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Marvel Saltwater Preserve Overlook opens in Slaughter Beach

New boardwalk welcomes visitors to view saltmarsh
Gov. John Carney officiates the countdown for the ribbon cutting. Shown are (l-r) Carney, Randy Marvel, Harvey Marvel, Gary Simpson, Kate Marvel, Bryan Shupe and Anne Harper. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS
Deny Howeth
April 16, 2019

Dignitaries, residents, state officials, students and partners gathered for an April 12 ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Boardwalk and Observation Deck at the Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve on Delaware Bayshore Byway.

“Delaware Nature Society has held educational programs here at the Marvel Salt Marsh Preserve for many years,” said Ann Harper, executive director of the Delaware Nature Society. “Students walked on pallets out into the marsh. But, today, you can join us in enjoying this beautiful boardwalk that allows for education and observations, for learning and enjoyment of this great habitat.” 

The boardwalk and observation deck provide access to the Marvel Saltwater Preserve. In 1988, the Marvel family of Milford donated the 109-acre Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve to the Delaware Nature Society. The preserve is home to several wildlife species. The boardwalk and observation deck will enhance the environmental education programs hosted by the Delaware Nature Society. 

This project was made possible by a partnership among Delaware Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware Nature Society, and the Town of Slaughter Beach, with funding for design, engineering, and construction from several sources. 

"DelDOT is pleased to play a role in the creation of this beautiful overlook. It will encourage even more people to take advantage of the Delaware Bayshore Byway," said DelDOT Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski. "The six byways that DelDOT administers throughout Delaware attract visitors from throughout the region and enable our fellow Delawareans to explore and enjoy the history and landscapes all around us."

"With this new boardwalk in place, visitors will be able to experience the saltmarsh surrounding Slaughter Beach from a vantage point never before offered at the Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve," said Shawn Garvin, DNREC secretary. "Students visiting this unique outdoor classroom will have the opportunity for hands-on learning about our dynamic coastal marsh systems, the plants and animals they support, and the coastal bayshore communities like this one that depend on them."

Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, thanked all those involved, “Especially the Marvel family, who have done so much for our area for many years."

 

Gov. John Carney officiates the countdown for the ribbon cutting. Shown are (l-r) Carney, Randy Marvel, Harvey Marvel, Gary Simpson, Kate Marvel, Bryan Shupe and Anne Harper. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS
Anne Harper, executive director of Delaware Nature Society talks about the palettes students used to get out on the marsh and is proud of the now safe access the boardwalk allows.
Hundreds came to Slaughter Beach for the ribbon cutting.
Kate Marvel walks with a friend on the boardwalk after the ribbon cutting.
Brothers Harvey and Randy Marvel chat during the celebration.
The boardwalk is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and has an observation deck with viewing lenses pointed at the osprey nest to the left, and a lower boardwalk to a platform for teaching.
Two sets of viewing lenses are available to look at wildlife.
An attendee uses the viewing lenses to look at an osprey nest.
Sneaking a peek at the osprey nest before the ribbon cutting.
Cutting the ribbon are (l-r) Sen. Dave Wilson, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Gov. John Carney, Randy Marvel, Harvey Marvel, Kate Marvel, Anne Harper, Nicol Majewski, Sen, Shawn Garvin and Slaughter Mayor Harry Ward
Students from Milford High School toured the new structure with Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. She said this project acknowledges that we love our planet and our state.
“The Slaughter Beach Overlook creates an opportunity for our residents and visitors to enjoy nature and learn the important role it plays in our daily lives," said Rep. Bryan Shupe. "This unique resource enhances awareness of the ecosystems that are at play in our beautiful waterways and will strengthen preservation efforts in Southern Delaware."
“This is cool! Isn’t this cool?” Gov. John Carney said. "This scenic overlook is another wonderful amenity for our state and further enhances the experience visitors will have when visiting the Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve and the Delaware Bayshore Byway."
Former Sen. Gary Simpson and Rep. Harvey Kenton were instrumental in funding the using the Community Transportation Fund. “That money is usually used to fill potholes. This is a much better project than putting money into potholes,” he said.
Town of Slaughter Beach Mayor Harry Ward said, "The town is appreciative of all of the support from our state and federal partners along with the private partners who have contributed to this educational and entertainment opportunity for our community and the surrounding area. This boardwalk represents a core set of beliefs by this community, which is to live in harmony in our area, respect our surroundings and to educate our community on the importance of the natural habitat this marsh represents. Through the efforts of many, we now have a great opportunity as well as the ability to highlight and educate our community on this unique and important environment."

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