Cherishing its diverse traditions and scenic landscapes, the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area features a large portion of Dorchester County. Direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, abundant fisheries and fertile farmland, have been contributing factors to the local economy since its settlement by Native Americans more than 13,000 years ago.

Municipalities include:

• Cambridge
• Church Creek
• East New Market
• Hurlock
• Secretary
• Vienna
  

Areas Targeted for Development

Target Investment Zones are smaller, defined areas targeted for development within the heritage area, which have a five-year window of opportunity to utilize the state matching grant program. Therefore TIZs are identified on a stringent basis and must be ‘development ready’.

HCCHA began with five special designated areas:

• Cambridge
• Bucktown
• Vienna
• Long Wharf
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge