Contact: Mark Del Vecchio, Delaware Coastal Programs, phone: (302) 739-3436
or Sarah Cooksey, Delaware Coastal Programs, phone: (302) 739-3451

Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve's Blackbird Creek Property Expands with Purchase of Additional 64 Acres

The Delaware Coastal Programs of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announces the acquisition of 85 acres located at 789 Blackbird Landing Road, and 62 acres located at 801 Blackbird Landing Road, both in Townsend, Del. by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve.

These properties will be included in the boundaries of the Blackbird component of the Reserve. They were purchased with funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce and State of Delaware. The Reserve received a $2.5 federal appropriation for land acquisition in October 2004. This appropriation was made possible through the hard work and support of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation, Senators Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Thomas R. Carper and Representative Michael N. Castle.

The Reserve’s mission is to preserve and manage its natural resources as a place for research and education and outreach programs that promote better understanding of Delaware’s estuarine and coastal areas, and to promote informed coastal decision-making.

“The acquisition of this acreage and another small parcel purchased in late 2003 means that 155 additional acres have been permanently protected along Blackbird Creek over the last 18 months,” said Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, “Not only will these purchases yield research and educational opportunities, the land will be managed for restoration and protection of native habitats.”

The Reserve will begin offering guided field trip opportunities as early as this spring. School districts in the area have long benefited from classroom visits by Reserve staff as well as field trips to the St. Jones component in Dover. The new Blackbird properties will allow for increased programming and services to local schools as well as decision-makers and researchers.

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve is a partnership between DNREC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. To learn more about the Reserve, visit the web site at: www.dnrec.state.de.us/DNREC2000/Divisions/Soil/DNERR/ or contact: Mark Del Vecchio, manager, (302) 739-3436, mark.delvecchio@state.de.us; Dave Carter, Delaware Coastal Programs, (302) 739-3451, david.carter@state.de.us; or Delaware Coastal Programs Administrator Sarah Cooksey, (302) 739-3451, sarah.cooksey@state.de.us
 

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