The public is invited to appreciate the park’s history as well as America’s northernmost cypress tree forest, the Pocomoke River darkened by fallen cypress needles and a 113-foot tall loblolly pine tree.
“Families have been making memories at this park since it opened in 1967,” Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said.
An open house at the Shad Landing Area begins at 1 p.m., featuring music and a complimentary barbecue. Official presentations will begin at 2 p.m., with remarks from a variety of state and local dignitaries. The Maryland Park Service’s Scales and Tales program will also provide a presentation for the event.
In addition, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. there will be “Team Up to Clean Up,” a volunteer park beautification project in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
Various displays will be placed inside and out from 1 -4 p.m., covering topics on boating safety, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Firewise Maryland Wildfire prevention program with Smoky the Bear.
Fishing For Fun will be led by the Fishing and Boating Service, along with a Trail of Change guided hike by park naturalists. Native American crafts will be offered by the Pocomoke Indian Nation in addition to other arts and crafts activities.
The anniversary also coincides with the second annual Delmarva Paddling Weekend, in which participants paddle down Nassawango Creek and Pocomoke River after launching from the park’s Shad Landing Marina at 9 a.m.
“From boating and fishing on the beautiful 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 shore worthy of celebrating year-round,” Settina said.
The anniversary ends with a cake cutting and opening of the park’s nature center to visitors for the rest of the day.
For more information, visit the Maryland DNR website or call 877-620-8367.
