LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Out and About in Delaware's State Parks |
by Steven Schilly |
Delaware State Parks...for the birds! As I sat down to write this article, I found myself struggling with how to start. That always seems to be my challenge. I mean, I know what I want to say...or at least what the topic will be. It's just finding the right way to "kick" things off. My partner, Bob, trying to be helpful reminded me to be "more personal" and "less bureaucratic." Easy for him to say; after 12 years of practice, I am nothing if not a bureaucrat! But, I have to admit Bob is right (he's going to love seeing that in print), so I'll do my best to curb my natural tendencies. Bob and I are a real study in contrasts. He is the highly educated product of an urban environment. His interests are mainly in art, architecture, travel and the beach. I, on the other hand, am a staunch suburbanite with an intense love of the outdoors. While I enjoy the beach, my first love is the forest. Bob and I recently designed and built our first home together on a beautiful wooded lot near Rehoboth. It was a real struggle for Bob to come to terms with building in the woods. His preference would have been to buy a condo. He had an especially difficult time when I insisted on saving as many of the trees as possible on the lot. This was not the setting where he was going to feel most comfortable. In the end he agreed that the natural beauty of the woods should be preserved. He's even come to love the serenity of the woods. Of course, he has yet to venture into the "wilderness" of our back yard, preferring to look from the house and thereby avoid any of the creatures that might be lurking in the woods. So what does this have to do with State Parks? Well, actually there is a connection. You see, just as Bob has difficulty appreciating my love of the outdoors, he also has a tough time understanding my job with the park system. He recently introduced me to friends as "the guy who closes the beach each year for nesting birds." While I couldn't argue the statement, it was a bit of an oversimplification of what I do. Somehow, he knew that description would give his friends a frame of reference for understanding my work. The conversation that followed impressed on me what an impact that program has had on park visitors. It also pointed out to me that many people do not really understand why beaches, or any park area, would periodically be closed for environmental reasons. So what is the deal with the birds? In Delaware there are a number of species that call our beaches "home." But, the primary species in question is the Piping Plover. It is a small, migratory shorebird that nests along sand dunes from North Carolina to Newfoundland. The birds actually make their nests in shallow depressions in the sand where they lay 3-4 camouflaged eggs. While it may seem these birds like to nest in areas where people recreate, in fact they are notoriously shy, and do not respond well to disturbances. A person getting within 200 feet of a nest is enough to cause a problem. Parent birds will get off the nest in an attempt to draw people or predators away from the vulnerable eggs. Being off the nest for a short period is enough to expose the eggs to extreme temperatures that can irreparably harm them. Many other factors contribute to the problems facing this species. Many natural predators exist including foxes, raccoons, skunks and other birds. "Unnatural" predators such as cats or dogs can pose equally serious problems. But the greatest impacts for the piping plovers relate to people. Development of coastal areas and hordes of sun worshippers have virtually taken every last bit of habitat away from the birds. The end result is this once plentiful species has been nearly wiped out. Their numbers have dwindled so low that the federal government has listed the species as "threatened"... one step above being considered "endangered." In Delaware, the only habitat left for these birds is on state park beaches. As recently as 2000, only 3 pairs of birds were identified in the state. Due to these circumstances, an aggressive effort was initiated in the 1990s to protect the birds. When nests are discovered, beaches are closed in the immediate vicinity to pedestrians and vehicles by fencing off the area with either snow fencing or PVC posts and twine. Signs are also posted to indicate the area is "closed to the public." Areas remain closed until eggs hatch and chicks can fly, generally 60 days or more. In recent years, the beaches most frequently closed for the plovers have been the Point of Cape Henlopen and locations around Gordons Pond. You might ask "why do you go to all this trouble for birds?" The truth is the Division offers protection to numerous rare species of plants, animals, and insects. Our mission as an agency is both to protect the natural resources entrusted to our care, as well as to allow appropriate public use of the resource. We do our best to balance both aspects of that mission. However, we recognize that it is the beauty and diversity of the natural environment that lures visitors to our parks in the first place. If we don't protect these resources now, we won't have them to enjoy in the future. So, I guess if you say "Delaware State Parks is for the birds"....you're right! We hope you will be "for the birds," too. Please respect the closed nesting areas. While it may be an inconvenience to you, it is a matter of survival for these helpless creatures. Natures Best Bets If you are looking for fun activities in May, some "best bets" at the Cape Henlopen Nature Center include: Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trip - Saturdays, May 4, 18 & 25 or Monday, May 27 @ 10 a.m. Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from the fishing pier around the Delaware Breakwater and Lewes Harbor. Participants will receive basic instruction before heading out for a two-hour trip. On the way the naturalist will discuss the cultural and natural history of the area. These trips are designed for beginners, but can be strenuous, depending on water and wind conditions. All equipment is provided. Bring plenty of water and be prepared to get wet! Limited to 10 participants. Pre-registration required. Must be 16 years or older. Fee is $25 per person. Mother's Nature Walk - Sunday, May 12 @ 1 p.m. Celebrate Mother's Day with a walk along a wooded trail in search of spring wildflowers. Mothers will receive a gift for the garden. Limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration required. For more information on Delaware State Parks, visit our website at www.destateparks.com. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, e-mail me at sschilly@state.de.us. Stephen Schilly is Park Operations Administrator of the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 04, May 3, 2002. |