Prescribed Burn at Pirates Wharf
- Brooke Orr
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
On March 11th, a key step in the ongoing habitat restoration efforts 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
