Pollen, Pollen Everywhere
Without a doubt, spring is my favorite season. It is such an amazing
time of year. Everywhere you look there are exciting, colorful floral
displays to delight the senses. Trees and plants are decked out in their
new green finery, softening the memories of the now forgotten winter
landscape. It’s all a grand theatrical production put on for us by
Mother Nature. It’s such an incredibly uplifting and life-affirming
experience. I just love having a front row seat to the entire show! So
with all of this "positive" energy around, you’d think I would
remember the one "big" negative of the season…POLLEN—that
microscopic miracle of nature that is so vital to the cycle of life is
actually my nemesis. It happens like clockwork. Just as my car and
driveway start to get the telltale light green dusting of the stuff, I go
into fits of sneezing. My allergist informed me that I have a long list of
sensitivities including dust, molds, pollen, and grasses. He found it was
quite humorous that someone employed by State Parks should have such
allergies. I was not amused! I’ve gone through all the normal remedies…weekly
shots and various medications. While they provide some minor relief, it
doesn’t make the problem go away. This season has been especially bad. I
went from fits of sneezing to sinusitis and ultimately a chest cold. To
make matters worse, I discovered our youngest dog, Sketches, has an
adverse reaction to my sneezing. With the first sharp intake of breath, he
launches into an all-out offensive. No doubt, Sketches views this all as a
wonderful game. However, for me it is one more aggravation to test my
patience. At the rate I’m going, I may need to consider wearing body
armor in my own house! I guess you could say spring is hazardous to my
health in more ways than one!
Plover Update
In my last article for Letters, I talked about the many unique
shorebirds that feed and nest at our coastal areas. In particular, I
discussed the piping plover, a species currently designated as
"threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. I am happy to
report we have now identified five plover nests at Cape Henlopen! The most
recently discovered nest joins two others on the Point of
Cape Henlopen, while the remaining two nests are located near Gordons
Pond. (Picture of Piping Plover exclosure at Gordon's Pond)
It was my good fortune to be at Cape Henlopen the day following the
discovery of the latest nest. I was able to join the crew of three staff
members who were going out to the Point to construct an "exclosure"
around the nest. An exclosure is a protective barrier that consists of
wire mesh fencing attached to PVC posts that are placed in a circular
pattern around the nest. The purpose of the exclosure is to allow the
adult birds access to the nest while excluding predators. The fencing is
buried 6 to 8 inches in the sand to prevent potential predators such as
raccoons and foxes from digging under the barrier. The wire mesh is
effective for many reasons. It takes into consideration the small size of
the adult plovers, as well as their habit of walking to the nest rather
than flying to it. The wire mesh is wide enough to allow easy access for
the plovers. The top of the circular fence is covered with black netting.
This cover prevents avian predators such as gulls and blackbirds from
getting to the nest.
The exclosure is a simple yet very effective tool in helping the eggs
get through the 30 day incubation period. Due to the sensitivity of the
eggs, construction of the barrier needs to be accomplished in a very short
period of time. Exposure of the eggs to prolonged period of hot or cold
can be enough to make the eggs fail. The adult plover will leave the eggs
when a predator approaches. Typically it will try to distract predators by
pretending to have a broken wing. It does this to lure intruders from the
nest. Understanding this behavior, it becomes very important to install an
exclosure quickly and efficiently. With practice and preparation it
normally takes 7-10 minutes to complete an installation. It is always a
welcome relief when we exit the nesting area and observe the parent return
to the nest. Another job well done!
Exercise Your Options
Looking for a healthy and fun outdoor activity? Have we got an
opportunity for you! Join staff from Delaware State Parks for a leisurely
hike on the scenic Junction and Breakwater Trail. This informal walking
group will meet at 9 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at
the Wolfe Neck parking area*. Participants will join a trail volunteer who
will lead the group on an exploration of Cape Henlopen State Park’s
newest trail. All you need to do is to show up in comfortable shoes and
BYOB (bring your own water bottle).
*To get to the trail head meeting spot, follow the signs from Route 1
to Munchy Branch Road near Webster Furniture Store and Happy Harry’s.
Take Munchy Branch Road to the stop sign, turn right onto Wolfe Neck Road
and travel for about half mile to the parking area. There are restrooms
and parking for 52 cars.
While there is no fee for this program, daily park entrance fees are in
effect through Oct. 31.
Nature’s Best Bets
If you are looking for fun ways to spend your spare time, check the
Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park.
Volunteer Trail Day • First Sat. of each month, 9 a.m. – Noon
Join the Friends of Cape Henlopen as they take steps to maintain and
improve park trails. June 5th marks National Trails Day, so come on out
and rejoice in the pleasures that the walking and bike trails at Cape
Henlopen provide our visitors by participating in this national event.
Projects include clean up, minor construction projects, and trail
maintenance. Meet at the Nature Center.
Hooked on Fishing • Sat., June 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This program provides basic instruction for kids (ages 10-15 years) on
beginning a lifetime of fishing with a side order of making positive life
choices. Lessons will include angling skills, knot tying, casting, fish
biology, fish identification, environmental stewardship and using fishing
as a means to make positive life choices. Activities will include seining
in the Delaware Bay and fishing on the pier. Parents are encouraged to
attend with their children. Pre-registration is required by calling the
Seaside Nature Center. Limited to 30 children. Please bring a bag lunch.
For information on these and other park programs, contact the Seaside
Nature Center at 302-645-6852 or check out our website at www.destateparks.com.
Stephen Schilly is Park Operations Administrator for the Delaware
Division of Parks and Recreation. He may be reached at
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