22 Dec Tread Lightly! Impact Report: Delaware Seashore State Park Dune Protection Project

Project: Delaware Seashore State Park Dune Protection Project
Project #38/50
State: Delaware

Description: This project was funded by the Quadratec 50 for 50 Initiative. Together with Tread Lightly!, Quadratec has committed to fund a project to improve off-road trails and public lands in each state over 24 months. 

On November 29, 2023, four volunteers gathered at Rehoboth Beach to install 125 yards of dune fencing to protect the sensitive area. Along with the installation, they removed asphalt and metal debris from the area and packed out 30 pounds of trash. Volunteers also installed five signs illustrating why dunes and dune grass must be protected to prevent erosion.

Thank you to the following partners for their support:

• Delaware State Parks
• Quadratec
• Human Repair Concepts
• Colony Hardware and Milwaukee Tools

 “I’ve volunteered with Tread Lightly! a number of times, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to help with a project in my home state! It was great to be able to help with a project in a place where I spend a lot of time in the summer months with friends and family. We love to enjoy all that the Delaware Seashore State Park has to offer from the surf fishing drive-on access to the guarded swim beaches and more. I’m proud to be a Delawarean and it feels great to have helped with a local project to protect the sensitive coastal dunes.” -Rob Jarrell, Video Production Manager at Quadratec

 “It was an amazing experience working with Tread Lightly! to help protect beach dunes in my home state of Delaware. This 50-for-50 project was especially important to me because my family visits the Delaware Seashore State Park every summer so anything we can do to help protect this beautiful area is time well spent. Thank you also to the Delaware Department of Parks and Recreation for allowing us to get this important work done. ” -Matt Konkle, Creative Managing Editor at Quadratec

“The public enjoyment of natural spaces requires year-round maintenance.  Off-season public land conservation projects help create long term positive impact within local communities.  Any time donated to volunteering to help protect sensitive areas is time well spent.  Human Repair Concepts is dedicated to helping the public take an active role in maintaining public spaces.” -Kyla McFadden, Human Repair Concepts, Owner

“This was our first project with Delaware State Parks, but certainly won’t be our last. With equipment provided by Colony Hardware and Milwaukee Tools, our team was well equipped to install 125 yards of dune fencing and signage warning people about the sensitivity of the dune grass, and its role in preventing erosion. We are looking forward to helping Delaware again with projects to benefit the drive-on surf fishing areas within the Delaware Seashore State Park.” -Scott Ammerman, Northeast Program Manager at Tread Lightly!

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.