Movement under way to give Delaware its first national park

Do you know that there is only one state in our nation that does not have a National Park, and that state is little ole’ Delaware? But there’s a movement underway to change that in the form of a bill sponsored by Delaware Senator Tom Carper. Much of the proposed area to become part of this National Park is in the Brandywine Valley, straddling the state line between Delaware and Pennsylvania in Delaware County. It’s the Woodlawn area that makes up over 800 acres in New Castle county and more than 200 acres in Delaware county.

Other parts of Delaware that are included are the Old Sheriff’s House, Fort Christina and Holy Trinity Church in historic New Castle. Congressman Patrick Meehan from Pennsylvania is also actively pushing this legislation.

Do you go to our National Parks? If you are a senior citizen, you can purchase a lifetime pass for just $10. If you have a disability you can get a lifetime pass at no charge. There are other freebies and discounts available for military families and other groups. To purchase one, you just need to visit the office of any national park. You can also volunteer at a National Park and earn enough volunteer hours to qualify for a free pass. In some cases, the passes also include discounts in gift shops and restaurants within the National Park system. Visit NPS.gov for more information.

My kids have the National Parks Passports that can be purchased at most of the gift shops within the park system. Every time they visit a national park, monument or historic site, they get a stamp in their passport book. It’s fun to see how many they have accumulated for as young as they are. Hopefully they’ll look back on the stamps when they are older with fond memories. Never to late to start this fun, family activity. I highly recommend it.

Sticking closer to home, here are some local activities you might be interested in.

Wildlife in Winter Series: Migration: Saturday March 9, 2013 from 10a.m.to noon at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve (432 Sharp Road, Avondale, PA 19311). Join The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County with birder, Holly Merker, as she leads a walk through woodlands and meadows discussing migratory patterns and habitats that help ensure survival for birds during the winter months. Families and participants of all ages welcomed. $5 TLC members; $10 non-members. To register visit www.tlcforscc.org or call 610-347-0347.

As always, if you want to contact me, e-mail me at LisaLightner at yahoo.com and make sure you’re following me on Facebook at Facebook.com/KPGreatOutdoors.

Have a great week everyone. Hopefully this possible nor’easter is false alarm.

Outdoor enthusiast Lisa LIghtner lives in Avondale.