Spring Fever
The change of season always serves as a subtle reminder to me that
"time marches on." While I may not enjoy the reminder I am
getting older, it always thrills me to welcome the arrival of spring.
There is something about the season that I find very meaningful. There’s
a sense of new beginnings. The many signs of Mother Nature "waking
up" serve as a promise of wonderful things to come. That was
especially evident to me on a recent visit to Cape Henlopen where I found
myself out on the Junction Breakwater Trail. It was a beautiful, sunny day
with a steady cool breeze that carried the "earthy" smell of
warming soil. Everywhere I looked, I could see signs of the new season. I
spotted a large flock of robins hunting for their next meal along the edge
of a nearby farm field. Trees all around me had a reddish cast from buds
just waiting to burst in a profusion of flowers and foliage. A closer
inspection along the trail revealed mosses and grasses showing significant
new growth. While all these things reminded me of spring, the surest sign
of all was a lone patch of daffodils I discovered in full bloom. While the
flowers seemed out of place along the trail, their bold color on the still
barren landscape made it clear spring had indeed arrived. I couldn’t
have been happier!
Damage Done
Since opening, the Junction and Breakwater Trail has proven to be a
very popular year-round facility for park visitors. Whenever the weather
is nice, you can be sure people are out in force to "hit the
trail." In an effort to continue improving the 3.4 mile facility,
this past winter Division staff installed a number of very nice wooden
benches. These benches were purchased to accommodate visitors who needed a
convenient place to stop and rest when using the trail. On my recent
visit, I passed a couple of the new benches on my journey. They looked
great and I remember thinking what a great asset they would be in the
warmer months to come. It was quite a shock when I came upon what should
have been the site of the third bench. All that was left was a couple of
broken boards and several bent metal stakes. On closer inspection, I
discovered the battered remains of the bench tossed off in the woods. Some
individuals had obviously worked overtime to wreak their destruction.
There was virtually nothing left which could be salvaged from the bench. I
must admit it made me angry and frustrated to see such senseless
destruction. It’s a shame that everyone has to suffer because of the
irresponsible actions of others. We encourage all park visitors to help us
protect our facilities. If you happen to see vandalism taking place,
please do not hesitate to notify park staff. Your assistance is
appreciated!
Cape Henlopen Special Event: Fort Miles—the War Years
On April 30 and May 1, Cape Henlopen State Park will host a very
special event "Fort Miles: the War Years." This event serves as
an unveiling of the new living history museum in the park which will focus
on coastal defense and the Delaware home front in World War II. Reenactors
from throughout the region will be participating in demonstrations and
activities over the two day event. Guided tours will be given through
Battery 519—a 12-inch gun battery currently undergoing restoration. A
number of special programs will occur during the day including a
presentation by actual veterans once stationed at Fort Miles. A special
evening program will feature a "USO Dance" in the Fort Miles
recreation hall. The dance will include live big band music along with
reenactors outfitted in the military attire from the period. It will be a
special event you will not want to miss! For information concerning
program schedules and event fees, contact the Seaside Nature Center at
302-645-6852.
Park Explorations: Bellevue
Continuing our exploration of Delaware State Parks, the next stop on
our journey is Bellevue. Located off I-95 just north of the City of
Wilmington, the park serves as a beautiful oasis amid the
surrounding urban development. The property which became a state park in
1976 was originally owned by William H. du Pont, Jr. As with other du Pont
family estates, the grounds feature numerous attractions including a
mansion, tennis courts, equestrian stables,
1-1/8 mile track, formal gardens and a pond. Everywhere you look you
get a sense of the former grandeur of this picturesque property. Now
totaling 328 acres, the park has adapted the historic facilities to
provide wonderful recreational activities for visitors. Trails circle the
park for use by hikers, bikers and equestrian riders. The former horse
track has become a popular fitness track for walkers and joggers. Picnic
pavilions are situated adjacent to the pond which lies within the track.
Nearby playground facilities are a popular destination for many families.
For tennis enthusiasts, the outdoor clay courts are a major attraction.
The historic potting shed has been converted into the Bellevue Arts Center
which frequently hosts exhibits and classes. The outdoor bandstage is a
popular summer setting featuring concerts and cultural activities. Amid
all these wonderful facilities, the true focal point of the park remains
Bellevue Hall. This stately mansion modeled after Mr. du Pont’s boyhood
home at Montpelier now serves as a popular site for group meetings and
wedding celebrations. It is a wonderful reminder of a bygone era. A stroll
through the surrounding formal gardens is a must for all park visitors.
There is no better way to spend a spring or summer day!
Nature’s Best Bets
If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to spend your spare time,
why not check out the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park?
The Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year. Staff
provides programs designed for individuals and families. A highlight of
any visit is viewing the five 1000-gallon aquariums that feature different
aquatic habitats. You’ll be glad you took the time to explore this
exciting facility.
Wisteria Wander • Sunday, April 17, 11 a.m.
On the Seaside Interpretive Trail, a glorious spring bloomer lies
along the path. Learn about this once-treasured plant in Lewes history and
about the impact it has on native plant species today.
Full Moon Hikes • Sunday, April 24, 8 p.m.
Hike by the light of a full or new moon to experience the beauty of
Cape Henlopen after dusk. We’ll discuss some facts and lore associated
with the moon. Pre-registration is required by calling (302)645-6852. The
program costs $3.50 per person and is limited to 25 participants.
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