Pocomoke River State Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary

All-Day Celebration Sept. 30 Features Outdoor Events and Open House

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources proudly celebrates the golden anniversary of Pocomoke River State Park.

Marylanders are invited Sept. 30 to take part in the story of this unique state park — boasting America’s northernmost cypress trees, a blackwater river darkened by fallen cypress needles and a Maryland Champion loblolly pine tree standing 113 feet tall — with events planned throughout the day.

“Families have been making memories at this park since it opened in 1967,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said. “From boating and fishing on the beautiful and protected waters of the Pocomoke River to peaceful camping under a towering forest or observing wildlife such as bald eagles and river otters, Pocomoke River State Park is truly an exceptional natural area on the Lower Eastern Shore worthy of celebrating year-round.”

An all-day celebration with on-site events are scheduled to mark the park’s five decades. In recognition of National Public Lands Day — also observed Sept. 30 — a “Team Up to Clean Up” volunteer park beautification project will be ongoing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event also coincides with the second annual Delmarva Paddling Weekend; participants and their equipment will launch from the park’s Shad Landing Marina at 9 a.m., paddling down Nassawango Creek and Pocomoke River.

An open house at the Shad Landing Area gets underway at 1 p.m., featuring a complimentary barbecue and music. Official presentations begin at 2 p.m. with remarks from various state and local dignitaries and officials as well as the Maryland Park Service’s Scales and Tales program.

Multiple displays will also be in place inside and out from 1 to 4 p.m., including on boating safety featuring Maryland Natural Resource Police mascot Splash; the Civilian Conservation Corps; the Firewise Maryland wildfire prevention program featuring Smokey Bear; Fishing for Fun led by the Fishing and Boating Service, a Trail of Change guided hike led by park naturalists; Native American crafts by the Pocomoke Indian Nation; along with arts and crafts and other offerings. The occasion wraps up with a cake cutting and opening of the park’s Nature Center to visitors for the remainder of the day.