Open House on Dover’s Fork Branch Nature Preserve proposed trail will be held on March 14

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation will host a public open house on the proposed trail plan for the Fork Branch Nature Preserve in Dover. The open house will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Monday, March 14 at the Dover Public Library, Meeting Room A, 35 East Loockerman Street, Dover, DE 19901.

The Fork Branch Nature Preserve is one of Dover’s last remaining natural areas – a 236-acre property that contains a unique stand of old growth American beech, a wooded stream corridor and several rare and threatened plant species. The Preserve is located at the corner of Kenton and West Denneys roads, along the Maidstone Branch in the St. Jones River Watershed.

The proposed new trail will be a 6-foot wide stone dust trail looping approximately 1 mile through the pristine Preserve providing opportunities to experience native fauna and beautiful landscapes. Visitors at the Open House can view the proposed trail plan and materials and provide comments to DNREC program staff.

More trails for walking, hiking, biking, jogging and related activities rank consistently as the highest outdoor recreation need identified by Delawareans throughout the state. In addition, trail networks promote healthy lifestyles and take cars off the road, reducing air pollution and traffic. The Fork Branch Nature Preserve Trail will offer an excellent opportunity for families and children to be outdoors, enjoy nature and be physically active.

This trail project is part of Governor Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative that expands a statewide network of new and enhanced trails and pathways for walking, biking, hiking and active living,

The meeting location, the Dover Public Library, is accessible to persons with disabilities. Any person having special needs or requiring special aid, such as an interpreter, is requested to contact DNREC by phone at 302-739-9210.

For more information on the Open House, contact Cindy Todd, Division of Parks and Recreation, 302-739-9210 or Cindy.Todd@delaware.gov.

Media Contact: Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902