Prior to the 1900s, bald-cypress and Atlantic white-cedar swamps were widespread in the lower Coastal Plain of Maryland. These impressive trees grew to diameters of 5-9 feet and created their own micro-climate that was cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and always moist, supporting a wide variety of unique species. Unfortunately for these species, cedar and cypress wood is very strong and rot resistant, and the large trees were cleared for timber while the former swampland was converted to agricultural fields or loblolly pine plantations. Very little of this unique wetland type is left in the state of Maryland.

The Landowner Incentive Program is working with the Nature Conservancy on two projects to restore these swamps on the Eastern Shore:

• Restoration of an Atlantic white-cedar swamp in the Nanticoke River Preserve in Wicomico County.
• Undertaking a study of recent bark damage to bald cypress trees in the Nassawango Preserve in Worchester County, in order to understand what is causing this serious problem.