E A Vaughn Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
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Summary
Vaughn Wildlife Management Area is a 1,800-acre public land in Dorchester County, Maryland. The management area is a great place to visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It has a diverse ecosystem that includes marshes, forests, and grasslands.
One of the main reasons to visit E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area is to observe the variety of wildlife that live there. It is home to many species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. The area also hosts several species of mammals, such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and muskrats.
Visitors can explore the management area by hiking, bird watching, or hunting. There are several trails that provide opportunities to see the different habitats and wildlife. One of the most popular trails is the Marshyhope Creek Greenway Trail, which offers a scenic view of the Marshyhope Creek and its surrounding wetlands.
Another point of interest in the area is the Bucktown Village Store, which is situated near the entrance of the management area. This historic store, built in 1849, has served as a post office, general store, and even a polling station.
The best time of year to visit E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area is during the fall and winter months. During this time, visitors can see migratory birds and waterfowl, as well as enjoy the scenic autumn foliage. Hunting season also takes place during this time, so visitors should be aware of potential closures and restrictions.
Overall, E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area offers a unique opportunity to experience Maryland's diverse ecosystem and wildlife. It is a great place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs alike.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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