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The former site of a mobile home park is now the future home of Nanticoke Crossing Park, both a conservation effort and one of few opportunities for public recreation along the Nanticoke River.
The 64-mile river once explored by Captain John Smith remains a sleeping giant. While eastern Sussex County is known for its variety of outdoor activities and sprawling state parks, to the west, the Nanticoke is a virtually untapped eco-tourism asset.
The river is the most pristine tributary of the Chesapeake Bay and features the highest rate of biodiversity in the watershed, according to Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn.
The 41-acre Nanticoke Crossing Park, located at Woodland Ferry Road and Dot Avenue, includes a 29-acre forest, 12 acres of open space with large canopy trees and 1,900 feet of natural shoreline.
PHOTOS: Seaford High School graduation 2021
Nanticoke Crossing Park is one of few opportunities for public recreation along the Nanticoke River. (Photo: Courtesy of Chesapeake Conservancy)
It features many species of native trees, large stands of spatterdock, blue flag iris, sweetspire and highbush blueberry. Fox, deer, painted turtles, bald eagles, osprey and songbirds are common sights.
A lagoon with remnants of an old dock will be revamped to allow kayak, canoes and other non-motorized marine vehicles to enter the river. There’s a dirt path throughout the open area and trails within the woods.
Events, hunting and camping are all being considered for the park, but plans have not yet been finalized. It will be at least a year before Nanticoke Crossing opens to the public.
“There’s nothing quite like (Nanticoke…