Cedarville

Cedarville State Forest is a 3,707-acre public forest located in Prince George's and Charles Counties in southern Maryland. Established in 1930 when the state purchased land for a forest demonstration area, it represents one of Maryland's premier examples of sustainable forest management. The forest encompasses diverse ecosystems including upland forests, wetlands, and the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, Maryland's largest freshwater bog. Over 50 tree species thrive within the actively managed forest, which showcases the full array of natural resource protection and management techniques utilized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The forest offers 19 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with camping facilities and fishing opportunities at Cedarville Pond.

Cedarville State Forest supports diverse wildlife communities across its varied habitats. White-tailed deer are abundant throughout the forest, while wild turkeys, re-established through conservation efforts, now maintain healthy populations. The Zekiah Swamp headwaters provide critical habitat for beaver, river otter, and numerous amphibian species including spring peepers and wood frogs. The forest's mature stands support populations of forest interior dwelling birds including wood thrushes, scarlet tanagers, and various woodpecker species. Great blue herons and green herons frequent the wetland areas and pond edges. Eastern box turtles and black rat snakes inhabit the upland forests. Red and gray foxes hunt throughout the forest, while raccoons and opossums are common nocturnal residents. Cedarville Pond supports largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish populations managed for recreational fishing.

The forest contains over 50 tree species demonstrating the diversity of southern Maryland's coastal plain forests. Dominant canopy trees include various oak species, tulip poplar, American beech, and sweetgum. The pine areas feature loblolly pine interspersed with holly and southern magnolia, creating an evergreen component unusual for this latitude. The unique Cedarville Bog contains rare insectivorous plants including roundleaf sundew and northern pitcher plant, species more commonly associated with northern wetlands. Mountain laurel and rhododendron provide understory structure in acidic areas. Seasonal wildflowers bloom along trails and in forest openings. The actively managed forest demonstrates beneficial and experimental forestry practices, with different stands at various stages of succession providing diverse habitat conditions. Wetland areas feature cattails, sedges, and marsh vegetation supporting the swamp ecosystem.

Cedarville State Forest lies within the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province, characterized by relatively flat to gently rolling terrain composed of unconsolidated sediments deposited over millions of years. The underlying geology consists of layers of sand, gravel, clay, and silt deposited during periods when sea levels were higher and the region was submerged beneath shallow marine waters. These porous sediments create the aquifer systems that supply groundwater throughout southern Maryland. The headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp occupy low-lying areas where the water table intersects the surface, creating the persistent wetland conditions. Streams throughout the forest have carved shallow valleys into the sandy soils. The relatively acidic, nutrient-poor soils support the unusual bog vegetation including carnivorous plants that supplement their nutrition by capturing insects.

Cedarville State Forest experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, though the forest canopy provides cooling shade along trails. Winter temperatures average in the mid-30s°F with occasional snowfall, though significant accumulation is infrequent. Annual precipitation averages approximately 45 inches, supporting the forest's lush vegetation and maintaining water levels in the Zekiah Swamp headwaters. Spring brings wildflower displays and breeding activity for amphibians in the wetlands. Fall offers comfortable hiking conditions and colorful foliage as deciduous trees change color. The forest's low elevation and coastal plain location make it accessible year-round, though trails can become muddy during wet periods. Summer visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks, particularly near wetland areas.

The land now comprising Cedarville State Forest has a long history of human use. Native American peoples inhabited southern Maryland for thousands of years, utilizing the forests for hunting and the swamps for fishing. European colonization brought tobacco agriculture to the region in the 17th century, and much of the land was cleared for farming. By the early 20th century, depleted soils and changing agricultural economics led to farm abandonment, and the forests began to regenerate. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps established camps at Cedarville, where approximately 160 young men, primarily African Americans from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., worked from 1933 to 1935. These workers constructed roads, trails, and facilities that form the foundation of the current recreation infrastructure. Their work helped transform degraded farmland into productive forest.

Cedarville State Forest was established in 1930 when the Maryland Department of Natural Resources purchased 2,631 acres to create a forest demonstration area. An additional 879 acres were later acquired, bringing the total to 3,510 acres, subsequently expanded to the current 3,707 acres. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the forest's infrastructure between 1933 and 1935. The forest became a model for demonstrating sustainable forestry practices, timber production, and wildlife management. Over the decades, Cedarville evolved from primarily a forestry demonstration area to a multi-use public recreation facility while maintaining its commitment to sustainable forest management. Today it stands as one of Maryland's most significant examples of how forests can simultaneously provide timber, recreation, and wildlife habitat under professional management.

Cedarville State Forest offers over 19 miles of trails for diverse recreational uses. The Orange Trail is the most popular loop, passing through semi-mature forest stands with pine and holly sections and featuring relatively flat terrain suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The Blue Trail takes visitors past Cedarville Pond and through wetland areas offering excellent wildlife observation and birdwatching opportunities. The Green Trail passes through the headwaters of the Zekiah Swamp, providing access to the rare bog ecosystem with its carnivorous plants. All trails are open to hikers, with designated trails available for mountain bikers and equestrians. Cedarville Pond offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The campground provides tent and RV sites for overnight visitors seeking to explore the forest's trails and ecosystems.

Cedarville State Forest is located in Brandywine, Maryland, accessible via Cedarville Road off US Route 301. The forest is approximately 30 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. Facilities include a campground with tent and RV sites, picnic areas, restrooms, and a boat launch at Cedarville Pond. The nature center provides educational exhibits and programs. Trails are well-marked with colored blazes. The forest is open year-round during daylight hours, with camping available seasonally. A daily use fee or annual park pass is required. Hunting is permitted during designated seasons in specific zones. Visitors should bring water and insect repellent, especially during summer months. The relatively flat terrain makes the trails accessible to hikers of various ability levels, though wet conditions can create muddy sections.

Cedarville State Forest uniquely showcases the comprehensive approach to natural resource management employed by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. Fishery scientists, wildlife biologists, foresters, and park rangers work together to preserve, protect, and manage the forest's resources under a sustainable, multiple-use concept. Management goals include timber production, forest health, public recreation, wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, water quality improvement, and natural heritage protection. The forest demonstrates how active management can balance these multiple objectives. Selective harvesting maintains forest health while providing timber products, with revenue supporting further conservation work. Protection of the Zekiah Swamp headwaters ensures this critical ecosystem continues to function as the source of Maryland's largest freshwater bog, extending 20 miles southward through Charles County to the Wicomico River.