For Excellence in Wetlands, Watersheds, and Water Quality
Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge
The Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge is a newly constructed 218-acre refuge on the banks of the Christina River just southwest of Wilmington, Delaware. Industrial and commercial development and the construction of I-95 nearby had adversely affected the ecosystem in the Wilmington area. Beginning in 1998, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) DelMar Division Office, the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC), and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DOT) collaborated to remove invasive plants and encourage the return of native plant and animal species to the marsh by stabilizing shorelines, repairing dikes, and improving water circulation. To improve access to and educate the public about the restored marsh, in 2009, the FHWA DelMar Division Office, RDC, and Delaware DOT built an interactive visitor center and constructed a pedestrian bridge and boardwalk trail that connects to Wilmington's Riverwalk, a popular pedestrian facility. By incorporating ecological, educational, and access elements into the project, the FHWA DelMar Division Office, RDC, and Delaware DOT restored a critical urban ecological resource while providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public.
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