Center for the Inland Bays reforests Angola Neck

Volunteers and scientists from the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays are working to reforest 40 acres of farm fields on the Perry Tract at the Angola Neck Preserve at the mouth of Love Creek.

The first phase of the project began in December, with center members aiming to plant 4,200 native trees on 5.6 acres.

The project site, where trees such as native shortleaf pine, willow oak, southern red oak, persimmon, American plum, northern bayberry and viburnum will grow, is close to tidal wetlands, open water and streams.

As the project continues, a forested corridor from Love Creak to other inland wetland areas will be created. In addition to flora planted in the first-phase, a mixture of hardwoods such as oak and hickories will benefit neotropical migratory songbirds – such as the Eastern towhee and yellow-breasted chat – that arrive in the area each spring.

Another goal of the project is reducing pollution; the reforesting projects will specifically target nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the Inland Bays and tributaries, including Love Creek.

Sally Boswell, center outreach coordinator, estimates that when the project is complete, it will prevent 640 pounds of nitrogen and 16 pounds of phosphorus from entering the bays each year.

Project partners include the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation and Ducks Unlimited. Funding is provided through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants.

For more information about the Center, visit www.inlandbays.org.