Community
By the Bay
Scientists' Cliffs is a private community nestled along the dramatic shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, Maryland. Part-time and year-round owners of the nearly 300 cabins and houses in the community are committed to the surrounding environment, to enjoyment of common interests and activities, and to each other.

The Scientists' Cliffs Association was incorporated by homesite owners in 1937. Today SCA has more than 450 members. Membership must be applied for and is subject to approval by the association. (For more on community history, please see A Dream Realized.)

The SCA has carefully maintained the community's original spirit regarding rustic appearance, preservation of plant and tree life, and conservation of cliffs and ravines. Many of the original log cabins have been enlarged and renovated, and newer homes are designed to fit into the wooded setting. Few suitable building sites remain in the community, and availability of existing cabins for sale is rare.
Sign at Gate B, ca. 1950.
from Scientists' Cliffs Archives

SCA owns common land, including the original Chestnut Cabin built by founders Flippo and Anne Gravatt, a community house, swimming pool, tennis courts, maintenance office, parkland, and community gardens.

Visitors to Scientists' Cliffs must be guests of an SCA member or part of a group which has obtained advance permission for an educational visit. (Please contact the SCA Office.)

SCA members have long been active in area environmental and civic activities and have been instrumental in launching volunteer organizations. (see ACLT and other groups.)

Scientists' Cliffs comprise some 276 acres of the Calvert Cliffs, which rim 25 miles of the the Bay's western shore from Herring Bay to Drum Point. Towering up to 130 feet above water level, the Calvert Cliffs contain exposed marine fossil deposits from the Miocene period, when the area and much of Maryland was covered by a shallow sea.