Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism Department

Pemberton Historical Park Public Nature Programs

Pemberton Historical Park is the ideal place for any activity you choose, whether you enjoy quiet reflection, picnicking, learning or playing. Eastern shore cultural and natural history provide a background for a wide variety of public programs for you and your family to choose from. So join a Park Naturalist on a moonlit search for owls, make your own bamboo fishing pole or get up close and personal with a snake! We have the goings-on just for you!

Interested in placing your child into a summer camp? Look no further than our popular Pemberton Historical Park Nature Summer Camps. Campers learn about various aspects of our natural environment and the many animals that live there.

Current line up of the Park’s public programs

Birdfeeder Construction Workshops
Your backyard birds need you! Feed your friends and help the Earth at the same time as we construct creative and unique birdfeeders from materials around your house. The birds will be happy you did. For children of all ages.

Owl Prowls
Join a Park Naturalist as we explore the park for these fascinating night creatures while learning about their history and adaptations. Learn birding techniques to use in your own backyard too. Dress warmly and don’t forget your flashlight. Ages 7 and up are welcome.

Animal Tracks
Even in the wintertime many animals are still active in Pemberton Park. Join local experts on a hike to learn what to look for and discover what animals are calling Pemberton Park home this winter. All ages are welcome.

Scavenger Hunts
Can you find everything on the list? Hunt for sights, sounds, experiences while enjoying being outdoors. Fun prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners. Please register in advance.

Winter Walks
Enjoy a brisk walk along the Park’s beautiful nature trails with a Park Naturalist and enjoy hot beverages and a light breakfast inside the Education Center afterwards.

Maple Sugaring Festival
Bring the whole family to the Park and learn the history of maple sugaring. This great, annual event will include demonstrations, tastings and more. The program begins approximately every half hour starting at 1:00 pm.

Map and Compass Hikes
Have you ever wondered how to really use a compass? Join a Park Naturalist for a hike on the nature trails to learn the basic skills for compass use, the history of navigation and how to read a map. A great program for your Scout troop.

Springfest
Kick off the beginning of Spring Pemberton Park style. Celebrate the end of the cold weather with crafts, a live animal show, scavenger hunt, prizes, and more.

Night Hikes
Have fun while exploring the park for its nocturnal animals. We’ll search for foxes, flying squirrels, bats and more. Ages 7 and up are welcome.

Tiny Tykes Hikes
Does your child love the outdoors? Then bring them along on our Tiny Tykes Hike. Have fun while learning with crafts, stories and hikes. Each month features a different nature theme. This program is for children ages 3-5.

Full Moon Hikes
Enjoy a hike with a Park Naturalist under the brightness of a full moon. Search the Park for its nocturnal inhabitants too.

Animal Adaptations
Get up close and personal with Pemberton Park’s collection of reptiles and amphibians. Learn all about their adaptations and habitats.

Survival Skills
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Hike with a Naturalist to discover local, edible plants, how to build a shelter, navigate without a compass and collect water. Another great program for your scouts.

Cane Poles
Join us at Pemberton Park’s pond to build your very own cane pole! All supplies will be provided. Hang around when you’re finished to try it out on our local species, and learn how to spot a great fishing hole.

Cracklin’ Campfires
Celebrate the end of the week Pemberton Park style with a warm, cracklin’ campfire. Enjoy storytelling, jokes, skits and sticky s’mores with friends and family. A prize goes to the person who tells the best joke.

For the Bees
Join us to learn all about these busy, busy creatures. Program includes honey tastings and a trip to our bee field. Don’t forget to check out our very own observation bee hive as well.

Star Gazers
Learn more about the night sky and enjoy a night of fun activities, crafts, prizes, plenty of hot chocolate and a great view. Each month features a different theme. If you have a telescope or binoculars, bring them along. Don’t forget a lawn chair and to dress warmly.

Snakes Alive!
Get up close and personal with Pemberton Park’s collection of live, native snakes. Discover why they’re so important to our ecosystem and hear myths dispelled.

The Changing Seasons
Why do the leaves change color? Where are the birds going? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this colorful hike through Pemberton Park’s forests.

Spooktacular
This wonderful, annual event features tons of Halloween fun. Crafts, games, animal shows and story-telling are just some of the many activities included in this program. More activities are being added each year, so check back often. The date of 2011’s event is to be determined.

Christmas for the Animals
Get crafty in our Education Center as we have fun making tasty treats for our animal friends. Bring them home for your backyard critters, or take a short hike with a Naturalist to share your creations with Pemberton Park’s friends.

Family Campout
Take a trip to Pemberton Historical Park this summer and enjoy a great weekend outdoors.

Junior Naturalist Program
The Junior Naturalist program is a great opportunity for children ages 8-14 to learn more about the Maryland outdoors and explore their interest in environmental studies. Naturalist program participants will discover Maryland Eastern Shore habitat, learn to protect natural resources and get active outdoors.