New Trap Pond Nature Center features green design; pond views

LAUREL (Oct. 27) – Members of the community, state legislators, stakeholders and DNREC officials joined in a ceremony dedicating the new nature center at Trap Pond State Park today. The new center, located along the banks of Trap Pond, features a design intended to allow visitors to enjoy the natural setting that surrounds the building and includes outstanding views of the pond. The center also incorporates numerous green building practices in its design, construction and operation.

“This center is another great reason for families and children to enjoy Trap Pond’s natural beauty and its recreational and educational opportunities,” said Governor Jack Markell. ”Because of the way this was constructed, the center respects its environment and its visitors, and offers Delawareans a new perspective on a pond so many have loved for generations.” 

 “The new Baldcypress Nature Center is as beautiful as it is energy efficient,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “It’s a special place to connect with our natural world in so many ways, and its energy efficient construction and features are financially and environmentally responsible.”

“Trap Pond State Park is such an asset to the people of my district and to the state of Delaware,” said State Senator Robert L. Venables. “I’m pleased to see the new Baldcypress Nature Center available so that children and their families can enjoy all the park has to offer.”

The new center, under construction since July of 2009, replaces the old building using the same basic footprint while adding another 1,000 square feet of space toward the pond. More than a third of an acre was reforested using all native species of trees, shrubs and groundcover. Outdoor transition spaces such as courtyards connect the indoors with the outdoors. Masonry wainscoting, pavers and sitting walls were made of locally produced cast stone. Side and wall shingles are cypress, a historically appropriate material.

Energy saving features include high tech insulated glass windows and doors and a highly reflective roof to reduce heat absorption. The building also contains operable windows for natural ventilation when weather permits. Energy efficient heat pumps are in place for cooling and heating with programmable thermostats. Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems recover heat from air exhausted from the building. Air tightness and high insulation values were also important green considerations – the building is insulated with soy-based spray-on foam. Energy efficient lighting includes compact fluorescent, LED and occupancy sensors. Water saving plumbing fixtures include hands-free flush valves and faucets, and waterless facilities.

Spaces include a gallery, multi-purpose room for meetings, classes and banquets, a library and conference room, offices, a kitchen, and two courtyards.

Trap Pond State Park is located at 33587 Baldcypress Lane in Laurel, just off Route 13 in southwestern Sussex County. It features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. Boating among the baldcypress is a favorite pastime at the park. Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest as well. Hiking trails, including the 4.9-mile Boundary Trail, skirt the park's 90-acre pond and provide opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants.