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Coordinates: 38°31′30″N 75°27′59″W / 38.52500°N 75.46639°W / 38.52500; -75.46639
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{{Short description|State park in Delaware, United States}}
{{Geobox Protected Area
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
<!-- *** Name section *** -->
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Trap Pond State Park
| native_name =
| name = Trap Pond State Park
| other_name =
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<!-- *** Category *** -->
<!-- images -->
| category_local = [[List of Delaware state parks|Delaware State Park]]
| photo = Trap Pond State Park.jpg
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<!-- map -->
| image = Trap Pond State Park.jpg
| map = USA Delaware
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<!-- *** Etymology *** --->
| etymology_type = Named for
| map_caption = Location of Trap Pond State Park in Delaware
| etymology = Trap Pond
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<!-- *** Country etc. *** -->
<!-- location -->
| country = United States
| location = [[Sussex County, Delaware]], United States
| nearest_city =
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| coordinates = {{coord|38|31|30|N|75|27|59|W|display=inline,title}}
| region = [[Sussex County, Delaware|Sussex]]
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| lat_d = 38
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| area_acre = 3653
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<!-- dates & info -->
| area_imperial = 3653
| area_round = 1
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| established = 1951
| length_orientation =
| named_for = Trap Pond
| visitation_num =
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| visitation_year =
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| governing_body = Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
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<!-- website, embedded -->
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| website = [https://www.destateparks.com/PondsRivers/TrapPond Trap Pond State Park]
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| management_body = Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
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| map_caption = Location of Trap Pond State Park in Delaware
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<!-- *** Website *** -->
⚫
| website = [http://www.destateparks.com/tpsp/index.asp Trap Pond State Park]
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⚫
'''Trap Pond State Park''' is a 3653<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coxe|first1=Robert|title=Historical Analysis and Map of Vegetation Communities, Land Covers, and Habitats of Trap Pond State Park|url=http://www.wra.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/02/Historical-Analysis-and-Map-of-Vegetation-Communities-Land-Covers-and-Habitats-of-Trap-Pond-State-Park.pdf|publisher=University of Delaware|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref> acre (8.5&nbsp;km²) [[List of Delaware state parks|Delaware state park]] located near [[Laurel, Delaware]]. It is one of the largest surviving fragments of what was once an extensive [[wetland]] in what is now southwestern [[Sussex County, Delaware|Sussex County]]. The state park features an extensive patch of second-growth [[baldcypress]] trees.


⚫
'''Trap Pond State Park''' is a 3,653<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coxe|first1=Robert|title=Historical Analysis and Map of Vegetation Communities, Land Covers, and Habitats of Trap Pond State Park|url=http://www.wra.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/02/Historical-Analysis-and-Map-of-Vegetation-Communities-Land-Covers-and-Habitats-of-Trap-Pond-State-Park.pdf|publisher=University of Delaware|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref> acre (8.5&nbsp;km²) [[List of Delaware state parks|Delaware state park]] located near [[Laurel, Delaware]], USA. It is one of the largest surviving fragments of what was once an extensive [[wetland]] in what is now southwestern [[Sussex County, Delaware|Sussex County]]. The state park features an extensive patch of [[bald cypress]] trees.
⚫
==Baldcypress ecosystem==

⚫
==Bald cypress ecosystem==
[[File:Bald Cypress.JPG|thumb|left|Cluster of [[bald cypress]] trees in Trap Pond State Park]]
[[File:Bald Cypress.JPG|thumb|left|Cluster of [[bald cypress]] trees in Trap Pond State Park]]
The [[bald cypress]] is a wetland tree adapted to areas of calm, shallow standing water. Trap Pond State Park is the northernmost park in North America that includes cypress and bald cypress, although the actual range extends further north, ending just south [[Georgetown]].
The [[bald cypress]] is a wetland tree adapted to areas of calm, shallow standing water. Trap Pond State Park is the northernmost park in North America that includes cypress and bald cypress, although the actual range continues further north, ending just north of [[Georgetown, Delaware]], in the Ellendale State Forest.


Many [[bird]]s flock to stands of bald cypress, including [[great blue heron]]s, [[owl]]s, [[warbler]]s, and [[pileated woodpecker]]s. Birdwatchers can also see [[hummingbird]]s and [[bald eagle]]s at Trap Pond in season.
Many [[bird]]s flock to stands of bald cypress, including [[great blue heron]]s, [[owl]]s, [[warbler]]s, and [[pileated woodpecker]]s. Birdwatchers can also see [[hummingbird]]s and [[bald eagle]]s at Trap Pond in season.
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==History==
==History==
The rot-resistant wood of Trap Pond's baldcypress trees was extensively harvested starting in the 18th century. The lumbermen extensively altered the morphology of the wetland, damming its outflow to create power for a small [[sawmill]] to cut the timbers. This dam helped to create what is now Trap Pond, named after the Trap Mills, which were known by that name as early as the 1860s. The pond was enlarged in later years as nearby farmers laid down [[tile drainage|drainage tile]]s to de-water their wetlands for agriculture. After the old-growth cypress timber had been harvested, the pond and adjacent surviving wetlands were re-used as the drainage sump for the surrounding farmers of Sussex County.
The rot-resistant wood of Trap Pond's bald cypress trees was extensively harvested starting in the 18th century. The lumbermen extensively altered the morphology of the wetland, damming its outflow to create power for a small [[sawmill]] to cut the timbers. This dam helped to create what is now Trap Pond, named after the Trap Mills, which were known by that name as early as the 1860s. The pond was enlarged in later years as nearby farmers laid down [[tile drainage|drainage tile]]s to de-water their wetlands for agriculture. After the old-growth cypress timber had been harvested, the pond and adjacent surviving wetlands were re-used as the drainage sump for the surrounding farmers of Sussex County.


In the 1930s, the federal [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] listed the pond as a place of recreation development. The [[Delaware legislature]] took over the land and named it as a state park in 1951.
In the 1930s, the federal [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] listed the pond as a place of recreation development. The [[Delaware legislature]] took over the land and named it as a state park on June 22, 1951, becoming the first state park in Delaware.<ref>{{cite news| first=Charmaine| last=Culver| title= Trap Pond First Del. State Park|agency=''The Daily Times''(Salisbury, Maryland)|date= June 23, 1982}}</ref>


==Recreation==
==Recreation==
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Fishing opportunities concentrate on panfish such as [[crappie]] and [[bluegill]], with some [[Bass (fish)|bass]] and [[American pickerel|pickerel]] as well.
Fishing opportunities concentrate on panfish such as [[crappie]] and [[bluegill]], with some [[Bass (fish)|bass]] and [[American pickerel|pickerel]] as well.


===Baldcypress Nature Center===
===Bald Cypress Nature Center===
The Baldcypress Nature Center features a display of some of the reptiles, fish and amphibians found in Trap Pond, as well as other [[natural history]] exhibits and a nature library. The [[nature center]] is open seven days a week during spring and summer. Programs include [[hayride]]s, guided nature walks and hikes, [[naturalist]]-led [[pontoon (boat)|pontoon]] boat tours and outdoor skills workshops.
The Bald Cypress Nature Center features a display of some of the reptiles, fish and amphibians found in Trap Pond, as well as other [[natural history]] exhibits and a nature library. The [[nature center]] is open seven days a week during spring and summer. Programs include [[hayride]]s, guided nature walks and hikes, [[naturalist]]-led [[pontoon (boat)|pontoon]] boat tours and outdoor skills workshops.


===Camping===
===Camping===
Trap Pond State Park's campground has 140 sites with water and electric hookups, 10 primitive walk-in tent sites, 8 camping cabins, and 2 yurts. The campground is open from March 1 until November 30. Trap Pond Campground is best known for its annual Halloween weekend festivities.
Trap Pond State Park's campground has 142 total campsites including 130 with water and electric hookups, 10 primitive walk-in tent sites, and 2 primitive areas available only for youth groups. 8 camping cabins and 2 yurts are also available for rent. Campsites with electric and water are open year-round, with the primitive sites open from March 1 until November 30.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trap Pond - Delaware State Parks |url=https://destateparks.com/PondsRivers/TrapPond |website=Delaware State Parks |access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref> Trap Pond Campground is best known for its annual Halloween weekend festivities.

===Swimming===
A sandy swimming beach was among the amenities already in place when the Delaware State Parks Commission took over Trap Pond in 1951, but is no longer available after being permanently closed on May 17, 2000.<ref>{{cite news| first=Molly| last=Murray| title= Trap Pond no longer open to swimmers|agency=''The News Journal''(Wilmington, Delaware)|date= May 18, 2000}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.destateparks.com/tpsp/tpsp.htm Delaware State Parks]
*[https://destateparks.com/PondsRivers/TrapPond Trap Pond State Park]


{{Protected areas of Delaware}}
{{Protected areas of Delaware}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:State parks of Delaware]]
[[Category:State parks of Delaware]]
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[[Category:Protected areas established in 1951]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1951]]
[[Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Delaware]]
[[Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Delaware]]
[[Category:1951 establishments in Delaware]]

Latest revision as of 01:41, 3 August 2023

Trap Pond State Park
Map showing the location of Trap Pond State Park
Map showing the location of Trap Pond State Park
Location of Trap Pond State Park in Delaware
LocationSussex County, Delaware, United States
Coordinates38°31′30″N 75°27′59″W / 38.52500°N 75.46639°W / 38.52500; -75.46639
Area3,653 acres (14.78 km2)
Elevation39 ft (12 m)
Established1951
Named forTrap Pond
Governing bodyDelaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
WebsiteTrap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park is a 3,653[1] acre (8.5 km²) Delaware state park located near Laurel, Delaware, USA. It is one of the largest surviving fragments of what was once an extensive wetland in what is now southwestern Sussex County. The state park features an extensive patch of bald cypress trees.

Bald cypress ecosystem

[edit]
Cluster of bald cypress trees in Trap Pond State Park

The bald cypress is a wetland tree adapted to areas of calm, shallow standing water. Trap Pond State Park is the northernmost park in North America that includes cypress and bald cypress, although the actual range continues further north, ending just north of Georgetown, Delaware, in the Ellendale State Forest.

Many birds flock to stands of bald cypress, including great blue herons, owls, warblers, and pileated woodpeckers. Birdwatchers can also see hummingbirds and bald eagles at Trap Pond in season.

Large specimens of American holly, the state tree of Delaware, can also be seen in the Trap Pond bottomland.

History

[edit]

The rot-resistant wood of Trap Pond's bald cypress trees was extensively harvested starting in the 18th century. The lumbermen extensively altered the morphology of the wetland, damming its outflow to create power for a small sawmill to cut the timbers. This dam helped to create what is now Trap Pond, named after the Trap Mills, which were known by that name as early as the 1860s. The pond was enlarged in later years as nearby farmers laid down drainage tiles to de-water their wetlands for agriculture. After the old-growth cypress timber had been harvested, the pond and adjacent surviving wetlands were re-used as the drainage sump for the surrounding farmers of Sussex County.

In the 1930s, the federal Civilian Conservation Corps listed the pond as a place of recreation development. The Delaware legislature took over the land and named it as a state park on June 22, 1951, becoming the first state park in Delaware.[2]

Recreation

[edit]

Boating

[edit]

The partly sheltered waters of Trap Pond (90 acres/0.4 km²) are now managed as a waterway for family recreation. A concessioner rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. There is also a launching ramp for privately owned shallow-draft vessels.

Fishing opportunities concentrate on panfish such as crappie and bluegill, with some bass and pickerel as well.

Bald Cypress Nature Center

[edit]

The Bald Cypress Nature Center features a display of some of the reptiles, fish and amphibians found in Trap Pond, as well as other natural history exhibits and a nature library. The nature center is open seven days a week during spring and summer. Programs include hayrides, guided nature walks and hikes, naturalist-led pontoon boat tours and outdoor skills workshops.

Camping

[edit]

Trap Pond State Park's campground has 142 total campsites including 130 with water and electric hookups, 10 primitive walk-in tent sites, and 2 primitive areas available only for youth groups. 8 camping cabins and 2 yurts are also available for rent. Campsites with electric and water are open year-round, with the primitive sites open from March 1 until November 30.[3] Trap Pond Campground is best known for its annual Halloween weekend festivities.

Swimming

[edit]

A sandy swimming beach was among the amenities already in place when the Delaware State Parks Commission took over Trap Pond in 1951, but is no longer available after being permanently closed on May 17, 2000.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Coxe, Robert. "Historical Analysis and Map of Vegetation Communities, Land Covers, and Habitats of Trap Pond State Park" (PDF). University of Delaware. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  2. ^ Culver, Charmaine (June 23, 1982). "Trap Pond First Del. State Park". The Daily Times(Salisbury, Maryland).
  3. ^ "Trap Pond - Delaware State Parks". Delaware State Parks. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  4. ^ Murray, Molly (May 18, 2000). "Trap Pond no longer open to swimmers". The News Journal(Wilmington, Delaware).
[edit]
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