NEWARK, DE — In a move celebrated by environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Governor John Carney and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced the expansion of White Clay Creek State Park. This significant addition of 275 acres not only enlarges the park by 7.5% but also marks a pivotal moment in Delaware’s ongoing efforts to preserve natural landscapes and wildlife habitats in New Castle County.
The expansion is unfolding in three phases, with the first 90-acre acquisition completed in September 2023. The next two phases, expected to add approximately 185 acres more, are scheduled for completion throughout 2024. This strategic growth of the park is backed by a notable $26 million investment from several sources, including the state’s Open Space Program, contributions from the Mt. Cuba Center and The Conservation Fund, and a grant from the Acres for America Program.
Governor Carney emphasized that Delaware’s state parks, renowned for their natural beauty and recreational offerings, play a crucial role in attracting residents to the state. He highlighted the collective responsibility to safeguard these spaces for future generations, thanking the DNREC and partnering organizations for their roles in securing the land through the Open Space program.
The acquisitions are a key component of the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan, which prioritizes maintaining the park’s natural state and enhancing its nearly 40-mile trail system. This initiative reflects Delaware’s commitment to conserving its natural resources and providing public access to green spaces, especially in densely populated areas.
DNREC Secretary Garvin pointed out the rarity of such an opportunity in New Castle County, emphasizing the high-quality habitat the newly acquired land provides. It connects seamlessly with existing parkland, bolstering areas available for public recreation and ensuring continued environmental stewardship by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation.
These new parcels of land are expected to attract rare species to northern Delaware, including the Northern Parula warbler, Northern Harrier hawk, Bridle shiner minnow, Longtail salamanders, and the federally endangered Northern Long-Eared Bat. The preservation efforts also extend to the White Clay Creek Watershed, a designated part of the National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic Rivers System, further protecting water quality and supporting diverse ecosystems ranging from wooded uplands and freshwater wetlands to open meadows and steep stream valleys.
This expansion underscores the importance of proactive environmental conservation efforts and the benefits they bring to both wildlife and people. By increasing green spaces and enhancing habitats, Delaware ensures that White Clay Creek State Park remains a cherished resource for outdoor recreation, education, and biodiversity for years to come.
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