Environmental Issues on the Shore
Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore possesses an extensive variety of environments, including barrier islands, coastal bays, tidal wetlands, cypress swamp, upland fields, and old growth forests. Located in the geographic province known as the "Embayed Coastal Plain," Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico counties link the fragile barrier island system on the east with the Chesapeake Bay and islands on the west. The counties lie within the watersheds of the Wicomico, Manokin, Big Annemessex and Pocomoke rivers. Dominated by wetlands, each of these watersheds contains a diversity of natural, physical and social characteristics. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is an important organization that works to improve water quality, protect habitat and enhance forests and wetlands.
The Chesapeake Bay itself is recognized internationally as the largest and, historically, the most productive estuary in North America, with a watershed encompassing 64,000 square miles, portions of six states and the Nation's capital, 150 rivers and over 2 million acres of wetlands. A history of "Maryland's Arcadia" by Truitt and Callette described this region as the first English immigrants found it"
The area teemed with fish and furbearers since there were the ocean, the bays and the creeks, bordered by marshes and the deep, gentle Chesapeake tributary, the Pocomoke River, bordered by vast and almost impenetrable swamps in which to grow the ever abundant bald cypress, noted for its durability in building.
Much of this richness exists today. The area contains the nothernmost extent of bald cypress and is home to the largest nesting population of bald eagles east of the Mississippi. Coastal habitat and a temperate climate interact to create the northernmost breeding range of several southern birds. However, the area is most distinctive because of the close association between the ocucupations and ways of life and the resources of the land, water and seasonal cycles.
Archeological evidence indicates the diverse uses many native American groups had for the resources of the area. In more recent times, uses have included agriculture, timbering, commercial and sport fishing, recreational and commercial boating, sand and gravel mining, hunting and tourism. Today, strong relationships still exist between communities and the water, reflected in the evolution of shellfishing and processing, boat building and other industries.
Text is from: Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Plan, The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council, Inc. February 2, 1994
Camping on the Lower Eastern Shore
Discover beautiful sandy beaches, quiet tidal creeks, expansive marshes and majestic loblolly pine forests. rom the maritime forests of Janes Island State Park along the shores of the Chesapeake to the saltwater marshes of Assateague Island National Seashore and State Park, camping enthusiasts find accommodations to suit their needs.
In addition to public campsites there are also a number of quality private campgrounds. Campgrounds offer improved sites, electric hookups, showers, swimming, boating, hiking trails and nature programs. Between beach and bay, campers have access to the Pocomoke River State Park, offering campers an inside experience with the mysterious Pocomoke River. One of the deepest rivers for its size in the United States, the Pocomoke also hosts the largest stand of northernmost bald cypress trees. It offers excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities as well. All area campgrounds take reservations and can handle trailers and RVs.
Pocomoke River State Park: Shad Landing (near Snow Hill) and Milburn Landing (near Pocomoke City) offer a number of excellent amenities including tent sites, cabins, trailer hookups, boat rentals, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, a swimming pool and nature trails.
Camp at Janes Island State Park (near Crisfield), a 3,600 acre state park surrounded by unexcelled boating, fishing and crabbing opportunities. The Hodson Area on the mainland, features campsites and cabins, a marina and boat rentals for campers and pontoon boat service to Janes Island during the summer months. The island itself is accessible only by boat and is entirely undeveloped.
In addition to public campsites there are also a number of quality private campgrounds. Campgrounds offer improved sites, electric hookups, showers, swimming, boating, hiking trails and nature programs. Between beach and bay, campers have access to the Pocomoke River State Park, offering campers an inside experience with the mysterious Pocomoke River. One of the deepest rivers for its size in the United States, the Pocomoke also hosts the largest stand of northernmost bald cypress trees. It offers excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities as well. All area campgrounds take reservations and can handle trailers and RVs.
Pocomoke River State Park: Shad Landing (near Snow Hill) and Milburn Landing (near Pocomoke City) offer a number of excellent amenities including tent sites, cabins, trailer hookups, boat rentals, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, a swimming pool and nature trails.
Camp at Janes Island State Park (near Crisfield), a 3,600 acre state park surrounded by unexcelled boating, fishing and crabbing opportunities. The Hodson Area on the mainland, features campsites and cabins, a marina and boat rentals for campers and pontoon boat service to Janes Island during the summer months. The island itself is accessible only by boat and is entirely undeveloped.