Principal Chief Dennis Coker, Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, talks with DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin on a tour. /DNREC photo.

A Dozen New Properties Are Now Under Conservation Statewide

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continues protect and conserve more land for the public to enjoy through the state’s Open Space Program. The program, created in 1990 by the Delaware Land Protection Act, has been a boon for public access to Delaware’s great outdoors and a greater appreciation of the state’s natural and cultural resources. Since 2022, DNREC has added 597 acres to the nearly 45,000 acres the department previously acquired through the program with combined state, federal and partner funds.

“The Delaware Open Space Program supports our conservation work with funding and donations to help us fill in crucial gaps with easements and acquisitions – one piece at a time – between protected properties,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “These properties may be as small as an acre or a hundred times that size but serve the same purpose connecting Delaware’s protected lands, wetlands and waterways, which often may be vital habitat for our state’s threatened or endangered species. These lands also support active outdoor recreation, from hunting and fishing to birdwatching and hiking trails.”

DNREC manages 17 state parks, 20 wildlife areas and dozens of public recreation access areas including trails, overlooks, boardwalks, fishing piers and boat ramps. Over the last year, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation added seven new properties in key locations, totaling approximately 254 acres:

• Jaggers Conservation Easement – About 9 acres of wooded land adjoining the James Branch Nature Preserve and adjacent to Trap Pond State Park is included in the February 2022 easement. The property expands the protected lands within the James Branch watershed and preserves its scenic, natural and aesthetic values.
• Rocky Run Ventures LLC Property – Two acres in New Castle purchased in May 2022 expanded Brandywine Creek State Park and helped protect forested lands.
• The Lenape Conservation Easement – A conservation easement on 11 acres in Kent County was donated in June 2022 by The Conservation Fund. The easement protects land adjacent to Delaware State Parks’ Fork Branch Nature Preserve. In addition, The Conservation Fund donated the ownership rights to the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware. The Lenape have been stewarding the lands including the removal of invasive species.
• Ward Property – 39 acres in Sussex County purchased in July 2022 expanded Trap Pond State Park and protected land adjacent to the James Branch Nature Preserve. With this property saved from development, there will not be a threat of failing onsite wastewater treatment systems discharging into Pepper Branch, a tributary of James Branch that connects with the Nanticoke River.
• Greenly Property – 98 acres purchased in Kent County in February expanded Killens Pond State Park and helped protect the corridor between Killens Pond and Browns Branch. Forested wetlands on this property provide imperative habitat for the federally-listed endangered plant species Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata).
• DelDOT Custodial Resolution – 10 acres of wetlands in Kent County transferred in March to DNREC from DelDOT expanded Fork Branch Nature Preserve in Dover.
• Jestice Property – Trap Pond State Park was expanded in March through the purchase of an additional 85 acres of agricultural and forest land in Sussex County. Protecting these forested wetlands that flow downstream into the James Branch Nature Preserve is an imperative for ensuring healthy water quality.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife also added six new properties, totaling approximately 343 acres, improving public access, protecting sensitive areas and expanding and connecting existing wildlife areas.

• Meyer Property – 155 acres in Kent County purchased in May 2022 expanded and improved public access to the Blackiston Wildlife Area in northwestern Kent County.
• Cataldi Property – 166 acres in northeastern Kent County purchased in August 2022 expanded the Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area near Smyrna. The forested wetland includes tidal wetlands and freshwater ponds that will be maintained.
• Fortney Property – Four acres in Kent County purchased in September 2022 expanded the Tappahanna Wildlife Area and provided increased public access to existing state-owned lands.
• Duffy Property – Four acres purchased in New Castle County in October 2022 expanded and connected two tracts of the Eagles Nest Wildlife Area and helped protect forested wetlands.
• Shockley Property – 13 acres in Sussex County acquired in December 2022 via donation expanded the Assawoman Wildlife Area and helped protect tidal marsh in Assawoman Bay.
• Ewing Property – One crucial acre in Kent County purchased in February gave the state ownership of the access road and adjacent lake frontage on the north side of Garrisons Lake, for which DNREC previously only held an access easement.

DNREC is one of several partner agencies with the Delaware Open Space Program, which also includes the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Department of State Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. More information is available at de.gov/openspace.

The Lenape Conservation Easement and other DNREC Open Space properties are also featured in a new article, Exploring Delaware’s Open Spaces, published in Outdoor Delaware online magazine.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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(DOVER, Del. — April 25, 2023) — Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), southwest of New Castle, Delaware, will welcome visitors for a one-day-only spring event on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include workshops by the Sunshine Plein Air Artists and tours of the house and gardens (first-come, first-served); self-guided trail walks; and the opportunity to plant a flower to take home. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and cameras to capture the glories of spring at one of Delaware’s most historic estates. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4430.

The main section of the Buena Vista mansion was built between 1845 and 1847 by John M. Clayton, United States secretary of state from 1849 to 1850 under presidents Taylor and Fillmore, and United States senator from 1829 to 1836, 1845 to 1849, and 1853 until his death in 1856. The home later became the residence of C. Douglass Buck, governor of Delaware from 1929 to 1937 and United States senator from 1942 to 1948. Buena Vista and its grounds were donated to the State by the Buck family in 1965 and now serve as a conference/event center administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the State’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

-End-

Contact:
Amy Golden-Shepherd
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-608-5337
E-mail: amy.goldenshepherd@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, center in second row, presented 2023 DNREC Volunteers of the Year awards Thursday, April 20, at a ceremony on The Green in Dover. /DNREC photo.

For National Volunteer Week, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) celebrated the thousands of volunteers statewide who support the department’s mission throughout the year. DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin recognized the 2023 DNREC Volunteers of the Year in a ceremony on The Green in Dover.

“Our volunteers are vital to DNREC’s mission, expanding our staff’s reach by helping with scientific research, enhancing our natural and cultural resources, outreach and countless other tasks in our state parks and wildlife areas throughout the state,” said Secretary Garvin. “Today, during National Volunteer Week, we recognize some of our most dedicated volunteers who join us in serving the people of Delaware and caring for our environment.”

This year’s DNREC Volunteers of the Year and their award categories are:

• William (Bill) Albright, Education/Historical/Cultural, is known for constantly going the extra mile and greeting every visitor with kindness and respect to make sure their visit is enjoyable at Fort Miles Museum, Cape Henlopen State Park.
• Amanda Cinque, Administration/Coordination/Education, runs First State Heritage Park’s volunteer youth group, First State Club, which reported more than 800 hours in 2022; besides ensuring community outreach, Amanda is also known for teaching her students life skills to help prepare for college, internships and jobs.
• Ruth Williams, Conservation/Education, was recently given the title of lead docent for her enthusiasm and commitment to events programming at the Brandywine Zoo, from Traveling Zoos to Little Nature Explorers.
• Richard Pesce, Restoration/Coordination, contributed 216 hours of maintenance services at Auburn Valley State Park in 2022, and is known as “driven and goal-oriented” and willing to do any task put in front of him at the park.
• Sara Anderson, Research, has served as a dedicated horseshoe crab survey team lead at North Bowers Beach for nearly 20 years, providing knowledgeable expertise and reliable data as well as assisting with educating other volunteers.
• Daniel Millman, Youth Research, age 15, has volunteered with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife for several years assisting Delaware’s deer population survey for chronic wasting disease, and is a huge asset to the program, putting in many hours during the season.
• Wren Rust, Youth Administration/Coordination/Conservation/Restoration, age 16, has spent dozens of hours volunteering weekly at Brandywine Creek State Park, a park she grew up loving and visiting, including trail clearing, trash pickup, maintaining rock walls and helping with large events.
• BlackRock Corporate Volunteers, Business Partner, an investment, advisory and risk management solutions firm, performed more than 70 hours of service in two 2022 events at Bellevue State Park and also made a group donation of $1,750 to the Friends of Bellevue State Park.
• Delaware Kestrel Partnership Volunteers, Research/Community Action Group, assisted the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife in 2022 by conducting most of the monitoring of 76 kestrel nest boxes across the state, totaling 140 hours and contributing significantly to research on these state-endangered birds.
• Friends of Wilmington State Parks, Conservation/Restoration Community Action Group, launched a native habitat restoration program several years ago in Brandywine Park; in 2022, a small group spent 86.5 hours nurturing nearly 70 trees and shrubs at Habitat Hill, today an oasis of native flora beginning to thrive, and a budding bevy of biodiversity attracting returning fauna.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

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(DOVER, Del. — April 18, 2023) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 10 special programs during the month of May 2023. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are required for some of the programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/28/hca-programs-may-2023/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, May 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Dover Days Festival. Celebration of Delaware history from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. featuring historical re-enactments, parade, maypole dancing, walking tours, pet parade, arts and crafts, music and more. Events are primarily based in downtown Dover locations including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Johnson Victrola Museum, and The Old State House where the Dover English Country Dancers will conduct demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Dover Days at Woodburn. The home of Delaware’s governor will be open for guided tours during this celebration of Delaware history. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Woodburn: The Governor’s Residence, 151 Kings Highway S.W., Dover. 302-739-5656.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours and demonstrations on preserving food in the 18th century at the smokehouse. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
“Buena Vista Spring Event.” Enjoy a spring day at Buena Vista, built by former U.S. Secretary of State John M. Clayton in 1847. Activities include workshops by the Sunshine Plein Air Artists and tours of the house and gardens (first-come, first-served); self-guided trail walks; and the opportunity to plant a flower to take home. Photography and picnicking are welcome. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 10 a.m.¬–3 p.m. 302-323-4430.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Event held in the mansion dining room. 1–3 p.m. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
“A Day in Old New Castle.” The oldest house and garden tour in the nation includes programs at the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Green. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission free at the New Castle Court House Museum. Admission charge at other venues. 302-322-5774.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
“Life at Sea” and “Wreck of the DeBraak.” Day-long series of activities exploring life at sea in the 18th century, plus an in-depth presentation on the sinking of H.M.S. DeBraak at 2 p.m. (weather dependent). Presented in conjunction with the Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s Maritime Day 2023. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Free admission. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 4 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $15 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Thursday, May 25, 2023
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, Historic-Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 27, 2023
“Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site: Touring the Homestead.” Join historical interpreters for this introductory program on the history of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead. Learn about some of the individuals who lived on the property, how they shaped the land around them and how the location’s landscape contributed to national history. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit 20 visitors per tour. Free but reservations required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Remaining division programs in April 2023

In addition, the division will be presenting the following programs during the remainder of April. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/07/division-programs-in-april-2023/.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘The Conspirator.’ ” Screening of the 2010 film “The Conspirator,” a historical drama of the story of Mary Surratt, the only female conspirator charged and executed for her participation in the Lincoln assassination. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 6:30 p.m. For reservations, email Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov.

Friday, April 21, 2023
“Earth Day — Horseshoe Crabs and You.” Earth Day program explores the history, uses and benefits of the horseshoe crab, Delaware Bay’s unofficial mascot. Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations required by April 20. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Christina River Watershed Cleanup. Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering for the 31st annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup. Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site’s Cooch-Dayett Mill, 904 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Other New Castle County sites also available. 8–11 a.m. Space is limited and registration required. 302-307-2757.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
“Celebrate Earth Day, BEE AWARE !” New Castle native, Thomas Lunt, owner of Ft. Casimir Honey Co. and Apiary, will speak on the importance of bees in the ecosystem and the need to save these pollinators. Products from the Ft. Casimir Honey Co. will be available for purchase. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, April 28, 2023
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, Historic-Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Program streamed live via Zoom and on the New Castle Court House Museum’s Facebook page. Noon. Free but Zoom registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
“Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site: Touring the homestead.” Join historical interpreters for this introductory program on the history of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead. Learn about some of the individuals who lived on the property, how they shaped the land around them and how the location’s landscape contributed to national history. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit 20 visitors per tour. Free admission but reservations required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
“Lafayette’s Farewell Tour.” Program by Dr. Patricia Maclay on the Marquise de Lafayette’s last tour in America in 1824 which included two stops in New Castle where he visited friends and was celebrated by the town. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1:30 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums of the State of Delaware — the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum — tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through tours, exhibits and special programs, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware’s unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park. Go to the following for a long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the State’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Press Contact and Information Lead
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Note: Yurasek will be retired from state service as of April 29, 2023. For inquiries after April 28, 2023, contact Amy Golden-Shepherd as below.

Amy Golden-Shepherd
Deputy Director
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-608-5337
Email: amy.goldenshepherd@delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del. — April 3, 2023) — On Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Archaeological Society of Delaware, will present the 2023 Delaware Archaeology and History Symposium which will highlight archaeological investigations and historical research for the state of Delaware and the surrounding region.

Presentations will include, among others, “Earthenware and Stoneware Production in the First State”; “Identity, Spirituality, and Community at the John Dickinson Plantation Based on the Collection From Block III”; “The ‘63-Year-Old’ Search for the Elusive Corbit Tannery in Odessa, DE”; and “American Indian Ceramics of Delaware.” Go to the following for a complete list of symposium sessions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/10/archaeology-symposium-2023/.

The symposium will take place at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Delaware. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information about the symposium, contact coordinator Luke Pickrahn at Luke.Pickrahn@delaware.gov or 302-736-7437. For Old State House information, call 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the State’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov