Floating Dock unveiled in McCabe Nature Preserve
Members of The Nature Conservancy, Milton residents, contributors and fellow environmentalists gathered recently at the McCabe Preserve for the official ribbon cutting of their new floating dock located on the Broadkill River.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was to celebrate the efforts of many sponsors such as: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, the Fair Play Foundation, the Marmot Foundation, Delaware Community Foundation and the town of Milton along with its residents.
The new publicly accessible dock is located about two miles downstream from the town of Milton via the Milton McCabe Preserve Greenway Trail, close to the center of Milton. Canoers or kayakers can now make a pit stop in the McCabe Preserve to explore the 143 acres of environmental beauty that the preserve boasts, and indulge in the three-mile trail that is located on the premises.
“This land was generously donated to The Nature Conservancy 25 years ago by Constance P. McCabe as a memorial to her late husband and grandson; all with the goal to keep the property in it’s natural state. We have always stayed true to those wishes, and have since undertaken many new projects that would aid in the health of the land and the continued growth of visitors to this area given the public and free access we offer,” said Director of Conservation Programs for The Nature Conservancy Sarah Cooksey.
“We are here today to celebrate another addition to this beautiful property. None of this would be possible without the help of the community and sponsors. Some notable achievements include our Milton-McCabe Trail which was established in 1998, a kiosk in our parking area in 2016, natural bog bridges on our trails to maintain the health of the plentiful plants and animals and many more. Today ends a journey that began in March of this year to build an accessible floating dock to draw more people to enjoying the natural beauty that we are surrounded by as I speak to you today,” she added.
The Nature Conservancy has worked tirelessly to take action against natural and artificial threats by dedicating their time and efforts to maintain this land and promote a conservationist point of view toward the endless natural lands that Delaware has to offer. Their efforts have seen positive results by improving migratory and natural habitats for birds, animals and plants; while buffering sensitive wetlands from runoff, thus improving the land as a whole.
“It is important for the public to have free access to one of the few access points of this nature to experience a serene, scenic, quiet and relaxing natural landscape with a little bit of everything. Throughout the year we see so many changes, whether it be the different blooms of flowers or migratory paths of particular birds and other animals; and we always want to be able to share this with others,” saidd Cooksey before gathering all in attendance on the docks for the ribbon cutting.
Sarah was joined by Milton Chamber of Commerce Director Terri Fox, Dogfish Head Beer & Benevolence Director Mark Carter, various dignitaries, community members and The Nature Conservancy team for the official cutting of the ribbon on the large floating dock located on the Broadkill.
The Nature Conservancy is in the process of planning more projects at both the McCabe Preserve and Ponder’s Tract at the Pemberton Forest Nature Preserve to enhance the experience of guests as well as working towards preserving and maintaining the natural beauty for all who visit or inhabit the area. They are hoping to restore the McCabe House on the property and add offices as well as a Nature Center in the future as part of their mission to share knowledge and experiences.
The Nature Conservancy is always looking for volunteers and people who are interested in nature. For more information on the new floating dock as well as both preserves in Delaware, visit www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/delaware/index.htm.
