Learn to ID and grow native plants of the White Clay!
Seasonal Local Plant Viewing Program
Observe and identify local growing plants. Find out how you can increase plant diversity by identifying and controlling the invasive ones. Be prepared to walk outdoors on uneven ground. Attend 1, 2, 3, or all 4 sessions. Meet at the White Clay Creek Preserve Park Office (400 Sharpless Rd, Landenberg, PA 19350). Then we will drive to a nearby home site. (Participants will receive a color photo list of the most common native and non-native local plants. Printed copies will be limited, but unlimited number by email attachment.)
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Spring - Saturday, 04/26/2014 @ 1 to 3 PM (rain date: next day, same time)
These plants need nutrient-rich soils, such as those found in woodlands. We'll hope to see as many as possible of these "Ephemeral" (lasting for only a very short time) plants that grow, bloom, are pollinated, and produce seed ...all within less than 8 weeks. They utilize the intense spring sunlight that comes through a woodland before taller plant life, such as trees and shrubs leaf out and block the light. [photo: Forb / Bloodroot]
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Summer - Saturday, 07/26/2014 @ 1 to 3 PM (rain date: next day, same time)
"Summer solstice" (the days that have the longest light of the year) is caused by the earth’s tilted rotation in respect to the sun. In our plant zone, this season is characterized by high temperatures and humidity, yet life sustaining precipitation. Shaded plants are less harmed by the heat, but most flowers need direct sunlight in order to bloom. [photo: Fern / Maidenhair]
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Autumn - Saturday, 10/25/2014 @ 1 to 3 PM (rain date: next day, same time)
Shorter daylight causes waning "photosynthesis" (plants making their own food by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and glucose). When the greens fade; some leaves show their red, orange, or yellow hues. Brown colors are caused by wastes left in leaves. Fall foliage can be surprisingly beautiful. [photo: Shrub / Staghorn Sumac]
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Winter - Saturday, 01/24/2015 @ 1 to 3 PM (THIS IS ON FOR TODAY: PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO RAIN DATE)
This season is when the sun is lowest in the sky and the daylight is the shortest. Although there is less plant growth to see, even this coldest season of the year has special attributes. Most "deciduous" plants have dropped all of their leaves, except the Beech. "Evergreen" plant leaves have waxy coatings or needle-like forms that can withstand the cold. Now we can see deepest into the forests, for a totally different perspective. Especially, that the views are now least obstructed by highly invasive plants like "Multiflora Rose" and "Autumn Olive" shrubs. [photo: Tree / Tuliptree AKA: Tulip Poplar]
Click here for printable flyer: Seasonal Local Plants Program
6th Annual White Clay Creek Fest!
Newark, DE- White Clay Wild and Scenic Program in partnership with Delaware State Parks, United Water, Friends of the White Clay Creek Park, and other local organizations are pleased to announce the sixth annual White Clay Creek Fest scheduled for May 3 (rain date: May 4th) from 12 to 4 p.m. at Carpenter Recreation Area, White Clay Creek State Park, just minutes away from UD north campus. Creek Fest celebrates the many ways to enjoy and protect the White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River.
Visitors are encouraged to come early for a 10:15 a.m. pre-Fest hike lead by the Pennsylvania Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve. Hikers will trek down to the main stem of the White Clay and have the opportunity to look for and learn about stream life with a Stroud Water Research Center Educator, so wear old sneakers or bring a pair of boots along. There will be a shuttle available to take hikers back up to Creek Fest, or you can hike back up with a guide.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy live music by Almost Fab and be amazed at the power and precision of the Free-Flight Bird Encounter by Animal Behavior and Conservation Connections. Falafels from Newark’s Home Grown Café, pizza from Wood Fired Pizza, finger foods from Midnight Munchies Food Truck, and ice cream by UDairy Creamery are sure to satisfy. Local artists, including jewelry makers and writers, will be present selling their goods, and rain barrels will be available for purchase from Camels Hump Rain Barrels. Creek Fest has fun and educational activities for children of all ages, including an opportunity to start your very own Watershed Passport! Fly tying, gardening tips, environmental discussions and much more are part of this exciting day!
This is a free event; however, park entrance fees are in effect. More information about White Clay Creek State Park is available by calling the Chambers House Nature Center at (302) 368-6560, the White Clay Creek Park Office at (302) 368-6900, or by visiting destateparks.com.