Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

According to the old adage, "You can’t teach an old dog new tricks." Well, I may not be an "old dog," but I’m certainly a stubborn, conservative, middle aged one! Yet even with that pedigree, a couple of weeks ago I found myself doing something I would have sworn I would never do in my lifetime… getting a facial! To be honest, it really wasn’t my initiative that resulted in my visit to the salon. It was my partner, Bob, who gave me the hour-long session as a birthday gift. I am convinced it’s all part of a much larger makeover scheme he has been waging since we met 5 years ago. You’ve heard of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy…well this is Bob’s Plan for the Gay Man! I’m the first to admit that unlike the stereotypical gay man, I have absolutely no design or fashion sense. Mixing and matching colors was always very dangerous territory for me. Certain I would do the wrong thing, I routinely opted for a wardrobe consisting of navy blue, brown and dark green. It was all very "safe" and equally "dull." To make matters worse, I wore clothes that were hopelessly dated. I was a living, breathing, fashion disaster! It’s a wonder Bob didn’t run the other way when he first met me. I can only guess that he was intrigued by the challenge of it all. One of his first projects was to update my haircut. He got me to go to a stylist for the first time in my life and to change the hairstyle I’d had since the fourth grade! Next came the wardrobe. After much encouragement, he convinced me it all had to go. Before I knew it, I had 10 extra-large trash bags full of items headed off to the thrift store. He did leave me a few items in the closet, more to ease my separation anxiety than because he believed they were appropriate. He then gleefully introduced me to clothes shopping...an activity that up to that time was a major phobia for me. While it was all very traumatic, I forged ahead. After all, I was committed to the process with an empty closet waiting at home. In no time at all, Bob worked his magic. I had a whole new look. I had to admit it was a tremendous improvement. He knew what he was talking about and had worked miracles. Since that time, I’ve basically been able to follow the lessons I learned. I still have a tendency to be a very lazy dresser. It’s only Bob’s diligence that keeps me from straying too far into my old habits. Every once in awhile, Bob throws something new at me like the facial. I reluctantly give everything a try. After all, who wouldn’t like such an experience? There I was in a dark room, soothing music softly playing while my face, head and shoulders were massaged and cleaned with various fragrant lotions. It was total relaxation and absolutely decadent. My face never felt so clean and refreshed. I have to admit I may actually want to go back again. I guess you never really are too old to try something new.

Thinking Native

With the arrival of spring, many people will be getting out their tools and heading into their yards and gardens. It’s an annual ritual for many of us as we get our properties spruced up for the coming summer season. For some, it is a necessary chore. For others, it is a welcome escape from the months spent indoors throughout the winter. Regardless of which category you fit into, I encourage everyone to think carefully about the yard work and landscaping that they do. How you handle yard waste, as well as the plants you choose for landscaping, can have a tremendous impact on the natural environment.

That may sound like an exaggeration, but the truth of the matter is our state is under siege by numerous exotic, invasive plants. To the untrained eye, Delaware’s forests and streams appear to be green and healthy. But on closer look, you will find those same places are often littered with foreign invaders that are out-competing our native plants. Many species we have come to think of as part of our natural landscape do not belong here. Plants such as Japanese honeysuckle, Norway maple, oriental bittersweet, and multiflora rose are taking over many natural areas in Delaware. In Cape Henlopen, invaders such as autumn olive, English ivy, and Japanese black pines have taken root in numerous locations. While these plants are often quite beautiful, they displace native species and significantly change local ecosystems. This can have serious implications for other wildlife dependent on native species for their survival.

So, what can you do as a responsible landowner? First, become more informed on this subject. In particular, try to learn what species are considered invasive in your area. Ask your local garden centers about the stock they sell. Try to only select native plants for your gardens and yard. If you opt for an exotic species, make sure it does not have invasive characteristics. Remove exotic, invasive plants from your property. Dispose of all yard waste in an appropriate manner.

Remember, many plants spread vegetatively and may sprout from the clippings you remove from your plants. If everyone helps, we can help improve the ecology of our State.

Park Information

It’s that time of year again! Park entrance fees are in effect from May 1 through Oct. 31. Most areas have self-payment sites for use when fee collectors are off duty. Daily entrance fees are only $2.50 for a Delaware-registered vehicle and $5 for an out-of-state vehicle. For frequent visitors, season passes are your "best bet"—$20 for a Delaware-registered vehicle and $40 for an out-of-state vehicle! Entrance fees are critical for the operation of our state parks. You might be surprised to learn that state taxes support only 35 percent of the Division’s budget, with visitor fees generating the other 65 percent. These fees are essential to keep programs running and our parks open. Amazingly, despite rising costs and inflation, the price of a park annual pass has not been increased since 1986! We encourage visitors to support the parks by purchasing an annual pass. Passes are available for purchase at park offices during normal business hours, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For your added convenience, a new program allows you to purchase the passes online at www.destateparks.com. All you have to do is click on the icon for DELAWARE @YOUR_SERVICE.

Visitors to Cape Henlopen looking for a fun way to spend the day are encouraged to check out the activities at the fishing pier located on the Lewes side of the park. This unique facility draws avid fishermen and lots of casual onlookers. It is a major "hub" of activity in the park. While you’re in the area, check out the "Hook, Line and Sinker Fishing Center and Kayak Rental." They have everything you need to make your outdoor experience memorable. Partners Jo Brett and Joanne Mattione operate the Center providing fishing demonstrations, lectures, tournaments, kayak rental and instruction.

Natures Best Bets
Here are a couple of "best bets" at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park:

Talons & Flight: A Guide to Hawk Identification • Sat., Apr. 17, 9 a.m.
Learn about key identification strategies for hawks, falcons and harriers. After a presentation on birds of prey characteristics, we’ll travel down to the Hawk Watch and assist the loyal volunteers during the annual spring hawk migration. Binoculars are recommended.

Wisteria Wander • Sun., April 25, 1 p.m.
A glorious spring bloomer lies along the Seaside Nature Trail. Learn about this plant that is a treasured part of the history of the town of Lewes. You will also learn about the impact it has on native plant species today.