BERLIN – While the restoration of a former golf course outside Berlin continues, the space is now open to the public.
The Bay Club, the former golf course on Libertytown Road outside Berlin, has been quietly open to the public since the fall. While trail work has not yet begun, the 672-acre property is already being frequented by hunters and birdwatchers.
“With the restoration activities that are planned by the Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, MD DNR, and Lower Shore Land Trust, the former golf course will be a haven for people and for wildlife,” said Kate Patton, executive director of the Lower Shore Land Trust.
In 2020, the land trust began working to assist in the purchase of the Bay Club by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). After three years, the transaction was completed, resulting in the state’s acquisition of 672 acres to be managed by the Maryland Forest Service.
“Mowing of the site and preparations for constructing the parking areas began in late November,” said Alexander Clark, forest manager. “We hope to have the northern parking area off of Libertytown Road open and ready for use by the end of February to allow better public access to the property. The trail construction/reconstruction is an ongoing project, but will happen concurrently with the mowing.”