Contact: Jack Hoban or Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy’s recently
restored wetland adopted by Woodbridge FFA
BRIDGEVILLE (June 10, 2011) – A recently restored wetland just east of U.S. Route 13 near this Sussex County town was unveiled today – the result of a project that transformed 30-acres of disturbed wetland and forest into a healthy and productive ecosystem. This forested wetland, located on land donated by Bridgeville’s Newton family, is owned by the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, a citizen-based land conservation organization dedicated to preserving the natural qualities of the Nanticoke watershed.
“Wetlands are some of Delaware’s most treasured natural resources,” said Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy (NRWC) President Marlene Mervine. “The Conservancy was pleased to have received the land from the Newton family and to have Mr. Bob Rider here today on behalf of the family to join in celebrating the success of this project. This restored wetland will help improve the water quality and the ecological health of the Nanticoke River and demonstrates the positive impact that one family’s gift can have on our watershed and beyond.”
The wetland was restored by project partners: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Ducks Unlimited; and The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. NRWC’s restoration partners assessed the health of the wetland, implemented a plan to remove portions of the streamside berm, and partially restored the hydrology of the wetland to improve water retention and bring the wetland back to health.
Students from the Woodbridge FFA have adopted the wetland through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Delaware Adopt-A-Wetland program. The FFA will now join 106 other Delaware adopter groups in caring for wetlands across our state – by helping to maintain the restoration site, monitoring water quality and wetland functions, and learning about the many ways that wetland conservation increases the health and well-being of all Delawareans.
Members of Woodbridge FFA attended today’s celebration and were presented with the Delaware Adopt-A-Wetland sign by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis.
“The Adopt-A-Wetland program is a perfect example of combining public education with citizen natural resource involvement,” stated Mr. Saveikis. “Groups such as the Woodbridge FFA experience nature and the outdoors first-hand and achieve real environment results, and in the process become today’s and tomorrow’s conservation leaders. The future of fish and wildlife conservation is being made today as the Division celebrates 100 years of fish and wildlife conservation in Delaware by - reflecting on the past and moving into the future,” Saveikis added.
Delaware is covered by more than 320,000 acres of wetlands, about 25 percent of the state’s area. Almost every part of our state is within one mile of a wetland – making wetland protection integral to our health and safety and to our natural resource heritage. Wetlands protect lives and property from the impact of floods and storms, improve surface and groundwater quality by absorbing and filtering nutrients and other pollutants, reduce erosion and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife.
Over the centuries, Delaware’s wetlands have suffered tremendously. Since Delaware was first settled by Europeans in the 1600’s, more than half of its original wetlands have been lost. And while most of wetland loss has occurred in years past, it is still happening today, and at an accelerated rate. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control studies indicate that over the past 15 years, more than 2,600 acres of wetlands were lost due to conversion to other land uses in Sussex County alone. This acreage is significant because in the previous 10-year period, the total statewide wetland loss was 1,900 acres.
The Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy works to promote the river’s protection and the balanced use of its natural resources and partners with other organizations on restoration projects. The NRWC is committed to helping people preserve their lands to include improving fish and wildlife, natural beauty, recreation or agricultural values. For more information on the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, contact President Marlene Mervine at 302-337-8847.
In May 2010, Delaware’s Adopt-A-Wetland Program celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special event that marked the program’s 100th adoption. Over the past two decades, more than 2,500 Delawareans of all ages – individuals, families, scout troops, 4-H clubs, schools, service clubs, homeowner associations and businesses of all sizes – have joined the program to steward thousands of acres of valuable wetlands. Dot White, a retired chemist and small farmer, developed the Delaware Adopt-A-Wetland Program as a way to promote wetlands conservation. Learn more about wetlands and the Adopt-A-Wetland Program by visiting DNREC's website or by calling 302-735-8660.
Vol. 41, No. 224
