I would like to highly commend DelDOT for tending to the years of long-tangled growth that frames the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail. They effectively removed ivy-strangled trees, as well as many of the tree of heaven that will help to reduce the number of spotted lanternflys. DelDOT effectively ground down many smaller trees as well as the huge trunks of ivy reaching the sky and starting to strangle the larger trees. DelDOT also mulched up the ground along the berm by grinding up the roots. DelDOT even followed up the cleanup by blowing all debris off the trail.
I have lived on the bike path in Lewes for many years now and have spent a lot of time and effort to remove invasive plants and dead trees. I have made a lovely woodland garden on my section of the path, as have many others. I have long been concerned about the abundance of invasive species along the bike trail and the number of dead trees due to ivy strangling them.
As spring approaches and tourism is about to start, I have a suggestion. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce native plants into these bare spaces. Something needs to be planted to prevent erosion during our heavy rains and wind. If we do not replace what was removed with natives, then the invasive species will take over again by the end of the summer. This is a great opportunity to enhance the bike path with beautiful natives that attract birds and pollinators.
Whether we live here year-round or in the summer, I find that Lewes homeowners care about the environment and our region’s natural beauty. Perhaps some like-minded homeowners would welcome an opportunity to partner with DelDOT to participate in adding native plants and seed mixes. We might not own the property, but the bike path land is an extension of our backyards.
Now that the bike path is nearly completed, perhaps it is time to create a group much like Lewes in Bloom that encompasses the beautification of the bike trail. This group, perhaps called Bike in Bloom, could start as an effort to simply scatter native wildflower seeds along the trail. Count me in for helping to beautify the area for all to continue enjoying!
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