brookview Ponds is
          particularly unusual; most seasonal ponds are shallower forested
          swamps or shrub swamps. Several rare plants grow in the deepest
          portion of the ponds. These plants germinate in summer on the
          exposed pond bottom and complete their life cycle in the brief
          period before fall arrives.

               To date, sixteen rare and uncommon plant species and the
          Carpenter Frog (Rana virgatives), a species In Need of
          conservation in Maryland, are known to occur at this site. Five
          plant species that grow here are especially significant. Lance-
          leaved Sabatia (Sabatia difformis) had not been seen in Maryland
          since the early 1940's until it was discovered at this site in
          1987. Capitate Beakrush (Rhynchospora cephalantha), also found
          in 1987, had not been recorded in Maryland since 1972. Wrinkled
          Jointgrass (Coelorachis rugosa) and Canby's Lobelia (Lobelia
          canbvi) are known from only one and two other Maryland locations,
          respectively. Moreover, the occurrence of Canby's Lobelia at
          this site represents the largest and most viable population of
          this species in the state. Finally, the only known Maryland
          population of Showy Aster (Aster spectabilis) occurs in the
          site's southeastern uplands.

               Also of significance are the linear boggy areas that have
          formed in the poorly-draining ditches. Five of the rare species
          listed below inhabit these wetlands.


          ***Since the original survey of this site, the owner sprayed
          herbicide at several bays. Subsequently, most of the rare dicot
          species experienced significant population declines. We have
          placed acquisition plans on hold until we can determine whether
          these species will recover. We are discussing voluntary
          protection with the owner.



                                          3












           ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


           Element Name               Common Name                Status

           Aster spectabilis          Showy Aster                State
                                                                 Endangered*

           Carex barrattii            Barratt's Sedge            State
                                                                 Endangered

           Coelorachis rugosa         Wrinkled Jointgrass        State
                                                                 Endangered

           Hypericum denticulatum     Coppery St. John's-wort    State
                                                                 Endangered

           Lobelia canbvi             Canby's Lobelia            State
                                                                 Endangered

           Rhynchospora torrevana     Torrey's Beakrush          State
                                                                 Endangered

           Sabatia difformis          Lance-leaved Sabatia       State
                                                                 Endangered*

           Eupatorium leucolevis      White-bracted Boneset      State
                                                                 Endangered

           Rhynchospora cephalantha   Capitate Beakrush          State
                                                                 Endangered

           Erianthus brevibarbis      Wooly Beardgrass           State
                                                                 Endangered

           Rana virgatipes            Carpenter Frog             In Need of
                                                                 conservation

           Oldenlandia uniflora       Clustered Bluets           State Rare

           Scleria reticularis        Reticulated Nutrush        State Rare

           Amphicarpum purshii        Pursh's Amphicarpum        Watchlist

           Drosera rotundifolia       Round-leaved Sundew        Watchlist

           Lycopodium                 Fox-tail Clubmoss          Watchlist
             alopecuroides

           Rhynchospora gracilenta    Slender Beakrush           Watchlist

           *Officially listed as Endangered Extirpated; not yet officially
           changed to Endangered status.

                                            4















          OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

               It is likely that other rare species of plants and animals
          will be found when these ponds are further explored. In years of
          particularly high or low water levels, many species not yet
          observed may be found.

               Seasonal ponds provide breeding, nesting, and feeding
          grounds for migratory waterfowl and songbirds. In addition, the
          ponds provide ideal habitat for reptiles and amphibi4ns such as
          the Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), a State
          Endangered Species.













                                       CHEWS LAKE

            County: Prince Georges
            USGS Quad: Bristol
            Approximate Acreage: 167


            SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                The mature floodplain forest that borders Chews Lake is
            composed of species that usually dominate riparian floodplain
            forests along rivers much larger than the streams that flow
            through the protection area. Sycamore, American Elm, and Box
            Elder dominate the forest canopy. The herbaceous layer is lush
            and includes many spring wildflowers. A long beaver dam
            maintains the water level in the swamp. Other than beaver
            activity and a horse trail, there has been minimal recent
            disturbance to this forest.

                Two rare plant species  inhabit this unusual floodplain
            forest. Both are listed as  Endangered in Maryland. This is the
            only known site in Maryland for Field Sedge (Carex conoidea).
            Further survey is needed to determine the size and vigor of this
            population. Corville's Phacelia (Phacelia ranunculacea) is known
            from only one other site in the State. The population at Chews
            Lake is much larger than the other known population of this
            species; thousands of flowering plants carpet the floodplain.
            Because the potential habitat for these rare species is extensive
            and of high quality, this site offers an excellent opportunity to
            preserve these species in Maryland.

            ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


            Element Name                  Common Name         Status

            Carex conoidea                Field Sedge         State
                                                              Endangered

            Phacelia ranunculacea         Corville's          State
                                          Phacelia            Endangered



            OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

                 The floodplain and adjacent upland forest provide habitat
            for deer, beaver, and forest interior dwelling birds. The lake
            provides habitat for water dependent species of birds,
            amphibians, and reptiles. In addition, the broad floodplain
            forest absorbs floodwaters, thus reducing potential flooding and
            pollution downstream.


                                            6












                                     GALES CREEK



           County: Dorchester
           USGS Quad: Sharptown
           Approximate Acreage: 545


           SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

               The Gales Creek site includes two millponds, Irving and
           Galestown Millponds, and a tidally influenced wetland that
           together host an exceptional number and variety of rare species.
           Irving Millpond is no longer impounded but consists of palustrine
           shrub swamp with a bog at the center. There are few bogs on
           Maryland's Eastern shore, and this unique habitat supports six of
           the rare plant species. Galestown Millpond, on the other hand,
           is still impounded and supports an open water habitat. On the
           Maryland coastal plain, such man-made ponds are the only ones
           which have constant fresh water inflow and outflow.
           Historically, beaver were responsible for creating such
           conditions. However, these animals were nearly extirpated from
           the coastal plain during the earlier part of this century and are
           now uncommon. Consequently, the unusual conditions provided by a
           large body of gently flowing fresh water provide habitat for some
           specialized rare plants. The spillway area just below the
           Galestown Millpond dam represents the uppermost tidally
           influenced section of the Gales Creek watershed and contains a
           large subtidal, open water wetland that supports at least five
           rare plant species.

               At least 20 rare and uncommon plant species are known to
           occur at this site. Thirteen species are designated as State
           Endangered, and one is listed as*State Threatened. One of these
           species, Seven-angled Pipewort (Eriocaulon septangulare), was
           thought to have been extirpated from Maryland until found at this
           site. Three plants, Seaside Alder (Alnus maritima), Larger
           Floating-heart (Nymphoides aguatica), and Reversed Bladderwort
           (Utricularia resupinata) are rare throughout the region. The
           latter species was discovered in 1897 and has never before been
           known to occur in Maryland. The Alder is a candidate for listing
           under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. This site also supports
           five uncommon plant species on the Watchlist.


           ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


           Element Name            Common Name             Status

           Bidens discoidea        Small Beggar-ticks      State
                                                           Endangered*


                                          7













            Element Name              Common Name               Status

            Elatine minima            Small Waterwort           State Endangered

            Eleocharis robbinsii      Robbins' Spikerush        State Endangered

            Eriocaulon parkeri        Parker's Pipewort         State Endangered

            Eriocaulon septangulare   Seven-angled Pipewort     State
                                                                Endangered*

            Eupatorium leucolevis     White-bracted Boneset     State Endangered

            Fuirena numila            Smooth Fuirena            State Endan,@@-@@red

            Nymphoides acruatica      Larger Floating-heart     State Endangered

            Psilocarya scirpoides     Long-beaked Baldrush      State Endangered

            Scirpus subterminalis     Water Clubrush            State Endangered

            Sclerolepis uniflora      Pink Bog-button           State Endangered

            Utricularia resupinata    Reversed Bladderwort      State Endangered

            Xyris fimbriata           Fringed Yelloweyed-       State Endangered
                                      grass

            Sarracenia purpurea       Northern Pitcher-plant    State Threatened

            Alnus maritima            Seaside Alder             State Rare

            Cladium mariscoides       Twigrush                  Watchlist

            Drosera rotundifolia      Round-leaved Sundew       Watchlist

            Eleocharis olivacea       Green Spikerush           Watchlist

            Rhynchospora alba         White Beakrush            Watchlist

            Sagittaria graminea       Grass-leaved Arrowhead    Watchlist


            *Officially listed as Endangered Extirpated; not    yet officially
            changed to Endangered status.



            OTHER SITE VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

                 This protection area is contiguous with,the Upper Nanticoke
            River Natural Heritage Area, an area targeted for protection by

                                              8









           the State because it contains several State Endangered Species,
           is a unique blend of hydrological, climatological and biological
           features, and is considered to be one of the best statewide
           examples of its kind. Because Gales Creek site is just upstream,
           its water quality directly affects the species and natural
           communities in the Natural Heritage Area. By preserving both
           areas, an extensive wildlife corridor is established which
           provides for the free flow of both plants and ani@als within
           their natural habitat.

               The southernmost 1,000 ft. of this protection area are
           within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. This portion of the
           protection area is therefore covered by the provisions of the
           Critical Area Law (NRA B-1801-1816). Additional regulatory
           actions provided by county government and/or by extending
           protection of the area farther upstream would strengthen the
           intent of the law and improve its effectiveness.

               These millponds and the adjacent subtidal and swamp forest
           wetlands provide ideal breeding, nesting, and@feeding habitat for
           resident waterbirds and migratory waterfowl and songbirds.
           Additionally, the area supports a variety of amphibians and
           reptiles, and contains suitable habitat for such area-sensitive
           mammals as otter (Lutra canadensis) and mink (Mustela vison).




























                                           9












                                       GOLTS PONDS


            County: Kent
            USGS Quad: Millington
            Approximate Acreage: 37


            SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                 This protection area contains two Delmarva bays: unique
            nontidal wetland ecosystems restricted in Maryland t@ the Eastern
            Shore. These bays, also referred to as seasonal ponds, are
            centripetally-drained basins which range in size from,one to
            fifteen acres and which hold up to 4 ft. of water in the spring.
            They often contain rare, disjunct, or endemic species and are
            considered unique because they are among the few remaining
            naturally open freshwater wetlands on the Coastal Plain. Many
            similar ponds have been drained for agriculture and development.

                 Three rare or uncommon plant species occur here. One is
            Harper's Fimbristylis (Fimbristylis perpusilla), a State
            Endangered species and a candidate for Federal Endangered species
            status. The Golts Ponds population is the northernmost
            occurrence of the species. Other rare plants found here are
            Carex gigantea, which is also at the northern limit of its range,
            and Twining Bartonia (Bartonia paniculata), a Watchlist Species.

                 This site harbors a large population of the Barking Treefrog
            (Hyla gratiosa). This amphibian is known from just two other
            sites in Maryland. The recent observations of this species
            constitute a northern extension of its known range. The only
            previous report of the Barking Treefrog in Maryland was of a
            single, dead specimen.


            ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


            Element Name        Common Name              Status

            Carex gigantea      Giant Sedge              State
                                                         Endangered

            Fimbristylis        Harper's Fimbristylis    State
                 perpusilla                              Endangered

            Bartonia            Twining Bartonia         Watchlist
                 paniculata







                                             10












          OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

               Additional rare species of plants and animals may be found
          when further surveys are conducted at this site. In years of
          particularly high or low water levels, many species not yet
          observed may be found. Historically, seasonal ponds with
          herbaceous habitats have been shown to contain a great variety of
          unusual species.

               Seasonal ponds provide breeding, nesting, and feeding
          grounds to migratory waterfowl and songbirds. In addition, the
          ponds provide ideal habitat for reptiles and amphibians,
          including several rare species.












                                  KANE CROSSROADS POND



            County: Queen Annels
            USGS Quads: Goldsboro and Sudlersville
            Approximate Acreage: 130



            SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                Although most seasonal ponds are forested or dominated by
            shrubs, this pond, surrounded by swamp forest, is dominated by
            herbaceous vegetation. Fluctuations in groundwater level produce
            seasonal and annual fluctuations in the pond's water level.
            Normally the pond fills in the fall, winter and spring, and dries
            in the summer.   Many similar ponds, also known as Delmarva Bays,
            have been destroyed by drainage or filling for agriculture or
            development. As Delmarva bays decline in numbers, so do the
            plant and animal species which rely on them for habitat.
            Remaining bays often harbor rare, disjunct, or endemic species
            specially adapted to the fluctuating water levels.

                Most of the rare or uncommon species inhabiting this pond
            germinate after the pond has dried and complete their life cycles
            before fall frost. The populations of these species and the
            dominant herbaceous species are maintained by the fluctuating
            groundwater regime.

                An unusual variety of rare species inhabit the pond center,
            including a State Endangered Species, Harper's Fimbristylis
            (Fimbristylis Perpusilla). Known from fewer than 20 sites
            worldwide, Harper's Fimbristylis is a candidate for listing under
            the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Thirteen extant populations of
            this species are known from Maryland, but only one is protected.
            Two State Rare species, Reticulated Nutrush (Scleria reticularis)
            and Clustered Bluets (Oldenlandia uniflora), are each known from
            fewer than twenty extant sites in Maryland. The Carpenter Frog,
            a species In Need of Conservation, and an uncommon grass species
            also inhabit this pond.


            ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


            Element Name             Common Name               Status

            Fimbristylis             Harper's Fimbristylis     State
                perpusilla                                     Endangered

            Rana virgatipes          Carpenter Frog            In Need of
                                                               Conservation


            Scleria reticularis      Reticulated Nutrush       State Rare


                                            12











          Element Name             Common Name              Status


          Oldenlandia              Clustered Bluets         State Rare
               uniflora


          Panicum hemitomon        Maidencane               Watchlist



          OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

               Additional rare species may occur at this site, such as the
          State Endangered Species, Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma
          tiarinum). Although the pond provides ideal habitat for
          amphibians, this species was not apparent in late summer when the
          pond was surveyed. The flora and fauna of seasonal ponds varies
          seasonally and annually with the pond's water level, and several
          visits will be needed to complete a thorough survey.

               The seasonal pond offers feeding, breeding, and nesting
          grounds for migratory waterfowl and songbirdsi and feeding
          grounds for resident waterbirds. Deer also feed and rest in
          seasonal ponds.
































                                          13












                                  MARYLAND POINT SWAMP


           County: Charles
           USGS Quad: Nanjemoy
           Approximate Acreage: 160


           SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                This diverse wetland complex contains fine examples of
           forested swamp, shrub swamp, emergent marsh, and bottomland
           forest. Six rare or uncommon plant species inhabit these
           wetlands. Three of these species are known from fewer than    six
           sites in Maryland. The dominant aquatic plant in most of the
           shrub swamp and emergent marsh, American Frog's-bit (Limnobium
           spongia) is an extremely rare species known from no other site in
           the State. Growing on the northern fringe of its range, the .
           presence of numerous flowering and fruiting plants indicates that
           this is a thriving and viable population of this rare species.

                This wetland is, at least in part, influenced by beaver
           activity, which aids in maintaining consistent water levels
           throughout the growing season. Historically, beaver played an
           important role in the creation of freshwater wetlands required by
           many rare species. Unfortunately, the decline of beaver
           populations has resulted in the loss of many of these important
           habitats. Many more have been destroyed by drainage for logging,
           development, and agricultural purposes.

           ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


           Element Name              Common Name             Status

           Limnobium spongia         American Frog's-bit     State
                                                             Endangered*

           Rhynchospora corniculata  Short-bristled          State Endangered
                                     Hornedrush

           Carex louisianica         Louisiana Sedge         State Endangered

           Ludwigia decurrens                                State Rare

           Utricularia gibba         Humped Bladderwort      Watchlist

           Bartonia paniculata       Twining Bartonia        Watchlist


           *Officially listed as Endangered Extirpated; not  yet officially
           changed to Endangered status.



                                           14












          OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

               Further survey of the area will likely reveal additional
          rare plant species in this wetland complex. The potential for
          rare amphibians is also high. This wetland provides excellent
          habitat for resident waterbirds and migratory waterfowl. Signs
          of recent beaver and deer activity provide evidence that varied
          forms of wildlife inhabit this area.




















































                                         15












                                        STONY RUN


            County: Anne Arundel
            USGS Quad: Relay
            Approximate Acreage: 165


            SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                The Pitch Pine-Red Maple Swamp Forest that borders Stony Run
            is a rare community on the Upper Coastal Plain. Several of the
            herbaceous species in the swamp usually inhabit colder regions in
            the mountains or in the Piedmont further north. Forests as
            mature as the swamp along Stony Run are rare throughout the
            Coastal Plain. The well-stratified canopy and the presence of
            large trees (pines greater than 15 in. in diameter) indicate that
            portions of this protection area have not been logged in more
            than 60 years. A colorful display of native wildflowers blankets
            the forest in the spring and summer. The absence of non-native
            species throughout much of the swamp is probably a result of
            minimal recent disturbance to this area.

                Three rare plant species grow in the well-developed
            herbaceous layer of the swamp forest. One of these, Swamp Pink
            (Helonias bullata), is known from just four other sites in
            Maryland and is rare throughout its range. Portions of two of
            the sites for this species are protected voluntarily by
            landowners, but these voluntary agreements do not offer long-term
            protection for these sites. Bog Fern (Thelypteris simulata) is
            known from fewer than a dozen sites in the State. This
            relatively mature swamp forest provides opportunity to preserve
            these rare species as well as a rare community.



            ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


            Element Name             Common Name          Status

            Helonias bullata         Swamp Pink           State Endangered
                                                          Federally Threatened

            Arundinaria aigantea     Giant Cane           State Threatened

            Thelypteris simulata     Bog Fern             State Threatened

            Listera australis        Southern Twayblade   Watchlist


            OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

                The Stony Run Protection Area is adjacent to a State Park
            and offers an excellent opportunity to increase the diversity of

                                            16









          habitats within the park. Whether this swamp forest is annexed
          to the park or protected as a separate entity, it will enhance
          the recreational and educational values of the park by providing
          an unusual habitat for visitors to explore.

               Two additional rare plant species, Clammyweed (Polanisia
          dodecandra) and Halbered-leaved Greenbrier (Smilax pseudo-china)
          have been reported from this area but have not be'4n observed
          recently. Because there has been little disturbahce'to portions
          of the habitat, further survey may reveal that these*species
          still inhabit the swamp forest.









































                                          17












                                      TANHOUSE CREEK


            County: Worcester
            USGS Quad: Public Landing
            Approximate Acreage: 250


            SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                 The upland oak-Tulip Poplar forest and Red  Maple-Sweet Gum
            swamp include many species that are characteristic of Piedmont
            forests but rare on the Coastal Plain. These species, including
            Bloodroot, Showy Orchis, and Cut-leaved Toothwort, are indicative
            of soils that are much less acidic than typical Coastal Plain
            soils. The high degree of relief along Tanhouse Creek is also
            unusual for this region and provides a variet
                                                          ,y of habitats along
            the elevation gradient.

                 Included in this atypical flora are seven rare or uncommon
            plant species. An extensive population of Dwarf Trillium
            (Trillium pusillum var. virginianum), a State Threatened member
            of the Lily Family, thrives along Tanhouse Creek's banks. This
            is one of only seven known occurrences in the state. This plant
            species is known from fewer than fifty sites worldwide and is a
            candidate for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. All
            known populations of this wildflower in Maryland occur in
            Worcester County, which may be indicative of highly specific soil
            and hydrologic requirements.

                 The woods along Tanhouse Creek also harbor Maryland's only
            known population of Atamasco Lily, Zephyranthes atamasco, another
            member of the Lily family. This Highly State Rare wildflower
            occurs here at the northern extreme of its range. Protecting
            populations at the edge of a species' range preserves the
            species' genetic variability and its ability to respond to
            environmental changes.

                 Five uncommon plant species inhabit this site. These
            species are not yet believed to be threatened, but are worthy of
            monitoring.




            ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


            Element Name              Common Name             Status

            Trillium Pusillum         Dwarf Trillium          State
               var. virginianum                               Threatened

            Zenhyranthes              Atamasco Lily           Highly State
               atamasco                                       Rare


                                            18













           Element Name             Common Name             Status

           Aristolochia serpentaria Virginia Snakeroot      Watchlist

           Carex seorsa             Weak Stellate Sedge     Watchlist

           Carex styloflexa         Bent Sedge              Watchlist

           Listera australis        Southern Twayblade      Watchlist

           Viola brittoniana        Britton's Violet        Watchlist



           OTHER VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

               This protection area contains a floristically diverse forest
           which supports numerous plant species not typical of the lower
           Coastal Plain. The relief along the creek is unusual for the
           lower coastal plain. The plants found here are more common in
           the Piedmont and upper Coastal Plain, and indicate rich, well-
           drained soils.

               The protection area also includes a small section of
           brackish tidal marsh. Such marshland is exceptionally
           productive, supporting numerous invertebrates which form the
           basis-of the food chain.































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                                     WHITAKER SWAMP


           County: Cecil
           USGS Quads: Bay View, Havre De Grace, North East
           Approximate acreage: 287



           SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

                The preserve contains a prime example of a mature, deciduous
           swamp forest. Few swamp forests of this size and age remain in
           Maryland due to clearing and draining for development or logging.
           The high water quality of groundwater seeps feeding this swamp is
           maintained by the undisturbed, forested slopes that border the
           swamp. The circumneutral soils, an unusual feature in Cecil
           County, and well-shaded mesic to hydric forested conditions
           support a high diversity of herbaceous species. Especially
           notable is the rich spring and early summer wildflower display.

                The well-shaded seepage slopes support the state's largest
           population of Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata), a species recently
           listed as Federally Threatened. Swamp Pink historically occurred
           from New York to Georgia in highly specific habitats consisting
           of groundwater-influenced, perennially saturated but not flooded,
           forested soils. Because of these habitat restrictions and
           relatively low reproductive success, Swamp Pink has probably
           always been rare throughout its range. However, extensive loss
           of required habitat has reduced this species' distribution to
           fewer than 100 populations. In New York, Swamp Pink is currently
           believed to be extirpated, and only four other populations are
           known in Maryland.

                Whitaker Swamp also supports the State Endangered
           Darlington's Spurge (Euphorbia purpurea), which is a candidate
           for federal listing, and an excellent population of the State
           Threatened Climbing Fern (Lygodiu palmatum). Each of these
           species is known from fewer than five sites in Maryland. None of
           these populations is currently protected.


           ELEMENT SUMMARY TABLE:


           Element Name         Common Name              Status

           Helonias bullata     Swamp Pink               State Endangered
                                                         Federally Threatened

           Euphorbia purpurea   Darlington's Spurge      State Endangered

           Lygodium palmatum    Climbing Fern            State Threatened


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          OTHER SITE VALUES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

               The large nontidal wetland provides excellent foraging and
          breeding habitat for amphibians, some obligate forest interior
          birds, and a variety of other forest and swamp dwelling wildlife
          and plants. In addition, the wetlands and surrounding uplands
          serve to maintain and enhance water quality of tho rivers they
          feed and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.









































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