ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has completed its acquisition of 212 acres in Worcester County for an addition to Pocomoke River State Park.

This property includes the former Nassawango Golf Course near Snow Hill and 1,400 linear feet of shoreline on the Pocomoke River. The 18-hole course at 3940 Nassawango Road closed in the fall of 2015. Some 211 acres were owned by Naslanco, LLC, formerly Nassawango Country Club.

The second parcel, formerly owned by Brian Kane, includes a residence that will be used by the Maryland Park Service as operational housing.

This purchase provides for permanent conservation of a variety of significant natural resources including riparian forest along the Pocomoke River and a three-acre pond with waterfowl habitat. The newly acquired lands will provide an additional access point for the Pocomoke River Water Trail and expand recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.

“This acquisition is a significant opportunity to expand protected lands in Worcester County and to restore a former golf course to a natural landscape,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina.

“We look forward to initiating restoration work on this property and expanding access to this unique and beautiful region of the Lower Eastern Shore.”

The properties were sold for $1.645 million and $165,000, respectively, and acquired using Program Open Space funds. The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the acquisitions on Nov. 18, 2020.