April 22nd, 2010
Indian River Life Saving Station, Delaware State Parks, Recreation, Activities, Delaware Beaches, Spring Programs
When I wrote last year about the Indian River Life-Saving Station I mentioned that for so many years I drove past it, back and forth, and never gave it another thought. No more of that. Every time I drive on Rt. 1, I love the way it looks. They have done a great job in its restoration. It is the only station in Delaware that is still standing in its original location.
These stations were placed throughout the coastline to help rescue sailors from shipwrecks. There was a keeper and a crew called “surfmen”. They worked during the stormy season of September through April.
The station is located on Rt. 1, 3 miles south of Dewey Beach or one mile north of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. It also serves as the Park Office for the Delaware Seashore State Park. Tel. is 302-227-6991 and the website is www.destateparks.com. If you are on vacation, this is the perfect place to get acquainted with the area. It has a shop and plenty of brochures of what they are offering our visitors, and us, residents, as well.
Up and down the coastaline of southern Delaware the beaches are taken care by the Delaware State Parks. Some of the beaches have bath houses and concession stands.
Bath House, Tower Rd., Dewey Beach
Beach, Tower Rd., Dewey Beach
Beach, Tower Rd., Dewey Beach
Many programs are offered through the State Parks. They are still in their Spring Program mode and these are a few of the programs available until the end of May:
Saturday, April 24th – 5th Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up at Fenwick Island State Park from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This is a pre-season clean-up at the Delaware State Park’s “quiet beach”. Meet at the parking lot of the main beach Bath House at the south end of Fenwick Island State Park, just north of the Bethany Fenwick Chamber of Commerce Building. All materials needed will be supplied. Please come dressed for the weather. The clean-up is open to all, but we ask that groups of 10 or more call (302) 227-6991 ahead to make sure we have enough supplies on hand.
I think I did this clean-up years ago with my son and some friends; I think I cleaned up more than they did.
Friday, April 30th – Arbor Day Tree Tales Hike at 2:00 p.m. – Meet at Holts Landing parking lot for a hike to celebrate Arbor Day. Learn about the different kinds of trees found along the 1.7 mile Sea Hawk Trail. Find out how to identify various tree species, and learn about their traditional uses and forest folklore. Call 302-227-6991 for directions and more info. It is free.
Holts Landing is undiscovered. It is a 203 acre area that contains a variety of beautiful landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood forests. The shores of the inland bays were home to native Americans.
Holts Landing was a small family farm. The family sold the property to the state highway department in 1957 and then in 1965 the first parcel of land was transferred to the State Park Commission. It is home to the only pier on Delaware’s Inland Bay that was built specifically for crabbing. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Saturday, May 1st – Hike the Sea Hawk Trail – Holts Landing State Park parking lot. 1.7 mile trail. Learn the history of the park, and find out about the Indian River Bay and the Assawoman Canal. This trail is part of Delaware State Park’s Trail Challenge Program. Call 302-227-6991 for directions and information. It is free.
Saturday, May 1st – Burton Island Interpretive Trail Hike – 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Join park naturalists for a guided walk around the upland areas of the island and access wide expanses of salt marsh on the new state of the art boardwalks. This is a State Nature Preserve and visitors will see a rich variety of trees, plants, and wildlife, as well as traces of man’s past inhabitations and influence on the land. Pre-register by calling 302-227-6991. The cost is $4/person.
Don’t know what Burton’s Island is? It is the largest island in an archipelago of small islands that separates Rehoboth Bay from Indian River Bay. It is just behind the barrier beach of Delaware Seashore State Park. It is an easy 1.5 mile walk around the island and it has great views of inland bays and close-up observations of the creatures of salt marsh and upland forest. Bring binoculars for birding and insect repellent during the summer.
Saturday, May 8th – Sailor Valentines – 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. In the 1800s, sailors spent months away from home. To fill their down time, they would create “valentines” with a mosaic of tropical seashells mounted in a wooden frame or box. Recreate this old tradition using shells and items found on our local beaches and make a true keepsake valentine. Pre register by calling 302-227-6991. $15/person (includes materials and instruction)
Tuesday, May 4th (10-1 p.m.), Sunday, May 9th (10-1 p.m.) and Friday, May 21st (11-2 p.m.) – Introduction to Surf Fishing – One of the most popular pastimes on our coast. Beginners will get a foundation in this relaxing sport, and those who want to dust off their old equipment will get a refresher. The program will cover tackle and baits to use, current rules and regulations, fish identification and an opportunity to catch (and release) a big one!! You must be at least 10 years old and if under 16 then you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost for the class includes the use of spinning rod and reel combos, tackle and bait. You will also receive a comprehensive handout of the topics covered to keep in the tackle box. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station. Size is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 302-227-6991. $25/person.
Saturdays, May 8th and May 22nd – 10:00 – Noon – A lot of us like to drive on Delaware State Parks’ surf-fishing beaches. This is a class that will cover the basics of safe and courteous driving. It will also cover park rules, licensing and equipment rerquirements as well as tips and tricks from veteran surf-fishermen and Delaware State Parks staff. Afterward, participants with a valid DE State Parks surf-fishing tag on their vehicles can head out to the beach with guidance to practice the day’s lessons. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station. No pre-registration is required. $5/person.
Friday, May 14th – Stargazing at the Seashore – 8:30 – 10:00 p.m. Learn to navigate around the night sky and hear some of the ancient stories about the constellations. A telescope, star maps, and binoculars will be provided. Feel free to bring your own blanket and pillow as this is the only park program you can enjoy lying down!!! Please do not bring a flashlight. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station. Call 302-227-6991 to pre-register no later than 4 p.m. on the day of the program. $5/person.
Saturday, May 15th and Saturday, May 29th – Turks-Head Knot Bracelets. 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Make your own rope bracelet. These woven rope bracelets have been worn by mariners for ages including the surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. A rescuer could hook the bracelet and haul victims aboard or ashore to safety should they accidently land in the water. The rope and instruction will be provided. You must be a t least 12 years of age. Space is limited. Pre-register by calling 302-227-6991. $7.50/person includes materials and instruction.
Sunday, May 30th – Squid Dissection: From Pen to Ink!! 10:30 a.m. unitl Noon. Study one of the most specialized squishy creatures of the sea!! Dissect a squid of your own and learn about their unique adaptations for survival. At the end of the program, we will cook up our study specimens and enjoy them as the treat known as calamari!! The fee is $8/person. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Space and materials are limited so please pre-register by calling 302-227-6991.
When I see all of these outdoor programs available, there is no reason to be a couch potato!! Have a great day!! And, talk to you later….
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Delaware Seashore State Park Program Guide, www.trails.com, www.destateparks.com.
Tags: Activities, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Delaware Seashore Parks, Delaware State Park Programs, Delaware State Parks, Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island, Indian River Life Saving Station, Lewes, rehoboth beach, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
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Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.