Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

For those of us who long for a sunny weekend at the beach, the current weather patterns are a bit infuriating! And to add insult to injury, Mother Nature turns around and graces the past few Monday morning commutes with sunshine! AAAAAAHHHHHH! I feel much better now that I’ve gotten that out of my system. I may have to resign myself to remaining pale for a while longer. No doubt, the weather will soon change. Remember the extended drought from last summer? Around Delaware, the weather is nothing if unpredictable! In the meantime, I’ll need to find some indoor activities to occupy my weekends!

Memorial Day Weekend in the Parks 
The wet holiday weekend was a disappointment for park staff. After weeks of hard work and preparation, all were ready to greet our returning visitors. Instead of large crowds, the poor weather guaranteed day use in the parks was very slow. Only the hardiest of visitors braved the wet, windy conditions along the beaches. Our campgrounds were busy, but even diehard campers were left scrambling to find indoor entertainment. This was not the sort of season "opener" anyone would want. Low attendance means low revenues for the Division. This is even more of a concern this year given current economic conditions. Hopefully, the slow holiday weekend is not indicative of an ongoing trend. Come on sunshine and park visitors…we need you!

Introducing…"Hook, Line & Sinker"
The start of the summer season introduces returning visitors to a number of changes in Delaware State Parks. This year is no exception with improvements to many camping facilities, playgrounds and trails. Our goal is to continually improve the facilities and services we provide to our visitors. I encourage you to take a look around; you’re bound to discover something new and different about your favorite park!

The Division is especially pleased to introduce visitors to the Fishing Center and Kayak Rental at Cape Henlopen State Park. Located at the fishing pier, this unique park concession offers an array of services for anglers wishing to test their skill on the Delaware Bay. Jo Brett and Joanne Mattioni who call their business "Hook, Line & Sinker" run the Center. Partners in business and in life, these two ambitious women have taken on the challenge of operating one of the busiest facilities in the state park system.

I had the opportunity to talk to Jo about their new venture. It turns out Jo has been coming to the resort area for years. After more than 25 years in "corporate America," she decided it was time for a change. She always had a great passion for fishing and started to look for opportunities to start over. Like many who have come to love the resorts, Jo was intent on settling here. As she puts it, "once you get sand in your shoes, that’s it!" With the support of her partner Joanne, a paralegal, Jo began her hunt for the perfect new career. Her efforts were rewarded last year when she and Joanne got the opportunity to run a bait and tackle shop at Fisherman’s Wharf in Lewes. Their experience running that operation lead them to successfully compete for the opportunity to run the bait and tackle concession at the Cape Henlopen fishing pier.

Both Jo and Joanne have taken on their new challenge with great enthusiasm. With renovations recently completed, "Hook, Line & Sinker" is now open for business and anxious for a busy season. To lure customers to the Center, a number of new services are being offered including kayak rentals. For those curious to explore the waters of the Delaware Bay, kayaks are rented daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You must be 18 years or older, but 16 to 17 year olds are permitted with a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Rates vary from $15 per hour to $55 for a full day. Guided "Eco-Tours" are also available. These 3-hour kayak excursions are the perfect way to learn about the bayside environment. If kayaking isn’t your "thing", why not try fishing? Free educational seminars will be given every Sunday at 10 a.m. Seminars will last an hour and cover numerous topics including tying hooks and cleaning reels. It’s a great way to learn from experienced saltwater fishermen! Once you’ve got the skills, why not participate in one of the upcoming fishing pier tournaments? The upcoming schedule includes:

• Ladies, June 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Youth, July 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Seniors, Aug 13, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information about "Hook, Line & Sinker" and the services they offer call 302-644-BAY1.

Cape Henlopen Updates 
Construction has started on the long-anticipated Junction and Breakwater Trail. Located on the west side of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, the trail will eventually serve as a pedestrian and bicycle connector between the two resort communities. This first phase of construction will create the middle section of the trail which goes between Wolfe Neck Road and Holland Glade Road. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in autumn 2003. Future phases of the project will make the connections to Lewes and Rehoboth.

Visitors to Herring Point will notice work being done around the historic World War II transmitter building. The project includes removal of a modern addition and stabilization of the historic structure. Debris and old fencing will be removed from the site in anticipation of future redesign of the area for improved public access.

Piping Plovers are again nesting in the dunes of Cape Henlopen. This shorebird species is designated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species. Currently, two nests are located north of the Gordons Pond parking area and an additional nest is found on the Point of the Cape. These critical nesting areas are closed off to all pedestrians, vehicles and pets. Each of the nests has a complete clutch of four eggs. Typically, eggs hatch in 25 to 30 days. It normally takes an additional 25 to 30 days before chicks are able to fly. The odds are stacked against the survival of the chicks with numerous predators and the challenges of the coastal environment. Let’s all do our best to help this imperiled species. Please do not enter closed nesting areas.

For more information about upcoming programs and activities, check out our website at www.destateparks.com. 

Nature’s Best Bets
If you are looking for fun summer activities, there are a number of weekly "best bets" at the Cape Henlopen Nature Center. These weekly programs run from June 16 through September 1. For more information, call 302-645-6852.

Seining Programs • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.

Investigate the diversity of life in the shallows of the Delaware Bay using a 30-foot net. This interactive program will introduce you to the unique and valuable organisms that inhabit our marine waters. Participants are encouraged to get in the water and pull the nets, so you must wear closed-toe shoes at all times during the program. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. on the day of the program. Maximum of six tickets per person. Program is limited to 30 participants. $3 per person.