Taylor’s Island

Taylor’s Island is located on Route 16 West in the southern part of the County. Unique homes, schoolhouses, and three churches are points of interest. The Becky Phipps Cannon is displayed telling of its capture from a British ship off Taylor’s Island during the War of 1812. Many sites on the island are listed on the National Historic Register.

The tidal marshes of Taylor’s Island have been relatively untouched by the development of small towns and villages on the nearby shores. Small “islands” of loblolly pine and cedar forest dot the marsh system. This large island, comprising 1,100 acres, is a classic illustration of Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat.

What To See
Wildlife associated with the marsh include raccoons, muskrats and river otters. The small stands of forest support white-tailed deer as well as sika deer, a species of elk that is native to Asia. They are descendants of deer that escaped from a wildlife reserve. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel in the forest. Ospreys and bald eagles fish the deeper waters nearby, while mallard and black ducks feed on roots and other vegetation in the shallows. Buffleheads, canvasbacks and scaup are often seen diving for food in the waters off shore. Herons and egrets use the marshes for hunting food. Shorebirds, like plovers and sandpipers, use the mudflats found along the shores at low tide.

What To Do
Hunters will enjoy the challenge afield offered by white-tailed and sika deer as well as a variety of waterfowl. Trapping is offered by yearly lease. Water-oriented recreation includes crabbing, fishing, and boating from a nearby county ramp. There is also a boat ramp on the island. Mosquitoes and biting insects are abundant during the spring through early fall. Bring insect repellent, minimize exposed skin and wear light-colored clothing. Check out a map of the area.

How to Get Here
Taylor’s Island is located in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

From the Bay Bridge, take U.S. Route 50 to Cambridge. Take MD 16 west about four miles from the town of Madison. Turn left on Smithville Road and watch for WMA signs. A parking lot provides access to only a small portion of this WMA. The rest is only accessible by boat. For boat access, continue on Smithville Road to the county boat ramp on Beaverdam Creek. To reach the WMA by boat, travel west on Beaverdam Creek.

For additional information, contact the LeCompte Wildlife Office at (410) 376-3236.