Contact: Tim Kaden, Land Preservation Section, phone: (302) 739-9235
or Ron Vickers, Land Preservation Section, phone: (302) 739-9235

Laurel Property Owner Donates Land for James Branch Nature Preserve

The state Division of Parks and Recreation has received a gift of 9.4 acres of forested wetlands on Trussum Pond Road near Laurel. The tract was donated by Calvin V. Keller, who bought it when he moved to Delaware from Tennessee in 1988. He, his daughter and her family will continue to reside on a portion of the property.

“It’s an ideal place to live,” says Mr. Keller. “It’s nice and quiet and we see lots of wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, you name it. I told my wife back when we first moved here that I wanted to make sure the property was always protected for the sake of the wildlife. Now I don’t have to worry about it ever being developed.”

The property, which has been added to Trap Pond State Park’s James Branch Nature Preserve, is dominated by baldcypress trees and other wetland hardwoods. In addition, a number of rare and endangered plants, such as seaside alder and southern twayblade orchids, have been documented in the area by the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage Program.

"We are very pleased to receive Mr. Keller’s generous gift to Trap Pond State Park,” said Division Director Charles A. Salkin. “We are always happy to add to the mosaic of Delaware's protected lands. Every piece means more high-quality open space and natural diversity for future generations.”

 

-30-

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page