FWCCSP RECORD

Newsletter of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

P.O. Box 9734

Newark, DE 19714-9734

www.whiteclayfriends.org

Volume 7, No.1 April 2004

White Clay Bird Walk Scheduled for May 2

On Sunday, May 2, come to White Clay Creek State Park, one of Delaware's top birding
locations, to see newly arrived spring migrants in their beautiful breeding plumage. Beginning at
7:30 am, at the Chambers House Nature Center on Creek Road north of Hopkins Road, there will
be 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 all
experience levels and is especially good for beginners. This is the fifth year we have done this
program, and it is always a huge success. Jeff does an outstanding job of helping people see and
learn about birds during these walks.
The event is free and open to everyone, just bring binoculars. For further information or to
reserve 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 an
excellent and well illustrated talk, "Tracking the Pumpsie Doodle," to 76 members and guests at the
annual 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 Clay
Valley from 1873 until the late 1930s is the result of her several years of research, including some
recently found photographs and postcards of the train and some of the stations it served. You can
read two of Debbie's installments on the railroad in the November 2002 and May 2003 newsletters
available on the Friends website.
In a brief business meeting officers for the coming year were elected by unanimous vote of
the members present: President, Andy Urquhart; Vice President, Marilyn Sweeney; Secretary, Dick
Benson, and Treasurer, Ken Daws. President Urquhart expressed appreciation to outgoing
Projects Coordinator Tom Hallenbeck and outgoing Vice-President Christa Stefanisko for their
many contributions to the organization during their years of leadership. He introduced Jim Ries as
the 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 were
nominated for this year's volunteer award from the Parks Division: Tom Hallenbeck (2002
awardee) and Bill Walsh. Mr. McFadden also expressed appreciation to the Friends organization
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for the many ways they support the park. Also, Chris Bennett from the Parks Division briefly
described the Wildlife Management Program

Historical Society Meeting to Present White Clay History

On Wednesday, May 19, the Newark Historical Society will hold a dinner meeting that will
include a presentation by Bob Thomas on the subject "Strolling the White Clay Creek," a review of
historical fanning and industrial activities along the creek from Red Mill Road to above
Landenberg. Some pictures will be shown that are on loan from a private collection and are
otherwise unavailable to the public.
The meeting will be held at the Newark Country Club and will start with a social hour at
6:00 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 information
call 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 bluebird
nest boxes. In 2003, as part of his Eagle Scout project, Jonathan Gorzynski donated 20 boxes to
the park. During the winter months volunteers placed five boxes on the grounds of Judge Morris
Estate, five along David English Trail, and four on the Nine Foot Road. In the Carpenter
Recreational Area, volunteers relocated some boxes and replaced other boxes that had become too
badly 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. These
observers reported that the boxes were homes to chickadees, wrens, tree swallows, as well as
bluebirds. 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, but
they also monitor the number of eggs and nestlings, the health of the nestlings, and the location and
configuration of the nest boxes. The information gathered by the volunteers will be compiled at the
end of the season and then forwarded to the Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. The
data from White Clay Creek State Park will be included in the national compilation to assist in the
long-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 Marilyn
Sweeney at iipurrtycatz@aol.com or 235-2548.

Spring Tree Planting a Success

We enjoyed another successful tree planting in late March. Lots of volunteer effort went
into 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, March
27, 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 just
over 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 the
creek. Visitors to the nature center can look across the creek and see our recently planted trees in
the adjacent field. In time, these trees will grow and the understory will fill in, providing a stable
buffer for the creek. Visitors hiking the trail between the nature center and Chambers Rock Road
also see our handiwork as they traverse the field where we planted last spring. The plantings are a
visible legacy of the Friends organization and all who participated in these events. Thanks to all for
your 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 Dixon
survey drew 20 participants. This is a very large turnout for such an event, a testament to Mike's
leadership skills and strong community interest in local history. The park is home to the famous
Post Mark'd West, where Mason and Dixon began their line to the west that became the boundary
between Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as the effective boundary between the North and the
South.
The hike was a joint program between the Friends and the park, one of a series that forms
part of the park's official programs. On April 21, Mike also led a hike to look at trail construction
principles by examining problems with the current Cart Road Trail and how these problems are
being corrected in the extension of the Boundary Line Trail, which is being constructed as a
replacement for Cart Road.
Future events include Jeff Gordon's bird walk on May 2 (see above) and an entomology
program, "Insects, What Are They Good For?," led by Carolyn D'Amico on May 16. Carolyn's
program 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 volunteer
recognition program of the Division of Parks and Recreation. The first awards are about to be
given 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 for
volunteers with 10 - 25 hours on up to free annual park passes plus windbreakers or duffel bags for
volunteers with more than 100 hours. We thank the Division for providing these awards for our
volunteers.

Work on Extension of the Boundary Line Trail Progresses

We have made good progress on the extension of the Boundary Line Trail between Corner
Ketch 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 the
Cart Road Trail, which has become badly eroded, and will connect to the 0.8 mile section of the
Boundary Line Trail that was completed last spring.

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We are currently working Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings and hope to complete
the trail by early summer. Contact Wendel Cassel, (302) 737-3319, if you are interested in helping
out 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 days
is cold and wet. The flowers are trying to survive late March snow storms and frost. Birders with
binoculars are appearing, and the creek is filled with fishermen. That's springtime in the White
Clay Valley.
For the park staff spring means grass to mow, bathrooms to clean, more litter and trash to
pick up (unfortunately), and rangers on foot patrol along the creek banks. Angel, our park
naturalist, has some great programs lined up-hawk counts, morning birding, junior naturalists
sessions, 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 seasonal
and contractual help to maintain the house and grounds. Filling the position will actually save us
money 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 with
Disabilities Act began earlier this year. A handicapped-accessible bathroom is being constructed in
the room off the kitchen, and the walkway leading to the north entrance will be rebuilt with new
bricks. Work should be completed by the end of May.
The Parks Division will be developing rates and policies for the use of the house and
grounds by private individuals and groups.
Please remember we begin charging entrance fees May 1st. You can purchase your annual
permits at the park office from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, or on weekends in May at
the Carpenter Recreation Area fee booth. Annual passes are a great deal! Where else (but in
Delaware 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 as
part of the Christina River Cleanup. Nine volunteers completely cleared an old trash dump at the
Judge Morris tract, removing an estimated two tons of trash. We thank State Representative Pam
Maier, a member of the Friends, for arranging for state funding to cover the cost of disposing of the
trash at the landfill.
In addition, four volunteers cleaned up two sections along the creek itself. It is encouraging
that the creek area seems to be getting gradually better, a result of several years of these cleanup
programs.

Volunteers Needed for Seasonal Activities

Two seasonal volunteer projects will be starting soon. If you have interest in participating in
either of these activities, please contact Tom Hallenbeck at hallentj@msn.com or (610) 274-1345.
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Weekend Staffmg at the Chambers House Nature Center. We will be staffing the nature
center again this year from May through October. The main tasks are to provide
information to park visitors and to perform other chores around the center. The time
commitment is only a few hours on one Saturday or Sunday each month.

Water Ice Sales at Wednesday Night Concerts. Concert season at the Carpenter Recreation
Area kicks off on June 16 and runs to mid-August. The Friends will be part of the scene
again with water ice sales each Wednesday. Let Tom know if you'd like to spend a pleasant
evening or two providing cool refreshment to concert attendees and helping the Friends
help the park through the proceeds.

Park Seeks Summer Employees

The park is looking to fill two seasonal park tech positions. The employment period is
Memorial Day through Labor Day. The work involves grounds and building maintenance-grass
mowing, 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 Park
Superintendent 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 of
White Clay Creek State Park. We are now over 400 members strong! There are still some
members who need to renew, so please send in your dues and help us to improve and preserve the
park. Memberships are $15 for families, $10 for individuals, and $5 for students. Please send
checks payable to Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, P.O. Box 9734, Newark, DE
19714-9734.

Ideas Sought for New Projects

We are always looking for new ways to preserve or enhance the park. Anyone with an idea
for a project or activity should feel free to contact one of the executive committee members listed
below. 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 thing
is 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, to
educate people about preventing pollution from storm water runoff and to improve the quality of
local creeks and tributaries. Volunteers will be organized into teams to assist in marking storm
drains with special medallions that read ''No Dumping, Drains to Creek." Each team of three to
five 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, college
students, 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 or
groups interested in participating should contact Kelley at (302) 366-7040 before May 15.

Calendar

May 2 Migratory Bird Walk

May 10 Executive Committee Meeting
May 15 Trail Work
June 5 Trail Work - National Trails Day
June 14 Executive Committee and Advisory Board Meetings
July 10 Trail Work
August 9 Executive Committee Meeting
August 21 Trail Work
September 13 Executive Committee Meeting
September 19 Newark Community Day Display
September 26 Trail Work
October 11 Executive Committee Meeting
October 17 Trail Work
November 7 Trail Work
November 8 Executive Committee Meeting
December 5 Trail Work
December 13 Executive Committee Meeting

Projects and Project Leaders

Adopt-a-Highway: Dee and Dick Benson, 410-398-4180

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

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Executive Committee

President: Andy Urquhart, 239-2471, aurqu@aol.com

Vice-president: Marilyn Sweeney, 235-2548, iipurrtycatz@aol.com
Secretary and Newsletter Editor: Dick Benson, 410-398-4180, rbenson@dol.net
Treasurer: Ken Daws, 737-8120, wahkegan@hotmail.com
Membersbip Cbair: Lisa Wool, 235-1873, Iwool@delawareestuary.org
Projects Committee Chair: Jim Ries, 239-1658, dries@udel.edu

Membership Application

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

Name(s)
Address
Phone ~---- 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