Delaware State Parks Plants 75,000 Trees to Honor 75th Anniversary
DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson joins staff and partners in planting the 75,000th tree in Delaware State Parks at Trap Pond State Park as part of A Tree for Every Delawarean. / DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Liberty Trees Pay Homage to Nation’s 250th
Delaware State Parks planted a Liberty Tree at Trap Pond State Park as its 75,000th tree to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first state park as well as the 250th milestone of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is one of three state agencies participating in A Tree for Every Delawarean (TEDI), with a goal of planting one million new trees, one for every resident in the state, by 2030. As part of its 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation committed to add 75,000 trees at Delaware State Parks by the end of 2026, and the American holly (the state tree) was provided a place of honor in 16 of the 17 state parks as a Liberty Tree. The last tree was planted near the Bob Trail by the causeway at Trap Pond on Oct. 19.
“Delaware’s state parks belong to all of us, and this milestone shows what happens when neighbors come together to protect them,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Every tree planted is a gift to the families who will walk these trails long after we’re gone. I’m grateful to DNREC, the Friends groups, and the volunteers who made it happen. These parks are part of what makes Delaware home, and we’re leaving them stronger for the next generation.”
The trees were strategically placed throughout Delaware State Parks, with the most added to Killens Pond at 29,900, Trap Pond at 29,200, White Clay Creek at 10,072, Auburn Valley at 5,110 and Bellevue at 447. Trees were planted to enhance existing forests, improve habitats, create riparian buffers, control erosion, promote natural succession, diversify the understory, replace dead trees, expand native plantings and stabilize riparian zones.
“Liberty trees were planted across the colonies as symbols of freedom before the American Revolution,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “These trees served as natural landmarks and meeting places for colonists as well as signs of freedom. Today, these trees will stand as a commitment by the state to protect our natural resources and invite visitors to gather and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Funding for the trees came from TEDI funds, Environment Stewardship funds, Friends groups and other public and private sources. An army of volunteers helped plant trees in their local parks, including Friends groups, school and college groups, corporate partners and individuals.
“We are grateful for the continued support we received from our dedicated volunteers and Friends,” said Matt Ritter, director of DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. “Without these passionate Friends, corporate groups and individuals, we would have never been able to get this done in such a short timeframe. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our incredible staff that never back down from a challenge and always find a way to accomplish greatness.”
In addition to the American holly, a wide variety of native trees were planted, including cherry, oak, persimmon, maple, sycamore and pine. The Division of Parks and Recreation also included tree shelters to protect the trees from extreme weather and wildlife. Even with the goal accomplished, park staff, Friends and volunteers continue to improve park habitats, with additional plantings including 88 trees scheduled to be planted on October 28 at Fox Point State Park.
To date, more than a half million trees have been added in Delaware as part of TEDI. Trees improve air and water quality, preserve soil and support wildlife. The project is led by DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy in partnership with the Urban and Community Forestry (UFC) program in the Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service and other stakeholders.
To learn more about the TEDI program, visit the dnrec.delaware.gov/tedi webpage. To volunteer for future tree plantings in Delaware State Parks, visit destateparks.com/volunteer webpage.
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Celebrating A Milestone Year
Delaware State Parks is celebrating 75 years of outdoor adventures and lasting memories. What began in 1951 with three parks has grown into a system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina — together protecting more than 27,000 acres. In 2026, the division will honor the people, parks and partners who built this legacy and invite visitors to join in inspiring exploration, discovery and a deeper connection to the outdoors for generations to come.
Media contacts: Greg Abbott, greg.abbott@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
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