Prescribed Burn
at Pirates Wharf

On March 11th, a key step in the ongoing

habitat restorationefforts at Pirates Wharf Park

took place as the Maryland Department of

Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a

prescribed burn across sections of the park’s

grassland. This carefully planned and controlled

burn is part of a larger collaborative effort

between Wicomico County Recreation, Parks,

and Tourism Department, the Lower Shore Land

Trust, and ShoreRivers, all working together to

revitalize the unique grassland habitat along

the Wicomico River through the Delmarva

Restoration and Conservation Network.

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Prescribed burns are a vital tool in grassland management. By reducing invasive species, clearing away dead vegetation, and enriching the soil, these burns create the ideal conditions for native plants to thrive. This latest burn at Pirates Wharf Park lays the

groundwork for an exciting next phase — a

native seed planting scheduled for later this

month.

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The upcoming planting, led by the Lower Shore

Land Trust in partnership with Wicomico County

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department, will

focus on establishing a biologically diverse

meadow filled with native pollinator flowers

and grasses. This effort aims to create a vibrant

habitat that supports a variety of native species,

from butterflies and bees to birds and small

mammals, reinforcing the park’s role as an

ecological gem along the Wicomico River.

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By fostering these grassland habitats, the partnership is not only enhancing the park’s natural beauty but also strengthening its ecological resilience. Native meadows play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, improving soil health, and providing critical food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife.

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Visitors to Pirates Wharf Park will soon have the opportunity to experience the transformation firsthand as the newly planted meadow takes root and blossoms over the coming seasons. The Lower Shore Land Trust, along with its partners, remains committed to conservation efforts that protect and restore the Lower Shore’s natural landscapes.

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For more information about ongoing conservation projects and how you can get involved, visit the Lower Shore Land Trust website or follow us on social media. Together, we’re growing a healthier, more vibrant future for our community and its wild spaces.