For six years The Nature Conservancy in Delaware has been working to acquire and restore the forestlands that comprise the 908-acre Ponders Tract. The goal is to restore native forest on the preserve for migrating birds and other wide-ranging species. Once dedicated to timber production, Ponders now provides visitors with a front row seat to the transformation from former pine plantation into native coastal hardwood forest. 

“Protecting and maintaining Delaware's forests is one of the most important things we can do to conserve our natural heritage,” said Roger L. Jones, Jr., State Director of The Nature Conservancy as he led the ribbon cutting.

Governor Minner, proudly remembering her ‘Livable Delaware’ initiative said, “I am so gratified to see this project reach a point where on-going conservation and public use can coexist. The project is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when government, non-profit and private organizations work together. I urge my neighbors in Sussex County, other Delawareans, and visitors from near and far to come here to enjoy and appreciate this oasis of regenerating forest.”

Secretary Kee noted, "Delaware has lost much of its forests and efforts like this to protect large forested areas from further fragmentation and loss are very important today and to our future generations.  I applaud the work of Delaware's Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and its many supporting partners in this accomplishment that we celebrate today.”
   
Jones expressed his gratitude to all of the many partners, “My thanks go to all of partners who made this project happen, including the Delaware Open Space Council, Sussex County Land Trust, Sussex County Council, Longwood Foundation, Welfare Foundation, Bank of America, Delaware Community Foundation and the DuPont Company’s Clear into the Future Program as well as numerous individual donors.”

Following today’s dedication, guests took advantage of the opportunity to walk some of the trails with representatives of the Sussex County Bird Club and State Foresters from the Redden Office as guides.   
The trail routes were selected to feature diverse wildlife habitats and varying stages of forest succession.  There are seven trails ranging from less than one-half mile to four miles long. An information kiosk provides a trail map, brochures and descriptive information. The trail brochure and a birding list are also available on-line. Ponders will be open from dawn to dusk from February through August. The Conservancy closes Ponders during hunting season. 

The Preserve’s trails feature interpretive and directional signage as well as benches. Public access and parking is just off of Route 16, about 2 miles from the Route 30 intersection or about 4 miles from the Route 16 intersection with Route 13 in Ellendale.

For more information, contact Debbie Heaton (302) 654-4707x124; dheaton@tnc.org), or visit the Places We Protect section of the Delaware Chapter website: www.nature.org/Delaware. 

Note: Nature pictures are available on the website. Pictures of the dedication ceremony will be available soon after the event.