The state is continuing its work to make wildlife observation areas in Delaware more accessible for people with disabilities.
DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife recently finished replacing the observation tower at the Little Creek Wildlife area.
The lower deck on the new two-level tower includes an expanded toe box and railing designed to allow disabled visitors to move closer for a better view of birds and other wildlife.
The state has similar towers at the Augustine Wildlife Area and at Gordon’s Pond. And Delaware’s Bayshore Initiative Coordinator Anthony Gonzon says two more are planned for the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area.
“Getting people out and helping them to engage directly with the wild and the resources that we have available here—giving them the opportunity to witness that on their own is very, very important,” said Gonzon. “But it also helps bring to light the importance of habitat conservation and restoration.”
Gonzon adds he hopes the tower will encourage more eco-tourism and benefit the neighboring town of Little Creek.
“And, ultimately, this will also benefit the small town of little creek located just a mile or so outside of the wildlife area, by drawing more visitors into the wildlife area that will also be stopping in town, hopefully, benefiting them.”
The Little Creek project cost just over $1 million. It was funded with a mix of state funds and federal grants meant to enhance wildlife viewing along Delaware’s Bayshore Byway, which stretches from New Castle to Lewes along Route 9.