Cape Henlopen trail days canceled, youth fishing event postponed

Due to the current state of emergency, coupled with guidance from the American Hiking Society, the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park has canceled its National Trail Day and postponed the Youth Fishing Tournament events.

National Trails Day, celebrated the first Saturday of June each year, encourages people to take action to preserve trails on public lands. In place of in-person gatherings, the American Hiking Society is hosting a virtual National Trails Day campaign. In addition, the Friends group hosts monthly Cape Henlopen Trail Days from 9 a.m. to noon, the second Saturday of each month at the nature center. The monthly gatherings, which will resume once it is safe to do so, allow for members of the public to help with trail and park maintenance.

The Youth Fishing Tournament, originally scheduled for Saturday, June 20, will be rescheduled for a date to be determined. The tournament is held annually at the CHSP Fishing Pier for youth ages 15 and younger to benefit the Friends’ volunteer work in the park. The state park fishing pier remains open to anglers, but park visitors must bring a face covering and maintain six feet of distance from people of other households.

“The safety of the public and our volunteers is important to us,” said Friends President John Bracco. “We hope to resume monthly Trail Days as soon as possible and look forward to next year’s National Trails Day.”

The mission of the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park is to assist the park in maintaining its trails, to encourage citizens of all ages to become involved in volunteerism in their communities, and to promote the stewardship of area natural resources.

For more information, go to www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.