Chotank State Natural Area Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chotank State Natural Area Preserve is a protected natural area located in Maryland, USA.


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Summary

The preserve features a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and meadows, and is home to many species of plants and wildlife.

There are several good reasons to visit Chotank State Natural Area Preserve. The area provides opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, and visitors can enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Additionally, the preserve is home to several rare and endangered species, making it an important site for conservation efforts.

Some specific points of interest within Chotank State Natural Area Preserve include the forested uplands, which are home to oak and hickory trees, and the wetland areas, which support a variety of plant and animal life. The preserve is also home to the northern pine snake, a threatened species.

Interesting facts about Chotank State Natural Area Preserve include the fact that it is part of the largest contiguous forest in Maryland and that it is home to several species of migratory birds, including the prothonotary warbler.

The best time of year to visit Chotank State Natural Area Preserve is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the vegetation is at its most vibrant. However, visitors can enjoy the preserve year-round, with each season offering a unique experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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