Residing in part of the larger Holy Grove Swamp area, the IFNP property is a 437 acre wetland preserve (88 % wetlands) within the Newport Bay watershed. Acquired by Worcester County in 2011 in part with funds through the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program, the property is managed by Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) for conservation purposes.
Consisting of two parcels with varying degrees of forest succession, IFNP is classified as an estuarine and palustrine forested wetland complex. Located at the headwaters of Trappe, and Ayre’s Creeks, the property serves as a critical buffer for Newport Bay.
The west parcel of the property is largely characterized by open scrub/shrubland. In a younger stage of forest succession, a portion of this area (62.83 acres, and referenced as stand 1 on the Stand Map) was in loblolly pine plantation and logged in the 90’s. Efforts to restore the natural hydrology of this area were carried out in 2015. The dominant overstory species on this west parcel consist mainly of loblolly pine, sweet gum, and red maple. American Holly, several varieties of oaks, black gum, yellow poplar, and beech trees are also present throughout the parcel, primarily in the northern portion of the west parcel.
A primitive, looping trail was implemented within the hydrologic restoration area on the west parcel several years ago to access three piezometers (water level meters) installed by MCBP to capture trends in hydrology. During Winter 2023, this trail was improved and mapped. Due to the early stages of succession on this parcel and subsequent open canopy, the trail on this parcel needs to be routinely bushhogged throughout the growing season. Uneven topography, and the hydrologic nature of this area of IFNP make this area of IFNP moderate, to semi difficult to walk. Ticks are often problematic during the summer months, and typically only navigable during the Fall. There is no parking area at the West Parcel. MCBP is working to connect the East Parcel trail system with this West parcel to allow visitors access to this unique part of the preserve.
The East Parcel of the property consists of some older growth hardwood stands (100 + years old), pockets of loblolly pine, and a relatively large loblolly stand (73.9 acres) that serves as a kind of corridor between the two parcels of the property. Dominant overstory species include sweetgum, red maple, swamp chestnut oak, southern red oak, white oak, willow oak, black gum, loblolly, beech, water oak, scarlet oak, and northern red oak. The extreme east side of the East Parcel runs adjacent to Ayre’s Creek. During Fall 2022, MCBP began developing a series of trails on the East Parcel. Implemented with a minimally invasive technique, the trails meander through different habitats, offering visitors a quiet and navigable route that traverse several unique habitats with a variety of tree and shrub species. Accessible from the parking lot located off Sinexpuent Rd., visitors will be greeted with a trailhead kiosk. At the kiosk there is a map that identifies the open trails, and trails that are currently under development.
Trails at IFNP are typically the driest, and easiest to explore during the Fall and early winter months (September – December) and are open dusk to dawn.
Additional information about IFNP may be found at the trailhead kiosk, including rules and things to remember when visiting the preserve.
For any questions regarding IFNP, trails, and accessibility, contact Billy Weiland.
This park is named after a local environmentalist, Ilia Fehrer. She was a Lower Eastern Shore environmentalist who worked tirelessly for the preservation of the Pocomoke River and Nassawango Creek, and was co-founder, with her husband, of the Worcester Environmental Trust. She was instrumental in preserving Assateague Island as we know the seashore today, helping to halt plans for development on the island.