April 2004 Friends of White Clay Creek State Park Newsletter

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FWCCSP RECORDNewsletter of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

Friends of White Clay Creek State ParkP.O. Box 9734Newark, DE 19714-9734www.whiteclayfriends.org

Volume 7, No.1 April 2004White Clay Bird Walk Scheduled for May 2

On Sunday, May 2, come to White Clay Creek State Park, one of Delaware's top birdinglocations, to see newly arrived spring migrants in their beautiful breeding plumage. Beginning at7:30 am, at the Chambers House Nature Center on Creek Road north of Hopkins Road, there willbe a guided bird walk led by Jeff Gordon, a professional bird guide.A joint program of the Friends and the Division, the walk is suitable for birders at allexperience levels and is especially good for beginners. This is the fifth year we have done thisprogram, and it is always a huge success. Jeff does an outstanding job of helping people see andlearn about birds during these walks.

The event is free and open to everyone, just bring binoculars. For further information or toreserve a pair ofloaner binoculars, call (302) 368-6900.Story of the Pomeroy and Newark Railroad Highlights Annual Membership Meeting

Debbie Paruszewski Keese, former manager of the park's nature center, presented anexcellent and well illustrated talk, "Tracking the Pumpsie Doodle," to 76 members and guests at theannual meeting of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park on March 24 at the Newark Library.Her fascinating story of the old Pomeroy and Newark Railroad that ran through the White ClayValley from 1873 until the late 1930s is the result of her several years of research, including somerecently found photographs and postcards of the train and some of the stations it served. You canread two of Debbie's installments on the railroad in the November 2002 and May 2003 newslettersavailable on the Friends website.

In a brief business meeting officers for the coming year were elected by unanimous vote ofthe members present: President, Andy Urquhart; Vice President, Marilyn Sweeney; Secretary, DickBenson, and Treasurer, Ken Daws. President Urquhart expressed appreciation to outgoingProjects Coordinator Tom Hallenbeck and outgoing Vice-President Christa Stefanisko for theirmany contributions to the organization during their years of leadership. He introduced Jim Ries asthe new Projects Coordinator and recognized other Friends' leaders Lisa Wool, Membership Chair,and Wendel Cassel, leader of the Trail Improvement Project.

Park Superintendent Nick McFadden recognized two Friends members who werenominated for this year's volunteer award from the Parks Division: Tom Hallenbeck (2002awardee) and Bill Walsh. Mr. McFadden also expressed appreciation to the Friends organization


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for the many ways they suppor t the park. Also, Chris Bennett from the Parks Division brieflydescribed the Wildlife Management ProgramHistorical Society Meeting to Present White Clay History

On Wednesday, May 19, the Newark Historical Society will hold a dinner meeting that willinclude a presentation by Bob Thomas on the subject "Strolling the White Clay Creek," a review ofhistorical fanning and industrial activities along the creek from Red Mill Road to aboveLandenberg. Some pictures will be shown that are on loan from a private collection and areotherwise unavailable to the public.

The meeting will be held at the Newark Country Club and will start wi th a social hour at6:00 pm, followed by a buffet dinner at 7:00 pm and the presentation at about 8:00 pm. The cost is$22.00 per person. Reservations and checks should be sent to the Newark Historical Society, P.O.Box 711, Newark, DE 19715 and should be received no later than May 14. For further informationcall the society at (302) 737-0643.New Bluebird Boxes Installed in the Park

Visitors to several trails throughout White Clay Creek State Park may notice new bluebirdnest boxes. In 2003, as part of his Eagle Scout project, Jonathan Gorzynski donated 20 boxes tothe park. During the winter months volunteers placed five boxes on the grounds of Judge MorrisEstate, five along David English Trail, and four on the Nine Foot Road. In the CarpenterRecreational Area, volunteers relocated some boxes and replaced other boxes that had become toobadly damaged to repair. Currently, there are 23 boxes in the Carpenter area.During 2003 a group of volunteers monitored bluebird boxes in the Carpenter area. Theseobservers reported that the boxes were homes to chickadees, wrens, tree swallows, as well asbluebirds. This year the monitors will observe the new houses in addition to those in Carpenter.The monitors not only identifY the species of bird that is using the house to raise their brood, butthey also monitor the number of eggs and nestlings, the health of the nestlings, and the location andconfiguration of the nest boxes. The information gathered by the volunteers will be compiled at theend of the season and then forwarded to the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Thedata from White Clay Creek State Park will be included in the national compilation to assist in thelong-term study of trends in bird population, the impact of human activities on bird populations,and will assist in making conservation decisions.

Volunteers may participate in this program in various ways. Ifinterested, contact MarilynSweeney at [email protected] or 235-2548.Spring Tree Planting a Success

We enjoyed another successful tree planting in late March. Lots of volunteer effort wentinto the preparation-planning, publicity, coordinating resources and materials, laying out the field,getting holes dug, receiving the trees, and positioning them for planting. On planting day, March27, nearly 50 volunteers from the Friends and the community arrived to help. The final planting,mulching, fertilizing, watering, and installation of tree wrap for 100 trees were completed in justover two hours, an outstanding result.

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These trees and the trees planted in 2003 are evident to park visitors as they walk along thecreek. Visitors to the nature center can look across the creek and see our recently planted trees inthe adjacent field. In time, these trees will grow and the understory will fill in, providing a stablebuffer for the creek. Visitors hiking the trail between the nature center and Chambers Rock Roadalso see our handiwork as they traverse the field where we planted last spring. The plantings are avisible legacy of the Friends organization and all who participated in these events. Thanks to all foryour support of our reforestation projects through your membership and/or active participation.Member-Led Hike Draws Large Turnout

On March 21, a hike led by Mike Ott along the route of the 18th century Mason Dixonsurvey drew 20 participants. This is a very large turnout for such an event, a testament to Mike'sleadership skills and strong community interest in local history. The park is home to the famousPost Mark'd West, where Mason and Dixon began their line to the west that became the boundarybetween Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as the effective boundary between the North and theSouth. The hike was a joint program between the Friends and the park, one of a series that formspart of the park's official programs. On April 21, Mike also led a hike to look at trail constructionprinciples by examining problems with the current Cart Road Trail and how these problems arebeing corrected in the extension of the Boundary Line Trail, which is being constructed as areplacement for Cart Road.

Future events include Jeff Gordon's bird walk on May 2 (see above) and an entomologyprogram, "Insects, What Are They Good For?," led by Carolyn D'Amico on May 16. Carolyn'sprogram will examine insects' lesser known contributions to such fields as forensics, genetics,research, and diet. Come on out and enjoy these special programs!Friends Volunteers Receive Recognition in Division Program

This year our most active volunteers will be receiving awards from the volunteerrecognition program of the Division of Parks and Recreation. The first awards are about to begiven out, recognizing volunteer participation during the period September 1,2002, to August 31,2003. The awards are very impressive, with examples ranging from coffee mugs or tote bags forvolunteers with 10 - 25 hours on up to free annual park passes plus windbreakers or duffel bags forvolunteers with more than 100 hours. We thank the Division for providing these awards for ourvolunteers.Work on Extension of the Boundary Line Trail Progresses

We have made good progress on the extension of the Boundary Line Trail between CornerKetch Road and Thompson Station Road. The new, mile-long trail section is approximately 50%complete, the result of more than 280 hours of effort by 21 volunteers. This trail will bypass theCart Road Trail, which has become badly eroded, and will connect to the 0.8 mile section of theBoundary Line Trail that was completed last spring.

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We are currently working Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings and hope to completethe trail by early summer. Contact Wendel Cassel, (302) 737-3319, i f you are interested in helpingout on any of these days and are not already on his communication list.Park Superintendent's Corner (Nick McFadden)

It looks like spring has finally arrived in Delaware. How do I know? The weather most daysis cold and wet. The flowers are trying to survive late March snow storms and frost. Birders withbinoculars are appearing, and the creek is filled with fishermen. That's springtime in the WhiteClay Valley.

For the park staff spring means grass to mow, bathrooms to clean, more litter and trash topick up (unfortunately), and rangers on foot patrol along the creek banks. Angel, our parknaturalist, has some great programs lined up-hawk counts, morning birding, junior naturalistssessions, and teas at Judge Morris.

Speaking of Judge Morris, we will interviewing candidates for the permanent park tech(Conservationist II) position that's been vacant for almost two years. We've been using seasonaland contractual help to maintain the house and grounds. Filling the position will actually save usmoney because it's a General Fund (money comes from Legislature) position, not Special Fund(money from park revenues).

Renovations to bring the Judge Morris house up to the standards of the Americans withDisabilities Act began earlier this year. A handicapped-accessible bathroom is being constructed inthe room off the kitchen, and the walkway leading to the north entrance will be rebuilt with newbricks. Work should be completed by the end ofMay.

The Parks Division will be developing rates and policies for the use of the house andgrounds by private individuals and groups.

Please remember we begin charging entrance fees May 1st. You can purchase your annualpermits at the park office from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, or on weekends in May atthe Carpenter Recreation Area fee booth. Annual passes are a great deal! Where else (but inDelaware State Parks) can you do so much for 20 bucks?!

Our new slogan is "We're saving a place for you."Friends Support Christina River Cleanup

This year more than a dozen volunteers participated in cleanups organized by the Friends aspart of the Christina River Cleanup. Nine volunteers completely cleared an old trash dump at theJudge Morris tract, removing an estimated two tons of trash. We thank State Representative PamMaier, a member of the Friends, for arranging for state funding to cover the cost of disposing of thetrash at the landfill.

In addition, four volunteers cleaned up two sections along the creek itself. It is encouragingthat the creek area seems to be getting gradually better, a result of several years of these cleanupprograms.Volunteers Needed for Seasonal Activities

Two seasonal volunteer projects will be starting soon. I f you have interest in participating ineither of these activities, please contact Tom Hallenbeck at [email protected] or (610) 274-1345.

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Weekend Staffmg at the Chambers House Nature Center. We will be staffing the naturecenter again this year from May through October. The main tasks are to provideinformation to park visitors and to perform other chores around the center. The timecommitment is only a few hours on one Saturday or Sunday each month.

Water Ice Sales at Wednesday Night Concerts. Concert season at the Carpenter RecreationArea kicks off on June 16 and runs to mid-August. The Friends will be part of the sceneagain with water ice sales each Wednesday. Let Tom know if you'd like to spend a pleasantevening or two providing cool refreshment to concert attendees and helping the Friendshelp the park through the proceeds.Park Seeks Summer Employees

The park is looking to fill two seasonal park tech positions. The employment period isMemorial Day through Labor Day. The work involves grounds and building maintenance-grassmowing, trail maintenance, bathroom cleaning, litter and trash pick up, painting, etc. The pay is$7.00/hr, and some weekend work is required. Interested persons should contact ParkSuperintendent Nick McFadden at (302) 368-6900.Membership Support Appreciated-Keep Renewals Coming!

Thank you to all of our new and renewing members for their support of the Friends ofWhite Clay Creek State Park. We are now over 400 members strong! There are still somemembers who need to renew, so please send in your dues and help us to improve and preserve thepark. Memberships are $15 for families, $10 for individuals, and $5 for students. Please sendchecks payable to Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, P.O. Box 9734, Newark, DE19714-9734.Ideas Sought for New Projects

We are always looking for new ways to preserve or enhance the park. Anyone with an ideafor a project or activity should feel free to contact one of the executive committee members listedbelow. Be assured that merely suggesting a project will not require you to become its leader,although our ability to do a project will depend on our finding a leader for it. The important thingis to have a flow of new ideas for the organization.Volunteers Needed for Newark Storm Drain Marking Project

The City of Newark is conducting a Storm Drain Marking Project on May 15, 2004, toeducate people about preventing pollution from storm water runoff and to improve the quality oflocal creeks and tributaries. Volunteers will be organized into teams to assist in marking stormdrains with special medallions that read ''No Dumping, Drains to Creek." Each team of three tofive people will receive a kit containing 12 medallions that can be glued down easily in an hour."This is a great opportunity for residents, community service organizations, collegestudents, and others to help spread the message in Newark that there should be only rain in the

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storm drains," said Kelley Dinsmore of the Newark Public Works Department. Individuals orgroups interested in participating should contact Kelley at (302) 366-7040 before May 15.Calendar

May 2 Migratory Bird WalkMay 10 Executive Committee MeetingMay 15 Trail WorkJune 5 Trail Work - National Trails DayJune 14 Executive Committee and Advisory Board MeetingsJuly 10 Trail WorkAugust 9 Executive Committee MeetingAugust 21 Trail WorkSeptember 13 Executive Committee MeetingSeptember 19 Newark Community Day DisplaySeptember 26 Trail WorkOctober 11 Executive Committee MeetingOctober 17 Trail WorkNovember 7 Trail WorkNovember 8 Executive Committee MeetingDecember 5 Trail WorkDecember 13 Executive Committee Meeting

Projects and Project LeadersAdopt-a-Highway: Dee and Dick Benson, 410-398-4180Adopt-a-TraiJ: Mike Ott, 738-6652Advocacy: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471Birders Guide: Mark Keese, 369-9128, and Gene Hess, 738-4690Bluebird Boxes: Meta Little, 368-3472, and Marilyn Sweeney, 235-2548Kestrel Boxes: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471Historical Booklet: Debbie Keese, 369-9128Light Construction: Chip Caverly, 292-0255Member-led Park Programs: Angel Rosauri. 368-6560Nature Center Staffing: Tom Hallenbeck, 610-274-1345Newark Community Day: Ken Daws, 737-8120Reforestation: Al Zverina, 239-5046, and Christa Stefanisko, 369-1933Trail Benches: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471Trail Improvement Work: Wendel Cassel, 737-3319Water Ice Sales: Tom Hallenbeck, 610-274-1345Wayside Historical Markers: Wendel CasselWebsite: Rick Hall, 831-1295Wildlife Habitat Protection: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471

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Executive CommitteePresident: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471, [email protected]: Marilyn Sweeney, 235-2548, [email protected] and Newsletter Editor: Dick Benson, 410-398-4180, [email protected]: Ken Daws, 737-8120, [email protected] Cbair: Lisa Wool, 235-1873, [email protected] Committee Chair: Jim Ries, 239-1658, [email protected]

Membership ApplicationJoin us! If you are not already a member and would like to join, please return this form with yourcheck made payable to Friends of White Clay Creek State Park.

Name(s)AddressPhone E-mail~ - - - -

Annual Memberships__$10.00 Individual Membership__$15.00 Farnily Membership__$ 5.00 Student Membership__$__Extra Contribution$ Total Enclosed

Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, Inc.P.o. Box 9734, Newark, DE 19714-9734

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Documents

April 2004 Friends of White Clay Creek State Park Newsletter