Deer in Spring Landscape

Riverside WMA

Photo of Pickerel Frog, courtesy of Scott A . Smith
This 373-acre site situated on the Potomac River in southwestern Charles County consists of a mix of mature forested and reforested habitats as well as tidal marsh, non-tidal ponds and wetlands.

The property came under state ownership in 2010.

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What To See

Forest wildlife, including many species of songbirds dwell at Riverside WMA. Wood ducks and Great blue herons can be seen in the non-tidal wetlands and marshes of Halfway Creek.

What To Do

Hunters come to Riverside WMA for the white-tailed deer, gray squirrels and wild turkey which roam the forests. Hikers will find unmarked trails for bird-watching, nature photography or just a daytime get-away.

Area Regulations

  • Use of Riverside WMA is generally permitted seven days a week.
  • Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons, bag limits and shooting hours.
  • Trapping and waterfowl hunting is by permit only.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited off of paved roads or designated parking areas.

    • Non-hunting Users Guide

  • Non-hunting visitors are welcome.
  • Be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly.
  • Birders and hikers will enjoy traversing the unmarked trails and old logging roads that wind throughout the property.
  • The marshes and wetlands are rich with bald eagles, osprey, hawks, turtles, and herons.
  • A wide variety of forest interior dwelling birds can be observed in the upland forests during the nesting season.

    • Site Management Practices

  • There is currently no active site management.
  • Site management objectives and practices will be established as part of the WMA Planning Process that is currently underway.

    • Directions

    Riverside WMA is located in Charles County, 24 miles southwest of La Plata on Holly Springs Rd and Riverside Rd. Take Rt. 301 south to La Plata. Travel west on Rt. 6 for 22 miles, then right on Holly Springs Road to Riverside WMA. For additional information, contact the Myrtle Grove Work Center at (301) 743-5161

    This area is a part of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources public land system and is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The primary mission of the WMA system is to conserve and enhance wildlife populations and their respective habitats as well as to provide public recreational use of the State’s wildlife resources.

    Eighty-five percent of the funding for Maryland's state wildlife programs comes from hunting license fees and a federal excise tax on sport hunting devices and ammunition. The federal aid funds are derived from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (or Pittman-Robertson) Fund, which sportsmen and women have been contributing to since 1937. Each state receives a share of the funds, which is administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; these funds are used for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs, including the management of the WMA system.

    Other sources of funds for land acquisition include Program Open Space Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas, 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.