The calendar says it’s spring but I’m still wearing my winter coat. Surely I'm not the only one! No matter what the weather, make sure you venture to Pemberton Park in Salisbury for some time in nature. It’s beautiful in all seasons, but spring seems to hold a special excitement, luring me in to see trees starting to bloom and turtles sunning themselves on the big logs in the water not far from the entrance.

Pemberton Historical Park on the west side of Salisbury, not far from Route 50, is home to Pemberton Hall, the 1741 plantation home built by Isaac Handy, one of the city’s founders, and 4 ½ miles of nature trails along the Wicomico River. Once you turn into the park entrance, head down the long driveway to the only parking area.

You’ll see several buildings including the nature center and a building that houses bathrooms (incidentally, this is also where you’ll find pamphlets about the park or information is available online). The trails go in both directions, so either way you walk you’re sure to enjoy the scenery. 

If you first head toward the water, you’ll notice seating on a small hillside in front of the water along with the manmade waterfall. The Pondside Trail is a mile long and wildflowers are already blooming along here. Make sure to pause at the water, looking for turtles. Last summer I was fortunate to see at least 7 or 8 turtles lined up just waiting for me to get their picture! The trail that goes through the woods in this area is the Woodland Trail (1.1 miles) and you’ll see towering trees as well as a young forest of loblollies and Virginia pines. The Woodland Trail runs right into the Handy Hall Trail (.7 miles), and is adjacent to the Wetland Walk (.5 miles). The Wetland Walk is on trails that once served as a pasture for the Handy family’s cattle but now is a marsh.

The trails that are on the opposite area of the parking lot (look to the right corner after you park) are the Bell Island Trail (1.2 miles) and the Osprey Trail (.3 miles). Originally a cattle pasture in the 1700s, Bell Island was later the location of the plantation’s icehouse. There are wooden boardwalks at the marsh and the riverfront to take in the views. The short Osprey Trail, partly along the water, tends to be the muddiest after it rains, but don’t miss this one for its water views. 

There is very old, weathered log seating here, too, and it has always struck me as a good thinking spot, wondering what it was like to live there long ago.

The county did an excellent job marking all the trails here; they are all easy to follow. Large display boards are near the parking lot/trail entrances, and you’ll find plenty of signs as you navigate through the park. The trails are excellent for walking or running. Study nature, practice photography, or teach younger family members how to identify trees and flowers. 

If you are interested in the historical aspect of the park, informational signs abound. Pemberton Hall is the only 18^th century house open to the public. Pemberton Hall Foundation maintains the home, along with the two acres on which it sits. In 1726, Colonel Isaac Handy purchased the land and established himself as a plantation owner, justice of the peace, merchant and provincial assemblyman. He is one of five commissioners who laid out the town of Salisbury in 1732. He and his wife, Ann (Dashiell) moved into Pemberton Hall in 1741. It’s one of the earliest gambrel-roofed houses in Maryland.

If my memory is correct – if anyone remembers this, let me know – Pemberton Park used to host colonial festivals in the fall. That gave way to other types of festivals, but if you’d like to visit the colonial home, it will be open the first and third Sunday of each month, from May to October, 1-3 p.m. Tours can also be arranged by calling Pat Taylor from the foundation at 443-235-9616. The house and grounds are also available for rent for private parties and ceremonies.

When you visit Pemberton and the house is closed, be sure to read the interpretive signs near the house for mini history lessons.

Annual events at Pemberton include the Pemberton 24 – 24 hours of 5ks- in September, the Good Beer Festival in October, and the Turkey Trek 5K on Thanksgiving. "Every Friday evening in May" will feature live music, food trucks and vendors. For children ages 6-13, the park is again hosting nature camp this summer where the kids will fish, make crafts, and hike. Registration is open.

To further appreciate the beauty of Pemberton, check out the photos from Delmarva Exotic Drone. Looking at the park from air captures the beauty in a unique and breathtaking way. I’ve included one photo here but be sure to look for their Facebook post to see views of the whole park.

Whether you’re a history buff, you're looking for respite from a busy work day, or desire a positive family activity, head to Pemberton Park. The forests, meadows and wetlands are waiting for you!