NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
March 6, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 80
Contact: Ray Bivens, Chief of Interpretation, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9189, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9191, Necia.Beck@state.de.us.
Delaware State Parks Celebrates Earth Day 2009
Each year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, the anniversary of the first Earth Day in 1970. For 2009, Delaware State Parks has planned programs, events and activities all over Delaware. Federal, state, and local governments and environmental organizations throughout the country promote Earth Day events to encourage the protection of the nation’s natural, historic and cultural resources.
These exciting events give visitors an opportunity to do their part to help conserve Delaware’s precious resources:
Bellevue State Park
800 Carr Road
Wilmington, DE 19809
Arts Center: (302) 793-3046
Park Office: (302) 761-6963
Wee Have Fun Club: Earth Day Is Coming!
Wednesday, April 15, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Nature discoveries, stories and art projects are all part of the fun! If possible, we will venture outside, so please dress accordingly. You may register by calling the Bellevue Arts Center at (302) 793-3046; however, walk-ins are welcome. These programs meet at the Arts Center. $3 per child Ages 3 to 5.
Bellevue Arts Center Earth Day Poster Contest
The Arts Center at Bellevue State Park is sponsoring its fourth annual Earth Day Poster Contest! The theme for this year’s contest is, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Posters will be judged in three age categories: 6 through 8, 9 through 11 and 12 through 15. All artwork must be original. Posters should be standard poster board size of 22” x 28” and can be created using any medium. Entries may be dropped off in person at the park or mailed to: Earth Day Poster Contest, 800 Carr Road, Wilmington, DE 19809. All submissions must be received by Wednesday, April 8. Mailed entries must be postmarked by Monday, March 30. Each submission should include the artist’s name, age, school, phone number and mailing address. Finalists’ posters will be displayed in the Bellevue Arts Center. The contest winners will be announced at our Earth Day Concert on Saturday, April 18. First place prizes include a free week of summer camp! For information, call the Arts Center.
Earth Day Concert
Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m.
Come to Bellevue on Earth Day weekend and enjoy a concert at our outdoor band shell. Our 2009 Earth Day Poster Contest winners will be announced during intermission. Bring your chairs or blanket, a picnic lunch, and the whole family!
Christina River Cleanup at Fox Point State Park
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. – Noon
Help clean the single most important natural resource in our region – the waterways. The Christina River Watershed provides 75 percent of the public water supply for residents and businesses in New Castle County. A solid effort is needed annually to keep each of these waterways as free from debris as possible. Since the Cleanup began in 1992, approximately 300 tons of tires, appliances, household items, and uncountable pieces of plastic and Styrofoam have been cleared from the Christina River, White Clay Creek, Red Clay Creek, and various other tributaries. More than 10,000 volunteers have found filling trash bags in Churchmans Marsh, White Clay Creek State Park, the City of Wilmington, and various other locations to be extremely rewarding. Join us at Pavilion B at Fox Point State Park on the Delaware River to help out in this statewide effort. To find out more about the Christiana River Cleanup, or to register as a volunteer, call the Park Volunteer Coordinator at 302-761-6963.
Brandywine Creek State Park
41 Adams Dam Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
Nature Center: (302) 655-5740
Park Office: (302 577-3534
Kite Day
Saturday, April 18, 1 – 3 p.m.
Help us celebrate Earth Day at this annual event by trying your hand at making and flying your own kite! Join us for a day of fun and adventure in the great outdoors. $2 per kite
Owl Prowl
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.
Following an introduction to the owls of Delaware, head out into the night to listen for some of the park’s resident owls. Bring your sense of adventure, but no flashlights please! $4 per person
Friends of Brandywine Creek Wilson’s Run Clean Up
Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m.
Become a Member of the Friends of Brandywine Creek State Park!Your membership will help the Friends’ group in their mission. The Friends support special projects and ongoing initiatives such as the annual river clean-up and the Haunted Trail, and host various special events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.friendsofbcsp.org.
Cape Henlopen State Park
42 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
Nature Center: (302) 645-685
Park Office: (302) 645-8983
Earth Day Delight: Birding Trip: Raptors and Early Migrants at Cape Henlopen Main Park
Saturday, April 18, 8 – 11:30 a.m.
Help us celebrate nature and the environment by participating in nature walks and other activities at the Nature Center. Explore the park for a variety of early migrants and other birds. $3 per person.
Earth Day Delight: Salt Marsh Saunter
Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. - noon
Help us celebrate nature and the environment by participating in nature walks and other activities at the Nature Center. Hike through the maritime forest with a naturalist to the salt marsh to see the signs of spring in one of the earth’s most productive environments.
Earth Day Delight: Snakes, Turtles and Mother Earth
Saturday, April 18, 2 – 3 p.m.
Help us celebrate nature and the environment by participating in nature walks and other activities at the Nature Center. See live snakes and turtles and learn the roles they play in keeping our planet healthy. $3 per person
Killens Pond State Park
5025 Killens Pond Road
Felton, DE 19943
Nature Center: (302) 284-4299
Park Office: (302) 284-4526
DSWA: Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.
The Delaware Solid Waste Authority will be hosting its ninth Earth Day Celebration at Killens Pond State Park. Celebrate the beautiful resources around you. There will be activities for the entire family including hayrides, inflatables, arts and crafts, demonstrations from local artists, and much more.
Lums Pond State Park
1068 Howell School Road
Bear, DE 19701
Nature Center: (302) 836-1724
Park Office: (302) 386-6989
Earth Day Tree Planting
Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.
Celebrate the beauty of Lums Pond by joining us for this fun activity at Lums Pond Campground.
Afternoon Paddle
Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m.
Interested in kayaking? Enjoy an afternoon paddle around Lums Pond, keeping your eyes and ears open for egrets, turtles, a beaver slapping its tail and much more. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be provided and must be worn while kayaking. Meet at the Nature Center. $10 per person
Trap Pond State Park
33587 Baldcypress Lane
Laurel, DE 19956
Nature Center: (302) 875-5163
Park Office: (302) 875-5153
Earth Day Canoe Trail Cleanup
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day 2009 by removing logs, cleaning up trash and reposting signs on our canoe trails. Bring water, work gloves and clothes that can get muddy and wet. We will provide the tools, canoes, PFDs (personal flotation devices) and paddling instruction. Space is limited, be sure to call to reserve your spot.
White Clay Creek State Park
1475 Creek Road
Newark, DE
Nature Center: (302) 368-6560
Park Office: (302) 368-6900
White Clay Creek Earth Day Clean-Up
Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m.
Calling all citizens! Bring your friends and join us for an enjoyable spring morning along the beautiful banks of White Clay Creek. Your past participation in this annual clean-up campaign has had amazing results, so we’re counting on your continued efforts. This is a part of the 18th Annual Christina River Cleanup (for more information, visit www.ChristinaRiverCleanup.org). Meet at the Chambers House Nature Center to check in and receive gloves and garbage bags. Groups of all sizes are welcome! If your group is large, please preregister by calling the Park Office at 302-368-6900.Parking is limited and large groups are encouraged to meet at Carpenter Recreation Area and carpool to the Nature Center.
Nature Center Volunteer Earth Day Projects
Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
It’s only natural to want to do something to celebrate Earth Day! Join the park naturalists for a volunteer project, or visit the Nature Center for a little spring cleaning and do your part to make the world greener. If you are an individual or group looking for a project, call the Nature Center for ideas and information.
