recreation
Photo credit: Rachel Pierson
While it may not at first be apparent, climate change will have an impact on parks and recreational areas. This, in turn, will have social implications. Year after year, as winter becomes spring, the world seems to come alive again as children are seen swinging on park swings and climbing on monkey bars, residents are out on local ponds and river networks kayaking and fishing, and people of all walks of life are outdoors walking along the sidewalk, together or with their pets. The warm weather seems to always bring people outside. In this sense, it could be argued that climate change will have a positive impact on recreation, as it means warmer average temperatures provide increased opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
|
Ellis Bay Wildlife Management Area is a 3,200-acre marsh and forested wetland area, home to ducks and wading birds, such as herons and egrets, in addition to white-tailed deer, squirrels, Canada geese, and cottontail rabbit [3]. Ellis Bay WMA is a prime hunting and fishing area in the county that will be impacted by rising tides and seas as a result of climate change. As more land is inundated, Ellis Bay WMA will lose land as wetlands become flooded. It is projected that Ellis Bay will be completely lost and converted to open water by 2050. This will not only impact waterfowl, animals, and other aquatic species, but in turn will have an effect on hunters and fishermen as well. As this marshland is lost, there will be less habitat for these species, and they will be forced to locate elsewhere. Once the land is gone forever, hunters and fishermen will have to locate elsewhere. Effects of climate change will not only impact land and plant and animal species, but also will have a direct effect on people and recreational activities. Read more about recreational options in Ellis Bay WMA here.
|
To learn more about how Ellis Bay WMA will be impacted by rising seas and floodwater inundation, and to view map projections of the area, check out the section about the Wicomico River in the link below:
|
Pemberton Historical Park
Located on the west side of Salisbury on Pemberton Drive Pemberton Historical Park borders the Wicomico River and includes 262 acres of park area with 4.5 miles of hiking trails through the scenic historic landscape [4]. Built in 1741 as a plantation, Pemberton Park is one of the oldest and most historic landscapes in Wicomico County [4]. With activities such as educational programs, historical events and activities, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, this park provides a wealth of recreational activities for the county. Pemberton Park is also home to upland pines, hardwood forests, meadows, and tidal and freshwater wetlands; a rare location on the Eastern Shore where all of these ecosystems can be found in one area [4]. Climate change projections show that by 2050, all of the wetland area in the park will be inundated by rising sea level, and will be lost forever. As many native species are found in this park, such as smooth cordgrass and waterfowl, losing this wetland area means the habitat for these species will no longer exist. Additionally, this will greatly reduce the land area of the park, which has implications for recreational activities community members can partake in, as two of the park's trails will be completely underwater. Take a look at the sea level rise projections here to see how the park's shoreline has changed over time, and how rising sea level from climate change will impact Pemberton Park in the future.
|
5561 Plantation Lane, Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Check out the park's website here: |
Roaring Point Waterfront Campground
Located on the mouth of the Nanticoke River Roaring Point Waterfront Campground is a family-owned, small campground located on the western edge of Wicomico County along the Nanticoke River [5]. Roaring Point provides campsites for community members and families to spend time outdoors engaging in recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, crabbing, and of course camping; in addition to entertainment on the weekends like crafts and live music [5]. Currently, Roaring Point has not experienced great impacts from sea level rise; however, projections show that significant areas of land will be inundated by 2100 (view these maps here). This will reduce much of the park's shoreline beaches, as well as flood campsites along the river's edge. As suggested by the park's name, many of the campsites are waterfront. This means that less community members will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Roaring Point, and engage in recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking. Read more about Roaring Point Waterfront Campground here:
|
2360 Nanticoke Wharf Rd, Nanticoke, MD 21840, USA |
Cove Road Beach
Located just north of Roaring Point, on the Nanticoke River Cove Road Beach is a quiet, quaint beach tucked away on the very western edge of Wicomico County along the Nanticoke River. It is a perfect location for families and young children, as the water is shallow and calm, and the beachfront is hidden behind tall beach grass. With an area of 1.6 acres and located about 15 miles from Salisbury, this small beach is a relaxing, local getaway destination [6]. Local residents can enjoy the beauty of this riverfront beach year-round, and it displays some of the most beautiful sunsets. With the advent of global warming and climate change, the Nanticoke River will likely experience increasing water temperatures. While warmer water temperatures may entice more people to visit the beach, it also will attract sea nettles (jellyfish) to the area earlier in the season, as well as a greater number of them [1]. Warming water temperatures also can increase the instances of algal blooms, which can deter or prevent residents from swimming in the river [1]. In the past, Cove Road Beach has had to close its beaches because of bacteria in the water as a result of runoff from heavy rain events that wash contaminants and fecal matter into the waterways [7]. As storm events are likely to increase in frequency and intensity with the advent of climate change, this means Cove Road Beach could potentially be forced to close its beaches more frequently to protect public health. Warming water temperatures also increase bacteria's ability to thrive, thus compounding the issue concerning contaminants from heavy rainfall and runoff. Thus, this somewhat secret and private beach that provides a safe and enjoyable swimming atmosphere for many families could potentially face many impacts from threats related to climate change.
|
Cove Road
Bivalve, MD 21814 |
Salisbury Zoological Park
Located next to the City of Salisbury Park The Salisbury Zoological Park, or more commonly referred to as the Salisbury Zoo, is a free zoo open to the public daily. With a mission “to encourage an appreciation of wildlife and inspire conservation of our natural world,” the zoo provides a setting for community members to learn about various animals and their habitats, while enjoying the natural outdoor space where the zoo is located [8]. The zoo also holds public events and programs to attract locals to visit the zoo, and it provides a recreational area for people of all ages. The Zoological Park is connected to the City of Salisbury Park via a wooded pathway. Both areas have playgrounds for young children, in addition to picnic and pavilion areas. Together, these two areas encompass 113 acres of park and recreational areas [9]. However, they also happen to be located within a 100-year floodplain. During intense storm events with heavy rainfall, the Salisbury Zoo especially is prone to flooding. This poses a risk for the animals kept in the zoo, as they cannot be easily relocated during an event as such. With already existing flooding concerns throughout the county, the Salisbury Zoo faces greater threats of flooding an inundation, should these events become more intense, frequent, and widespread as a result of climate change. Not only will it impact the animals within the zoo, but it also will prevent community members from enjoying all that the zoo, and City Park, have to offer.
|
755 South Park Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804
Check out the Zoo's website here: |