DOVER – State and city officials, along with members of the conservation community broke ground for the new Fork Branch Trail in Dover earlier this week.
The Fork Branch Nature Preserve is one of Dover’s last remaining natural areas – a 247-acre property that contains a unique stand of old growth American beech, a wooded stream corridor, and several rare and threatened plant species. The preserve is located at the corner of Kenton and West Denneys roads, along the Maidstone Branch in the St. Jones River Watershed.
The Division of Parks & Recreation will construct, manage, and maintain the accessible, pedestrian-only trail. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year or spring of 2018, depending on conditions. The new trail will be 5-feet wide, and loop approximately 1 mile through the pristine preserve providing opportunities to experience native fauna and beautiful landscapes. Depending on conditions, the trail may be open as soon as the end of this year.
More trails for walking, hiking, biking, jogging and related activities have ranked consistently as the highest outdoor recreation need identified by Delawareans throughout the state. The Fork Branch Trail adds to the growing need for recreational opportunities for the city of Dover and Kent County.
Source: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs,
Image Credits: DNREC