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Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area Wye Island NRMA is located in the tidal recesses of the Chesapeake Bay between the Wye River and the Wye East River. Of Wye Island's 2,800 acres, 2,450 are managed by the Department of Natural Resources Maryland Park Service for agricultural and resource management. A major emphasis at Wye Island is to provide suitable habitat for wintering waterfowl populations and other native wildlife. A primary resource management objective at Wye Island is the stabilization of the 30 miles of ever-eroding shoreline. These efforts are accomplished through a partnership between DNR and numerous environmental advocacy groups, such as the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the USDA-RC&D Council. Service learning opportunities abound at Wye Island. For service learning and volunteer opportunities at Wye Island NRMA, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 410-827-7577 or wye-island-nrma@dnr.state.md.us or visit DNR's website at www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/eastern/wyevolunteer.html HISTORY For over 300 years, Wye Island was privately owned and managed for agricultural use, including tobacco and wheat farming. Two of the most noteworthy owners were William Paca and Charles Beale Bordley. Mr. Paca, third governor of Maryland and one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, owned half of the island north of Dividing Creek. Mr. Bordley was a distinguished lawyer and jurist who owned half of the island south of Dividing Creek. In the 1770's Mr. Bordley gave up his law career to devote his life to farming and make Wye Island totally self-sufficient. Under Mr. Bordley's control, the island prospered with its own vineyards, orchards, textile production, brick yard, and even its own brewery. Eventually the island was sold off into at least 13 separate farms. The most influential owners were Glenn and Jacqueline Stewart. Ultimately they owned eight of the thirteen farms and turned Wye Island into a cattle ranch. The Stewart's built the hunting lodge (Duck House), which remains today on Granary Creek. In the mid 1970's the encroaching threat of residential development forced the State of Maryland to purchase the island to ensure its preservation. To learn more about the history of Wye Island, visit your local library, search the internet, or just come and explore. A great book for casual reading about the history is "WYE ISLAND" by Boyd Gibbons. ACTIVITIES Trails Wildlife viewing and hiking are the most popular activities on Wye Island's six miles of trails. The School House Woods Nature Trail takes you through a mature hardwood forest while the Ferry Landing Trail leads beneath a canopy of Osage Orange Trees. Wye Island also houses a Holly Tree that is more than 290 years old. Follow the Holly Tree Trail to visit this long-time resident.
The topography of the island is relatively flat. From the novice to the advanced hiker, access to trail system is very easy. Visitors are advised to bring insect repellent, sun screen and drinkable water. Be advised that visitors will encounter normal hazards found in a natural environment, such as ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, ultraviolet exposure and prickly plants. For more information on these hazards, see http://edcp.org/vet_med/lyme_disease.html Visitors can see a variety of birds and wildlife including ducks, geese, wading birds, Bald Eagles, the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel, whitetail deer and many other species. Horseback riding and bicycling are also popular but visitors are encouraged to approach these activities with respect for the environment. Horses and bicycles may be off limits in some areas during specific times of the year. Please call ahead to confirm access. Horses and bicycles are prohibited on the Schoolhouse Woods Nature Trail. Visitors who would like to volunteer and support the trail system at Wye Island NRMA can participate in the Trailblazer Program. For information about the Trailblazer Program, which allows you to support trails in the Maryland State Park of your choice, please click Maryland Trailblazer Program. HUNTING The deer population is specially managed by permit only hunts held each Fall and Winter. From mid September to late January, these hunts help maintain the ecological balance between the whitetail deer herd and their habitat. There is limited fox chasing and raccoon hunting, also by permit only. For more information, contact the facility.
Archery Deer Hunt
Muzzleloading Deer Hunt
Firearms Deer Hunt YOU MUST FILE A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR THE OCTOBER AND DECEMBER DEER HUNTS. Successful applicants will be required to have Managed Hunt Permt (MHP). See DNR's website at www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/managed_hunt_permit.asp You may also want to refer to page 42 of the Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland 2007-08 for details. Applications are available in the Maryland Hunting & Trapping Guide 2007-08 on page 51, or to receive an application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Wye Island NRMA, 632 Wye Island Road, Queenstown MD 21658. Applications can also be downloaded from the website at www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/manhuntapps.asp All deer harvested at Wye Island will be considered part of the daily and season bag limits. All pertinent laws and regulations apply. All deer harvested during these hunts will be checked in utilizing the new on-line or telephone call-in procedures established by DNR. Consult the Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland 2007-08 for details or on-line at www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/check_instruct.asp
Goose Hunting NEW THIS YEAR – Everyone hunting during the early muzzleloader and the firearm season for deer and everyone participating in the Canada Goose hunt will be required to have a DNR Managed Hunt Permit (MHP). A MHP costs $35.00 and is valid statewide where DNR charges for public hunting access. For more information on Managed Hunt Permit (MHP), see DNR's web site at www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/managed_hunt_permit.asp Also refer to page 42 of the Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland 2007-08 for details. Consult the Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland 2007-08 for pertinent laws and regulations. Wye Island NRMA has two handicapped accessible waterfowl blinds that were donated to DNR through a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout project. These blinds meet specifications for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will provide service to persons with mobility impairments. To utilize these blinds you must apply for a permit. For more information about hunting opportunities for persons with mobility impairments see DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.md.us/accessforall.
Field Trials
Fishing & Boating Wye Island is a popular destination for boaters looking for a quiet cove to anchor for the night or weekend. Consult local navigational charts for details. The most popular spots are Granary Creek and Dividing Creek, located off the Wye East River and anchorages near Drum Point on the Wye River. Boaters are encouraged to come ashore and explore Wye Island NRMA. When coming ashore use good judgement. Pick a spot where the shoreline is gently sloped to minimize any ecological damage. Currently there are no boat launching facilities on the island. All boaters must launch from public landings and launch areas. The closest public launch facilities in Queen Anne and Talbot Counties can be found by contacting the Queen Anne County Parks and Recreation Office at 410-758-0835 (www.qac.org), or Talbot County Parks and Recreation Office at 410-822-2955 (www.talbgov.org). SELF-GUIDED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES 
CAMPING AND LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS Wye Island hosts the DNR Conference Lodge (Duck House). The lodge and grounds are available to rent for your meetings, retreats, company picnics, family reunions, weddings and receptions. The conference lodge is located on Granary Creek just off the Wye East River. For recreation, we provide vollyball and horseshoes. For additional recreational space there is a large grassy field near the lodge. Guests are welcome to bring bicycles to utilize the many miles of trails and shoreline to hike and bike. The lodge itself is very small, accommodating only 25 to 30 people per day for an indoor meeting. There are overnight accommodations for 12 people in a dormitory setting. Outdoors, groups of 50 to 250 people can be accommodated. A self-service kitchen and an outdoor grill are available to users. A list of local caterers is available upon request. There is also a new 100 person outdoor pavilion available for use. Pets are prohibited at the Conference Lodge. Rental charge for the lodge is $225 per day plus a $15 reservation charge. Overnight accommodations in the lodge or cabin cost an additional service charge of $20.00 per person per night. All bed linens, blankets and towels are provided. Rental service charge for the pavilion is only $175 per day. The lodge and pavilion can be rented as a package for $350 per day; the $15 reservation charge is applicable. Reservations are accepted ten months in advance of your stay and can be made by contacting the Wye Island Office at 410-827-7577.
Youth group and group camping are permitted at three primitive group campsites. Service charges for use of these areas include a $15 reservation charge, $10 charge for pit toilets, and $3 charge per camper per night for qualified groups. Groups with a valid Maryland youth group camping pass do not have to pay the $3 per camper fee. Potable water is available at the lodge and maintenance shop. Group camping is by reservation only. Reservations must be made 30 days in advance by contacting the Wye Island Office at 410-827-7577. All campers must be part of a recognized organization that has by-laws and a membership list. Primitive restroom facilities (pit toilets) are available for public access at the Canada Goose Management Area parking lot, the Dividing Creek group campsite, the Equestrian Parking Lot and Ferry Landing Trail. Campers be advised DNR has a new policy regarding firewood on public lands. We ask that visitors utilize only local sources of firewood. For more information, see www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/infocus/emerald_ash_borer.asp Pets are welcome at Wye Island NRMA, but they must be under the owner's control and leashed at all times. Pets are not permitted at the DNR Conference Lodge or the Group Camping Areas. REGULATIONS Wye Island NRMA is managed by the Department of Natural Resources Maryland Park Service. Area regulations are posted. Alcoholic beverages, camping, fires and weapons are prohibited at all times. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails, fields, field edges, buffer strips, and grass waterways. All pets must be under the owner's control and leashed at all times, except while participating in an authorized hunt or chase. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians are asked to avoid traveling on agricultural fields, instead please use trails, buffer strips and grass waterways. Horses and bicycles are prohibited on the Schoolhouse Woods Nature Trail. Please obey all signs. Areas may be closed to access due to weather or hazardous conditions. DIRECTIONS From Bay Bridge (East bound): Travel 12.5 miles eastbound on Route 50 and turn right onto Carmichael Road. Travel 5.1 miles on Carmichael Road until you cross the Wye Island Bridge. From the Wye Island Bridge, travel south on Wye Island Road for approximately 4.2 miles. Numerous public parking areas are available along Wye Island Road.
From Easton (West bound):
Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
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