Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

The summer has certainly gotten off to a great start. The past few weeks have been filled with hot, sunny days…perfect weather for the beach. The season is still young and I already have a better tan than I had all last year…and I haven’t even been on the beach yet! As much as I love the ocean, my partner, Bob, and I have been too busy to hit the surf. With the summer racing by, I think we need to reshuffle our priorities. How can we live in Rehoboth and not make it to the beach?

Despite our hectic schedule, this summer has already proven to be very special for Bob and me. We’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of social events and gatherings. As much as I enjoy the activities, it is the chance to spend time with friends and to make new acquaintances that is most important to me. I have always believed it is the people that make Rehoboth such a wonderful place to live!

Cape Henlopen Update - Ordnance Survey

As a safety precaution, Cape Henlopen State Park is now limiting some activities along a half mile stretch of beach located near the Fort Miles section of the park where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing a $250,000 unexploded ordnance study. Park staff have posted signs prohibiting surf fishing vehicles, digging, metal detecting and sticking umbrellas or PVC poles used for surf fishing into the sand. This restricted area was used during World War II by the military for training in the use of hand-held rockets and other artillery. On June 10, Corps contractors doing preliminary fieldwork discovered four practice rockets on the site. While all the rockets were eventually determined to be harmless, the discovery prompted recommendations to limit public activity in the area. The Corps contractors anticipate conducting ordnance surveys in the park starting in mid-August. Based on their findings, the disposal or removal of unexploded ordnance may be necessary. Initial work on the project is expected to be completed by Oct. 1.

Park Survival Guide

Park fee season: Entrance fees are collected 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 an even more incredible bargain—just $20 for a Delaware-registered vehicle and $40 for an out-of-state vehicle! Park entrance fees are essential for the operation of the 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. In times of "tight" economies, these fees are essential to keeping our 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.

Pets on beaches: There has recently been a great deal of discussion concerning pets on beaches. The legislation recently signed into law by the Governor has redefined the issue as it relates to incorporated beach communities. For all other areas, including state park beaches, the pre-existing state law prohibiting pets on swimming or sunbathing beaches from May 1 through Sept. 30 remains in effect. The Division defines prohibited areas as designated swimming beaches, surfing and sail boarding areas. Pets are allowed in surf fishing areas but they must be on a leash not more than six feet in length. Pets are not permitted off the leash to allow them to run free on the beach or in the surf. Owners are required to clean up after their pets.

Lifeguards: The Division provides lifeguards at designated swimming beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These locations include the main bathhouse and Gordons Pond in Cape Henlopen State Park; Towers Ocean and the south-side of the Indian River Inlet in Delaware Seashore State Park; and the main bathhouse and state beach area at Fenwick Island State Park. Staffing shortages, typically at the start or end of the summer, may result in an area being "unguarded." Unfortunately, it is not possible for the Division to guard the entire coastline. Lifeguards post orange flags to indicate the area of beach they are guarding. For your protection, we strongly recommend you swim in these guarded areas.

Carry-in, Carry-out: This program was initiated in 1994 to help make our parks "trash free." Thanks to the cooperation of park visitors, it’s working! With no trashcans in the parks, logic might lead you to believe there would be more litter, but the fact is the state parks are actually much cleaner. Look for the trash bags that the Division provides at designated locations throughout the parks.

Bird Nesting Areas: Several species make their summer "homes" on Delaware’s beaches, nesting in the sand on or near the dune lines. Unfortunately, this is also where beachgoers want to recreate or sunbathe. For these birds, there is no other place they can go to establish their nests. In recent years, a number of these species have declined dramatically. As part of a recovery plan for the threatened piping plover, the Division closes sections of beach to pedestrians, beach vehicles, and pets when nests are discovered. This season, nests have been discovered north of Gordons Pond and on the Point of Cape Henlopen.

Indecent exposure: State law and state park rules and regulations prohibit indecent exposure any where at any time. Contrary to what you might read elsewhere, there are no "clothing optional" beaches in Delaware. This prohibition extends to other areas of the parks including parking lots and trails.

Nature’s Best Bets

If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to spend your spare time, check out the Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park. The Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A highlight of any visit is viewing the five 1000-gallon aquariums that feature different aquatic habitats. Here are other "best bets" at the Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park:

Seining the Bay • Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.
Join us as we investigate the diversity of life in the shallows of Delaware Bay using a 30-foot net. This interactive and hands-on 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 nets, so you must wear closed-toe shoes at all times during the program. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. the day of the program. Programs begins no later than 9:15 a.m. Maximum of six tickets per person. Limited to 30 participants. $3 per person.

Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trips • Wednesdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.
Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from the fishing pier around the Delaware Breakwater and Lewes Harbor. Participants will be lead by informative and experienced naturalists who will provide basic instruction before heading out for a two-hour paddling excursion. These trips are designed for beginner paddlers, but can be strenuous depending on wind and water conditions. All equipment is provided. Bring plenty of drinking water and be prepared to get wet. Limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration is required by calling the nature center. All paddlers must be 16 years or older. $25 per person.

For more information, call the Nature Center at 302-645-6852.