CPRC and HDC SETAC would like to invite you and your guests to a relaxing Sunday stroll and tour of the Wilmington Wetlands.  Our goal would be to meet in Wilmington, DE on Sunday April 10, 2022 at 12:30 PM to attend an organized hike and tour of the Wilmington, DE Wetlands.  Once the tour is complete everyone is free to visit the nearby Environmental Center or tour various sights in the area.  We welcome all involved to meet afterwards for drinks and or dinner at a local restaurant.  Payment is on your own and you are free to leave as you like. 

2022 Joint CPRC/HDC SETAC Spring Meeting

Exciting Field Walk Opportunity!

CPRC and HDC are happy to  welcome Marian Young, President of BrightFields, Inc., for a unique opportunity that includes  an in-person tour of several locations in Wilmington, DE where BrightFields is performing environmental work to restore brownfield properties.

BrightFields is a woman-owned environmental consulting, evaluation, investigation, and remediation services firm. They focus on clean up and redevelopment of contaminated properties in our region.  Visit their website to learn more about the BrightFields organization.  https://www.brightfieldsinc.com/ 

If you have an interest in any of the following topics, this field walk is for you!

Who:                            Any attendees or guests of the CPRC/HDC SETAC 2022 Spring Meeting

This experience will be very beneficial for students and professionals with interest in Agriscience, Environmental Science, Engineering, and other Environmental topics. 

When:                          April 10, 2022  Walking Tour   Wilmington, DE           1 PM-4 PM

Where: Meet and park at the Delaware Humane Association, 701A Street, Wilmington, DE 

The Walking Tour will include visits to the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge and to the South Wilmington Wetlands Park which is not yet open to the public.  Driving directions to key points are available if you don’t want to walk. 

Click the links below for more information:

Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge                                      Christina Riverfront 

South Wilmington Wetland                                                                Christina River Bridge 

How:                            There is no cost to participate!!!

Please indicate your interest in the Sunday Tour during registration if you plan on attending. 

Important:              The tour on Sunday April 10th will include a lot of walking and will be held
                                    rain (unless it’s torrential) or shine.  Please come prepared with good
                                    walking shoes, sun screen, insect repellent, and rain gear, if necessary.

Bring snacks and water to keep up your energy. 

Bring your phone or DSLR camera and be ready to capture some great photos!

Questions please contact Don Nazario via email at nazariodon@gmail.com or mobile (717) 617-7076

• 1.      South Wilmington Wetland Boardwalk.   Parking and restrooms available at Delaware Humane Association (DHA) 701A Street, Wilmington, DE.
• 2.      Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge & the Dupont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) - 1400 Delmarva Lane, Wilmington, DE.
• 3.      Senator Margaret Rose Henry Bridge spans the Christina River.
• 4.      Christina Riverfront – various restaurants.

STEP 1 - Drive to Wilmington (Meet at the Delaware Humane Association).

12:30 pm – Meet and park at Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington DE.  This is on the Riverfront East side.  Restrooms available here.  DHA’s Executive Director Patrick Carroll and some of his staff may join us on our walk.

1:00 – 1:45 – South Wilmington Wetland Boardwalk.   

Learn about how the wetland functions for stormwater management, as fish and wildlife habitat, as a park, and as a transportation corridor.  

1:45 – 2:00 – Hop back in cars and drive to the Riverfront West side.

• ·       Turn right on A Street. 
• ·       Pass first traffic light on Walnut Street. 
• ·       Turn left at second traffic light onto Market Street. 
• ·       Turn right at second light on New Sweden Road and drive across Christina River Bridge.
• ·       Turn left on Delmarva Lane and follow it to the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge
   & the Dupont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) at 1400 Delmarva Lane.
• ·       Park and walk up the steps to the Riverwalk ramp.

2:30 – Elevated Riverwalk Ramp.

Look north toward Wilmington and see the developed Riverfront West on the left and the undeveloped Riverfront East on the right.  The Margaret Rose Henry Bridge over the Christina River links the two sides.  Construction on the East Riverfront utilities, roads and river walk will begin in 2022. 

2:45– 3:30 – Environmental Education Center

Look around the Nature Center, hear about nature education programming and wildlife. 

Walk on the boardwalk.  Walk to the Christina River Bridge and learn about its construction. 

4:00 pm – Tour Conclusion & Dinner and Drinks on your own

Restaurants in the West Riverfront include:  Ubon Thai Kitchen, Timothy’s Riverfront Grill, Drop Squad Kitchen (vegan), Big Fish Grill, Iron Hill Brewery, Del Pez Mexican Gastropub, Taco Grande, River Rock Café (in the Westin Hotel), Constitution Yards (beer garden & BBQ), Docklands Riverfront, Bank’s Seafood & the Riverfront Market (farm market and restaurant stalls – Tokyo Sushi, Jeenwong Thai & others just starting to come back from the pandemic).

If you get there early, DHA’s gate might be closed, so stand by. 

FYI, there’s lots of construction and barricades up on A Street.  Some properties are vacant.   All are brownfields.  It’s an area that needs some major redevelopment, and that will be coming soon.

The South Wilmington Wetland is across the street from DHA and behind the commercial strip that lines the street.