Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Smith Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 12 miles south of Crisfield, Maryland. The area encompasses several of the small islands that make up Smith Island, characterized by extensive tidal marshes, mudflats, and open water habitats. The WMA protects critical breeding, foraging, and resting habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife including bald eagles and migratory songbirds. The island's marshlands are composed mainly of saltmarsh grasses and provide valuable nursery grounds for fish, crabs, and shellfish, supporting local biodiversity and commercial fisheries.
Smith Island has a rich cultural history, inhabited for centuries by watermen and island communities who rely on the bay’s resources. The Wildlife Management Area promotes conservation while balancing recreational access. Visitors come to enjoy birdwatching, paddling, crabbing, and fishing. Access is primarily by boat, which preserves the area’s remote and wild character. The flat terrain and extensive waterways offer a landscape different from mainland parks, emphasizing aquatic and avian wildlife opportunities.
Visitors can explore the salt marsh trails on foot during low tide or take guided tours across the island to observe the island’s unique ecosystems and traditional island life. Smith Island is also known for its historic villages and traditional Chesapeake Bay crab houses located nearby. The WMA plays a crucial role in protecting the Chesapeake Bay’s natural resources and provides a sanctuary for many threatened and migratory species.
