Chapman Forest On the Potomac, near the Nation's Capital — expansive, unspoiled nature and history —

Arching over historic Cornwallis Peninsula, Chapman Forest joins the tidal-freshwater Potomac River on its north to the floodplain of renowned Mattawoman Creek on its south. Like most land along the east coast, this coastal-plain site has been subject to the vagaries of more than three centuries of settlement. However, most of it was spared wholesale degradation or intense mechanized disturbance. Some areas, especially the rugged slopes, experienced minimal disruption over time. These factors, the proximity of water, and a varied topography have endowed the Forest with a tapestry of surprisingly diverse habitats.

On the North Tract, almost two and a half miles of shoreline face northward across a vast expanse of the Potomac River. The shoreline is not sheltered, and is exposed to prevailing winds and wave action from the north int he winter, as well as tides and seasonal flooding. Along most of thenorthwest corner of the property, three to ten foot banks characterize the land and water interface. One of the few level areas along the Potomac River is in front of Mt. Aventine. Proceeding southwesteard, the shoreline continues to be almost level with the Potomac, including the Potomac swamp, until one almost reaches the Long Shadows Complex - this area has steep, unstable, rapidly eroding bluffs, some of which are over thirty feet high.

Starting at the northernmost end, the terrain is relatively level, punctuated by small annual and perennial stream valleys and low-lying wetlands. West of Mt. Aventine, the landscape becomes more rugged with steep meandering ravines that are scattered throughout the Shell-Marl Ravine Forest and the Terrace Gravel Forest. The largest perennial stream on the North Tract is in this vicinity, and flows through the River Complex into the Potomac River.

In contrast to the landscape and drainage characteristics of the North Tract, the South Trace is noted for having even more rugged terrain. Two major stream systems flow westward across the property, and drain into Mattawoman Creek. The ridges and hilltops are higher in elevation and they are defined by sme very steep ravines. The average elevation on the South Tract is 170 feet above sea level. When progressing westward to Buteaux Crossing near Mattawoman Creek, the terrain drops in elevation to only seven feet above sea level.

Thanks to the State of Maryland's Department of Natural Resources for the information and words on this page (from the Land Unit Plan).