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Natural Resources Division
Nature-based programming survey
We want your invaluable opinion to enhance nature-based programming and deepen our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Your insights will directly contribute to determining our staffing and budget requirements for future environmental initiatives, ensuring they are adequately aligned with your expectations. We are excited to hear from you and thank you sincerely for helping shape the future of our education programs.Mission
Our mission is to preserve, manage and operate natural resource areas to provide compatible outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for the public.
Park Hours, Closures and Holidays
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp - Trails are open during regular park hours. The Nature Center is closed until further notice due to fire damage.
General Park Rules and Regulations
Natural Resources Nature Programs
Job Opportunities
The Natural Resources Division is accepting applications for Naturalists, Park Rangers and Technicians and Grounds Maintenance Workers. Apply through the Human Resources Department’s Career Pages
Volunteer with the Calvert Stewards
The Calvert Stewards volunteer program provides an opportunity for public service in education, research, and stewardship which support the overall missions of the Calvert County Division of Natural Resources and the Calvert Nature Society. This benefits the participants, the parks and the community as Calvert Stewards use and develop their skills to form an environmentally aware community and become the environmental stewards of Calvert County. We also encourage youth and families to volunteer for projects to create a pipeline of engaged citizens that will continue their involvement in the parks into adulthood.
Visit the Calvert Stewards web site to learn more
- Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary 100 acres of one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees in the United States.
- Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm 196-acre site rich in natural and cultural resources and is a living laboratory to explore, understand and experience Calvert County’s agricultural heritage throughout its history.
- Flag Ponds Nature Park 500 acres of natural area on the Chesapeake Bay from beach to upland.
- Kings Landing Park over 265 acres of natural area on the Patuxent River including a pier for fishing and launching kayaks, and 50 acres of marshland.
- Water Access including boating and fishing opportunities.
- Gatewood Preserve provides additional public access to open space for appropriate outdoor recreation such as water access, hiking, fishing and nature study and increases the protection of Battle Creek and the Patuxent Watershed. Parking is at the gate at Grays Road. Do not drive past gates.
- Trails for Hiking and Horse Riding
- Calendar of Events Sign up for one of our Nature Discovery Programs to learn about the plants and animals of Calvert County. Education programs are sponsored by the Calvert Nature Society . (external link)
- Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park is open to the public. Click here for Trail Map.
Resource Management
The Division of Natural Resources also manages areas to protect the natural and cultural resources of the county.
- Hunting (external link) Public Hunting at Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm and Flag Ponds Nature Park. Contact the State Department of Natural Resources Southern Region Public Hunting Permit and Reservation System online or by phone at the Myrtle Grove office at 301-743-5161.
- Flag Ponds Nature Park Living Shoreline Project
- Hughes Memorial Tree Farm (external link)
The Natural Resources Division is part of the Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation
Calvert Nature Society is a 501c3 "friends" group that supports the Division. (external link)
Staff naturalists and volunteers teach the CHESPAX environmental education programs for grades K, 1, 3, & 5. (external link)
The County partners with the The Nature Conservancy in the management of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary (external link)
Several of our parks are in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network (external link)