New Year’s Day is a great time to kick the 2020s off on the right foot with one of 18 First Day Hikes hosted by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the nation’s great outdoors.

There’s no need to register for any of the hikes listed below; just show up prepared to walk! Items hikers may want to bring along include comfortable hiking/walking shoes, a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack, and snacks. Some hikes may require water-resistant shoes, or have age or pet restrictions. Not all hikes are suitable for strollers.

Check out one of the following hikes to celebrate the New Year at a Delaware State Park.

• 10 a.m. – Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington – 2 to 3 miles – Easy/Moderate
Meet at Blue Ball Barn. Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome.

• 10 a.m. – Fort Dupont State Park, Delaware City – 1.1 miles – Easy
Meet at the parking lot closest to the river, at the end of Wilmington Avenue/Old Battery Lane.

• 10 a.m. – Trap Pond State Park, Laurel – 2 miles – Easy
Meet at Baldcypress Nature Center.

• 11 a.m. – Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes – 1.5 miles – Moderate
Park in the Point Comfort Station Parking lot and walk north to the Point parking lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult.

• 12:30 p.m. – Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington – 1/4 mile – Easy
Meet at the gift shop.

• 12:30 p.m. – Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Lewes – 1.7 miles – Easy
Meet at Fort Miles Parking Lot. Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult

• 1 p.m. – Bellevue State Park, Wilmington – 1.5 to 3 miles – Easy
Meet at Bellevue Arts Center. This hike is for all ages and is stroller friendly.

• 1 p.m. – First State Heritage Park, Dover – 1/4 mile – Easy
Meet at the John Bell House.

• 1 p.m. – Holts Landing State Park, Bethany Beach – 1.7 miles – Easy
Meet at Holts Landing Picnic Pavilion.

• 1 p.m. – Killens Pond State Park, Felton – 1 to 3 miles – Varying Difficulty
Meet at the Nature Center.

• 1 p.m. – Lums Pond State Park, Bear– 2.5 miles – Easy/Moderate
Meet at Area 1 Pavilion/. Pets are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash.

• 1 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park, Yorklyn – 1.1 miles – Moderate
Meet at 1516 Snuff Mill Road Trail lot.

• 1 p.m. – Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington – 2-2.5 miles – Moderate
Meet at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. – White Clay Creek State Park, Newark – 1 to 2.5 miles – Multiple Difficulties
• 1.3 miles – Moderate – Millstone Pond Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.
• 2 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Arc Corner Monument Loop. Meet at Nature Center.
• 2 miles – Moderate – PennDel/Pomeroy Trail. Meet at Nature Center
• 2.5 miles – Moderate/Difficult – Twin Valley Trail. Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area.

• 3:30 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park – Easy – 1 mile
Meet at the Paper Mill Parking Lot on Benge Road.

For more information about the Delaware State Parks First Day Hikes and to see maps of the park trails beforehand, go to https://destateparks.com/firstday or call 302-739-9220.

ST. GEORGES – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that, effective immediately, an approximately 150-yard portion of the Michael Castle Trail on the C&D Canal Conservation Area has been closed in order to repair and reroute a portion of the trail that is failing and experiencing structural damage. The closed section begins about 200 yards east of the Biddle Point trailhead.

The Delaware Department of Transportation has received required federal approval to reroute the failing portion of the trail to a more stable location, with work scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 21. The repairs and rerouting are expected to take up to two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

The Michael Castle Trail is located on the north side of the C&D Canal, and is open to pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian uses only.

For more information, please call Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

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Explore the history and legend of Delaware’s state bird at the John Bell House and find out why

the First Delaware Regiment was proud to be called chicken.

DOVER – Ever wonder why the Blue Hen is the Delaware state bird? On Saturday, April 6, DNREC’s First State Heritage Park will answer that question and provide visitors with explanations of the other symbols that represent Delaware.

From the well-known to the obscure, you can learn more about the elements that are iconic to Delaware, and how they were chosen to represent the First State. Each site of the First State Heritage Park will present a variety of symbols, sharing the stories of how they came to be connected to Delaware. Even if you have never heard that the ladybug is our state insect, there will be something for every age and interest level.

Visit Legislative Hall between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to find out about the animals, vegetables, and minerals that have been selected over the years to represent the state. Stop by Woodburn between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to find out about the state flag, which displays a yeoman farmer, why there is a cow on the Delaware state seal, and how George Washington had some influence. You might also be surprised to learn that you have the ability to institute your own ideas.

Some symbols are known across the world. At 1:30 p.m. the Johnson Victrola Museum will feature a theatrical presentation that explores artist Francis Barraud and his painting of one of the most celebrated canines in the world: Nipper the dog, who displays the Victor trademark, “His Masters Voice.”

First Saturday activities: April 6

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• From Military Man to Mascot: The Delaware Blue Hen
  John Bell House, 43 The Green
  Learn the history and the legend behind Delaware’s state bird; the blue hen.
• Creating State Symbols
  Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
  At Delaware’s state capital building, experience Delaware history and learn more about state symbols, from the state beverage to the our wildlife animal, and how these representations came to be. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
• Songwriting: Poetry through Music
  Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
  To celebrate National Poetry Month, guided tours will highlight the great songwriters of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Hear their music on authentic talking machines.
• Biggs Kids – Peach Blossoms
  Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
  Did you know that the state flower of Delaware is the peach blossom? Create your own colorful tree and see how many peaches you can find in our collection.
• A Symbol of Government
  The Old State House Museum – 25 The Green
  Guided tours will highlight the creation of The Old State House, and how it became a symbol of Delaware’s past and present.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.)

• Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
  Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
  Dover was a hotbed of activity during the struggle for American Independence. Learn about the people of Dover who made an impact and contributed to the symbolism of Delaware.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• State Seal Symbolism
  At Woodburn – The Governor’s House, 151 Kings Highway
  Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and learn about the significant symbols on the state seal.

10:30 a.m.

• Celebrating the History of the Delaware Department of Transportation
  Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard North
  The Secretary of DelDOT, Jennifer Cohan, will present the history of the department, and how our transportation system has evolved over the last century.

1:30 p.m.

• Francis Barraud: His Master’s Voice
  Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 South New Street
  This theatrical presentation examines painter Francis Barraud’s creation of the world famous “His Master’s Voice” trademark, one of the most famous symbols in the 20th century.

1:30 – 4 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 4 p.m.)

• “The Once and Future Courthouse”
  Historic Kent County Courthouse, Courtroom #1, 38 The Green, meet on front steps
  From the 1690s to the present, find out how this site went from a courthouse to a hotel and back again.

Admission to all park sites and programs is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North. For more information about First Saturday events and all First State Heritage Park programs, call 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 67

Trail is vital link in Governor Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative

Dover – Governor Jack Markell, Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary Shailen Bhatt, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Secretary Collin O’Mara, and Dover Mayor Carleton Carey are pleased to announce the completion of Phase 1 of the Capital City Trails project in Dover.

“We’re making our state a better place for walking and biking,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “One pathway at a time, we are improving Delaware’s quality of life and attractiveness to businesses by creating safe and scenic pathways for people to use.  When families want a great place to live and businesses want a great place to locate, we want them to look at communities like Dover.”

The first phase of the project includes a continuous walkway from Public Safety Boulevard, along the west side of U.S. Route 13, to the south side of Martin Luther King Boulevard and crosses in front of Legislative Hall.  The new pathway is ten feet wide with landscaping and lighting consistent with historic downtown Dover.

“As part of our long term efforts to provide transportation options, as well as reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, we’re providing more opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian travel in the Capital City.  We’re expanding our network by connecting existing bike and pedestrian pathways in the area and improving safety for all users,” said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt.

The Capital City Trail in Dover’s pathways and trails system connects to the existing Silver Lake Trail at Division Street, continuing to Legislative Hall and along Court Street to the Public Safety Boulevard Pathway and the Isaacs Branch Trail. When completed, this trails and pathways system will extend a total of 4.5 miles in greater Dover – safely connecting city residents, visitors, and workers to parks, historic attractions, government offices, the Dover Air Force Base, schools, and businesses.

“The Capital City Trail fills a gap in trail work completed several years ago by the City of Dover on the St. Jones River Trail funded by local legislative Community Transportation Funds, as well as Kent County’s Isaac Branch Greenway Trail that was created with grant assistance from DNREC’s local Land & Water Conservation Trust Fund Grant Program,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “Together this network not only provides residents better community connections for walking and biking, but brings us another step closer to realizing Governor Markell’s vision of offering tremendous recreational and physical fitness opportunities in every part of our state.”

Mayor Carey stated, “This is a great milestone, with the completion of Phase 1 and moving on to Phase 2 – many people will see this project as a way to promote healthy living and will appreciate it as a user friendly means to get around our community.”

Phase 2 of the project will connect the pathway from Legislative Hall to Loockerman Street and is scheduled to being construction in spring 2014. Construction on Phase 3, which will connect the pathway from Loockerman Street to Park Drive is expected to begin the following fall.

The Capital City Trail is part of the Governor’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative that creates a world-class statewide network of new and enhanced trails and pathways for residents and visitors to enjoy walking, biking, hiking, and active living. The Initiative has far-reaching advantages – boosting Delaware’s economy, benefitting local businesses, and promoting the continued growth of the state’s recreation and tourism industries. By offering people a place to walk, run or ride, trails and pathways allow them to connect with the outdoors and encourages healthier, more active lifestyles.

Governor Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative is a partnership led by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control with regional and local organization and government partners.

 For more information, please visit www.trails.delaware.gov

St. Georges – Former Delaware Governor and United States Congressman Michael Castle was the honored guest today as Governor Jack A. Markell joined U.S. Senator Chris Coons, U.S. Congressman John Carney, Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski, Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and Secretary Collin O’Mara, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in cutting the ribbon on the new Michael N. Castle Trail on the north bank of the C&D Canal.

The approximately $6 million Michael N. Castle Trail, which is part of Governor Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative, currently stretches nearly nine miles from the southern end of the Branch Canal west to the Summit Bridge. This scenic stretch along the canal bank is a multi-use pathway designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, anglers and equestrians, and will be managed by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife as part of the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Mike Castle served Delaware for nearly 40 years as a state legislator, lieutenant governor, governor, and U.S. Congressman. While Castle was Governor, the trail was envisioned by the trail user community. Later, while serving in Congress, Castle helped initiate the trail project in 2004, when a group of constituents spoke with him on better ways to utilize the area around the canal. The project was approved and construction of the trail started in mid-2012. When the remaining phases of the Castle Trail are completed, the pathway will extend a full 16 miles from Delaware City to Chesapeake City, Maryland.

“Each time we open a new trail, we are a step closer to our vision of a statewide trails network that will allow residents and visitors to see Delaware’s natural beauty up close, connect local businesses with new visitors, and link our communities,” said Governor Markell. “As a cyclist, I look forward to adding the Michael N. Castle Trail to my list of favorite places to ride.”

“Mike Castle saw the great potential for the C&D Canal to become a destination for families and nature-lovers in Delaware,” U.S. Senator Coons said. “With the completion of the initial phase of the Michael N. Castle Trail, more Delawareans can safely enjoy the outdoor beauty and scenic landscape the canal has to offer. I am thrilled to mark this milestone in the trail’s construction and look forward to seeing future phases completed.”

“I’m very pleased that after many years of planning and construction, the Mike Castle C&D Canal Trail is finally open to the public,” said U.S. Congressman Carney.  “This is a beautiful area of our state, and the trail will allow more Delawareans to appreciate it while walking, biking, and enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.  I’m also happy for my predecessor in Congress, Mike Castle.  It’s fitting that the trail be named for someone who spent so much time and effort working, along with his state director, Jeff Dayton, to help create it.  I want to wish him congratulations and thank him for his tremendous work.”

“Congressman Castle left a remarkable legacy during four decades of service to the First State.  We honor his legacy with a trail that will forever bear his name. He has left Delaware a better place,” said DelDOT Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski.

“Opening this new trail will help support tourism, connect communities, get people outside and help improve their quality of life through healthy activity and enjoyment of nature,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “In addition to advancing our plans for a statewide network of trails, the Michael N. Castle Trail also supports Delaware’s Bayshore Initiative in its goal to enhance low-impact outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities.”

U.S. Senator Tom Carper, who stopped by the trail earlier in the day said, “This trail – which has been years in the making – is a testament to the vision and hard work Congressman Castle had for outdoor recreation in Delaware. We’ve long waited for this day – a day that bikers, runners, and walkers can enjoy the scenic views along this trail – and I am confident that it will become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Construction began in September on the next phase of the Castle Trail, the 0.9-mile Branch Canal Pedestrian and Bicyclist Path. When completed in late 2014, the approximately $1.4 million Branch Canal component will connect the main part of the Castle Trail along the north side of the C&D Canal with Delaware City’s Canalfront Promenade. In addition to DelDOT and DNREC, partners involved in this phase also include the New Castle Conservation District and the City of Delaware City.

Governor Markell’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative creates a statewide network of new and enhanced trails and pathways for residents and visitors to enjoy walking, biking, hiking and active living. The initiative has far-reaching advantages – boosting Delaware’s economy, benefitting local businesses and promoting the continued growth of the state’s recreation and tourism industries. By offering people a place to walk, run, or ride, trails and pathways allow them to connect with the outdoors and encourages healthier, more active lifestyles as well as offering more choices for active transportation.

First State Trails and Pathways Initiative is a partnership led by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control with regional and local organization and government partners.

 For more information, please visit www.trails.delaware.gov.