Plan Ahead

Open House

Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

History Talks, Nature Walks, Special Guests, Children’s Activities, Property Tour and more.
Hosted by Friends of Chapman State Park, Assisted by The Chapman Forest Foundation

check back for more info

Chapman Forest, in Charles County, Maryland, is one of Maryland's unique places, with over 2,000 forested acres, 2 1/4 miles of Potomac River shoreline, and a colonial tidewater historic site. In 1998, the State of Maryland purchased the site for its outstanding natural and historical attributes.

The Chapman Forest Foundation is the organization that initiated and led the campaign to preserve Chapman Forest. Originally named Friends of Mount Aventine, after a decade of struggle, with the help of individuals and organizations in the nearby area, across the State of Maryland, and beyond, our first goal was achieved on October 28, 1998, when the State of Maryland purchased the entire 2,250-acre property.

The work of Chapman Forest Foundation continues.  Chapman Forest needs advocates who understand the value of keeping the nature and the history of Chapman Forest intact. The best thing you can do to help is to learn about Chapman Forest, experience it, enjoy it and appreciate it, and work with the Chapman Forest Foundation to assure a happy future for this public treasure.

Please join the continuing effort to support the preservation of Chapman Forest. Your involvement is important. We invite you to contact us by telephone (301-283-2948) or by e-mail (info@chapmanforest.org).

To help you better understand the importance of the issues at hand and the need for your involvement, we have included the following information:

• Guide to all the pages of this site and links to some other sites
• The value of the natural resources of Chapman Forest , We continue to lose forests and habitats; Chapman Forest is a remaining treasure that must not be lost
• The value of the cultural resources of Chapman Forest The history and archaeology of Chapman Forest are extraordinary and must be preserved
• The process since the acquisition
• Our vision of Chapman Forest and realizing that vision
• The events that led to the public acquisition of Chapman Forest - under construction.
• Pictures and maps
• DNR Land Unit Plan is available online - PDF file - click here