Learn to ID and grow native plants of the White Clay!

Seasonal Local Plant Viewing Program

Observe and identify local growing plants.  Find out how you can increase plant diversity by identifying and controlling the invasive ones.  Be prepared to walk outdoors on uneven ground.  Attend 1, 2, 3, or all 4 sessions.  Meet at the White Clay Creek Preserve Park Office (400 Sharpless Rd, Landenberg, PA 19350).  Then we will drive to a nearby home site.  (Participants will receive a color photo list of the most common native and non-native local plants.  Printed copies will be limited, but unlimited number by email attachment.)

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Spring - Saturday, 04/26/2014 @ 1 to 3 PM (rain date: next day, same time)

These plants need nutrient-rich soils, such as those found in woodlands. We'll hope to see as many as possible of these "Ephemeral" (lasting for only a very short time) plants that grow, bloom, are pollinated, and produce seed ...all within less than 8 weeks.  They utilize the intense spring sunlight that comes through a woodland before taller plant life, such as trees and shrubs leaf out and block the light.  [photo: Forb / Bloodroot]

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Summer - Saturday, 07/26/2014 @ 1 to 3 PM (rain date: next day, same time)

"Summer solstice" (the days that have the longest light of the year) is caused by the earth’s tilted rotation in respect to the sun.  In our plant zone, this season is characterized by high temperatures and humidity, yet life sustaining precipitation.  Shaded plants are less harmed by the heat, but most flowers need direct sunlight in order to bloom.  [photo: Fern / Maidenhair]

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Autumn - Saturday, 10/25/2014 @ 1 to 3 PM (rain date: next day, same time)

Shorter daylight causes waning "photosynthesis" (plants making their own food by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and glucose).  When the greens fade; some leaves show their red, orange, or yellow hues.  Brown colors are caused by wastes left in leaves.  Fall foliage can be surprisingly beautiful.  [photo: Shrub / Staghorn Sumac]

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Winter - Saturday, 01/24/2015 @ 1 to 3 PM (THIS IS ON FOR TODAY: PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO RAIN DATE)

This season is when the sun is lowest in the sky and the daylight is the shortest. Although there is less plant growth to see, even this coldest season of the year has special attributes.  Most "deciduous" plants have dropped all of their leaves, except the Beech.  "Evergreen" plant leaves have waxy coatings or needle-like forms that can withstand the cold.  Now we can see deepest into the forests, for a totally different perspective.  Especially, that the views are now least obstructed by highly invasive plants like "Multiflora Rose" and "Autumn Olive" shrubs.  [photo: Tree / Tuliptree AKA: Tulip Poplar]

Click here for printable flyer: Seasonal Local Plants Program

6th Annual White Clay Creek Fest!

Newark, DE- White Clay Wild and Scenic Program in partnership with Delaware State Parks, United Water, Friends of the White Clay Creek Park, and other local organizations are pleased to announce the sixth annual White Clay Creek Fest scheduled for May 3 (rain date: May 4^th) from 12 to 4 p.m. at Carpenter Recreation Area, White Clay Creek State Park, just minutes away from UD north campus. Creek Fest celebrates the many ways to enjoy and protect the White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River.

Visitors are encouraged to come early for a 10:15 a.m. pre-Fest hike lead by the Pennsylvania Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve.  Hikers will trek down to the main stem of the White Clay and have the opportunity to look for and learn about stream life with a Stroud Water Research Center Educator, so wear old sneakers or bring a pair of boots along. There will be a shuttle available to take hikers back up to Creek Fest, or you can hike back up with a guide.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy live music by Almost Fab and be amazed at the power and precision of the Free-Flight Bird Encounter by Animal Behavior and Conservation Connections. Falafels from Newark’s Home Grown Café, pizza from Wood Fired Pizza, finger foods from Midnight Munchies Food Truck, and ice cream by UDairy Creamery are sure to satisfy. Local artists, including jewelry makers and writers, will be present selling their goods, and rain barrels will be available for purchase from Camels Hump Rain Barrels. Creek Fest has fun and educational activities for children of all ages, including an opportunity to start your very own Watershed Passport! Fly tying, gardening tips, environmental discussions and much more are part of this exciting day!

This is a free event; however, park entrance fees are in effect. More information about White Clay Creek State Park is available by calling the Chambers House Nature Center at (302) 368-6560, the White Clay Creek Park Office at (302) 368-6900, or by visiting destateparks.com.

Goddard Park Rain Garden Volunteer Planting

Saturday, May 17th from 9am-1pm

Goddard Park, London Grove Township

498 Wickerton Road, West Grove, PA 

Registration preferred! (see below for details)

The White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic Rivers Program needs your volunteering support to help improve the water quality in the White Clay Creek. Two rain gardens, which work to capture, infiltrate and treat polluted run off, are in need of plants.

40 volunteers are needed to plant native wildflowers and grasses along the bottom and edges of two large rain gardens. Holes will be predrilled by the township, but volunteers should also be prepared to dig small holes. Volunteers will learn about native wildflowers and grasses for rain gardens and how they help to clean our water!

The event will take place on Saturday, May 17th from 9am-1pm.  Bring comfortable clothes and boots that you wouldn't mind getting dirty and wet. If you own small shovels or garden trowels and gardening gloves please bring them since there are a limited number supplied on-site. The event will occur at Goddard Park, 498 Wickerton Road, West Grove, PA in London Grove Township. Please click here to register.

Contact mpc@whiteclay.org for more information.