Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

To be honest, there are many things I absolutely love about my job. For all the occasional stress, there are far more positive things that balance it out. After all, how could I not enjoy working at some of the most beautiful places in Delaware? Of course, the reality is the majority of my job is spent behind a desk in Dover. But unlike most people, I always have the ability to "escape" for a short while to one of these wonderful places. That is stress relief at its best! How lucky is that?

Special People, Special Places
Last week, I found myself starting my day by heading north to Bellevue State Park near Wilmington. Bellevue is a very special for me…it’s where I started my career with Delaware State Parks. But Bellevue would be special to me no matter what. This park was the former estate of William DuPont. It’s a magical place, especially in the spring. The majestic Bellevue Hall looks out on formal gardens that burst with an array of flowers. Park visitors busy themselves wandering miles of trails, riding horses and playing tennis. It’s a great place to go to get away from the pressures of life.

My visit to Bellevue had a very specific objective in mind. I was there to participate in an annual ceremony connected to the Division’s Memorial Tree Program.

More than 50 people of all ages had gathered at Bellevue Hall for the event. Children, parents, relatives and friends had all gathered to remember special people in their lives. It was a cool, damp, breezy morning so we started the proceedings indoors. After a brief explanation of the program, everyone moved outdoors surrounding a designated tree waiting to be planted. A local minister spoke about the symbolism of the tree and the meaning behind the event. His touching words were very meaningful for everyone gathered. Few present were left with dry eyes. The event concluded with each person placing a shovel full of dirt around the tree. It was very clear that many gathered would return to this place again and again to visit this special symbol of their loved one. I couldn’t help but be touched by the ceremony. The emotions of the families made it clear how important this event was to them. The scene reminded me again how in small and profound ways, we can touch the lives of visitors. This is what working in parks is all about. Somehow this made the stress and challenges of recent weeks all worthwhile!

Memorial Tree Program
Initiated in 1997, this unique program allows any individual or family to make a donation to plant a tree in a state park in memory of a loved one. Donors designate the park where the tree is to be planted. Donations are accepted in any amount. However, a tree can not be planted until sufficient donations have been received to cover the cost of the tree. Park staff make the selection of the type of tree and location to be planted. However, interested donors often play a role in this process. Trees are planted each year in spring and autumn. At the time of planting, the name of the individual being remembered is placed on the park’s Memorial Tree List. This list hangs in a prominent location in the park office. Names remain on this list for a year. Copies of the list are available for friends and family. Park staff work closely with any donors interested in holding a private ceremony to symbolically plant their tree.

Remembering a Friend
Delaware State Parks recently lost a very dear friend. Leah Roedel, known to many as Delaware’s "first lady of parks," passed away from complications associated with surgery.

There is no way to adequately state the importance of this special woman to the creation and maintenance of our state park system. She was a true visionary. She was an environmentalist long before it was a popular buzzword. She began her long crusade in the early 1960s. This was a time when other people saw plenty of open space throughout Delaware. But Leah understood the day would come when that would not be the case. She became a tireless fighter to have the special natural resources of Delaware set aside and protected for future generations. She simply wouldn’t take "no" for an answer. She went after a goal with great determination. Yet she approached legislators and bureaucrats with a friendly smile that won numerous friends and allies. Her success speaks for itself. She played a major role in the creation of a park system that now includes over 22,000 acres of land. Her vision and tireless efforts resulted in many accolades and awards. Among her honors was being named one of Delaware’s "Pioneers in Preservation." A plaque honoring that distinction now resides in Fort DuPont State Park overlooking the Delaware River. Leah was many things to many people…visionary, environmentalist, volunteer, and friend. She will be greatly missed, but the wonderful memories of this classy lady will live on in the legacy of parks she has left behind for all of us!

For more information about the Memorial Tree Program or upcoming programs and activities, check out our website at www.destateparks.com. And if you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, please e-mail me at stephen.schilly@state.de.us

Nature’s Best Bets
If you are looking for fun Spring activities, some "best bets" at Cape Henlopen Nature Center include:

Volunteer Trail Day • Sat., June 7, July 5, and Aug. 2, 9 a.m. – noon
Join the Friends of Cape Henlopen on the first Saturday of each month as they help to maintain and improve our trails within the park. June 7 is also designated as "National Trails Day." Come on out and celebrate the walking and biking trails at Cape Henlopen by participating in this special day. Projects include cleanup, minor construction projects, and trail maintenance. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center.

Natural Selections • Wed., June 4, July 2, and Aug. 6, 7 p.m.
Read a fabulous literary work that focuses on the natural world. Then join our monthly book discussion group and share your thoughts on these nature-related books. Past discussions have included "The Botany of Desire" and "Prodigal Summer." Please call (302) 645-6852 for information on the featured selection. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center.

Mosquitoes: West Nile and Vector Diseases • Tue., June 24, 1 p.m.
Join an educator from DNREC’s Mosquito Control Program to discern the facts from the fiction surrounding mosquitoes and the measures to control them. Each month, we will cover a different topic to inform you on the preventative measures you can take to avoid these pesky insects. Possible topics include: control measures in Delaware, West Nile virus and its effect on wildlife, and the Open Water Marsh Management Program in Sussex County.

For more information on these and other park programs, contact the Seaside Nature Center at 302-645-6852.