Friends of Prime Hook NWR    

Blue Goose Trail

Submitted by Bill Pritchett Friends of Prime Hook

This essay examines the quite diverse Blue Goose Trail at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. For starters, from which end of the Trail should we embark?  Blue Goose is more linear compared to most other trails in the Refuge, where one can park and more or less walk a loop, thus returning to one’s point of departure. 

The reader has two options to start his or her journey on Blue Goose, i.e., from the Boardwalk loop or the Black Farm Trail juncture. To describe the features of the Trail, we will begin where Blue Goose departs from the Black Farm Trail at the latter’s lower end.  From the waymark post beginning on the Blue Goose Trail, it is a short stroll to the Turkle Pond Road crossing.  The Trail is bracketed mostly by conifer trees, and in the early to mid-spring, one can spot early Daffodils and Vinca ground cover with its lovely blue flowers.

Carefully crossing Turkle Pond Road, we immediately enter a wooded area where both conifer and deciduous hardwoods abound.  The Trail is at its narrowest here but quiet and well-sheltered from winter winds.  Be watchful in the woods since one can often spot White-tailed Deer peering back at you. 

Further along, we pass a deer hunting stand on the left where the Trail begins to widen a bit.  A short distance further, we intersect an access trail that leads to the Black Farm Trail parking area on Turkle Pond Road.  At this point, notice another waymark post guiding the hiker to the left and around a bend to the right.  Trees along both sides here are mostly deciduous and immature. Rounding the bend, we encounter another waymark post showing the way forward on Blue Goose Trail or, a highly recommended option, to turn left on a branch of the Trail which soon traverses the woods to a clearing at the edge of Turkle Pond. The Refuge’s newest photography blind is located here on the left, the fine construction work of longtime Friend’s members George Naegele, Hilary Stanhope, and Dan Barry plus Refuge Maintenance Manager Dale Hudson.  The photo blind is a great place to set up one’s equipment and wait for the abundant waterfowl which call Turkle Pond home.

We then retrace our steps, returning to the waymark post and turn left to continue on the main Trail.  This section of the Trail to where it crosses Foord’s Landing Road is fairly wide and easy walking. Diverse hardwood and conifer trees to the right are more immature and dense while the forest to the left includes mature hardwoods and conifers.  In the winter months when the greenery is gone, if one looks to the left, he or she may notice old foundation stones of a structure long lost to the ages. In the evening, listen for Great Horned and Barred Owls as they call out. As we reach the crossing of Foord’s Landing Road, the Trail offsets to the left a short distance down the gravel road where we see the waymark post again for Blue Goose.  At this point, look to the right to find a vernal pond behind the trees.  One can frequently see Mud Turtles and Painted Turtles on logs or bogs in the pond.  One often hears water and Tree Frogs chirping as an early harbinger of spring.  Sometimes when the water is deeper, Green Herons and Glossy Ibis may be seen.

Traveling forward, we stay in a wooded area until reaching a bend to the right, after which, the Trail begins to open up to a large field on the right.  The Trail bends left and a mature hardwood forested area is to the left and a grassy field where wild flowers and shrubs may be spotted on the right during the warmer months. Focusing on the woods at left, one can frequently spot White-tailed Deer, perching birds, woodpeckers, Cottontail Rabbits, and other wildlife.  Just ahead, we encounter another deer stand on the left.  Around the stand and across the Trail to the right are abundant Daffodils in the early spring with both white and yellow blossoms.  Homesteaders many years ago probably planted them. 

Keeping to the left, we reach the terminus of Blue Goose Trail as it intersects with the Boardwalk Loop.  While one has to consider where to park when embarking on the 1.4 mile Blue Goose Trail, looking at a trail map (available at the Visitor’s Center and main parking lot kiosk), the Trail can be broken up into shorter segments and hiked in combination with parts of Black Farm Trail or the Boardwalk Trail to lessen the distance needed to return to one’s car. 

Blue Goose is a wonderful trail – rich in wildlife and forest habitat – and provides excellent shelter on cold, windy days.  It is truly one of the many jewels of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Pine Grove Trail (Coming Soon!)

 Dike and Boardwalk Trails

Submitted by Cindy Heffley Friends of Prime Hook

Since I enjoy sunrise walks year-round, the Dike Trail has become my favorite since moving to Delaware.  The Refuge is open a half hour before sunrise, so it’s the perfect spot to catch the sun as it appears along the horizon.  Even before the sun has started peeking in the east, wildlife can be heard getting ready to start their day. Once the sun has risen, the light it casts on the trees, marsh, and water creates a great spotlight on any wildlife waking up and moving around.  This is especially exciting when there is an orange glow from the sun.  Even if it’s not sunny, birds and other wildlife will be going about their morning.  It’s a great time to catch Great Blue Herons preening their feathers or Raccoons and White-tailed Deer moving across the Trail. I sometimes walk backwards to ensure not missing something that’s being illuminated since the lighting changes minute by minute.  Since the trail is wheel-chair and stroller accessible, it’s mostly flat with a smooth surface which means no roots sticking up creating tripping issues.  The Trail is just a half mile one way and ends at the observation tower.  If you’re able, climb up and enjoy the panoramic view of the marshes.  You’ll be treated to being eye-level to birds flying by.  As you make your return, notice how the light has changed.  Look high and low since some birds may be pecking around on the ground while others are moving from tree to tree. You might see a Cottontail Rabbit or White-tailed Deer just off in the woods. If you’re more of an evening person, the Sunset is also a nice time to visit since there is a clear view to the west.  And if the timing is right, seeing the full moon rise or set can be spectacular.

Recently I was treated to a River Otter swimming and feeding in the ditch along the trail.  In warmer months, Black Rat Snakes and Black Racers may be seen basking in the sun since the stone path warms up quickly.  Also in warmer months, be aware that if the wind isn’t blowing, biting flies might be present!  The water level in this area fluctuates depending on wind and rain, so sometimes you may see birds feeding on the mudflats while other times there may be waterfowl dipping to feed below the water.  Always look across the marsh grasses since Northern Harriers and other raptors can often be seen hunting for prey.  Listen for the sound of the Belted Kingfisher as it makes its way up and down the ditch before landing on a snag or diving into the ditch to catch a fish.

As you walk the trail, be sure to stop periodically to give wildlife a chance to adjust to your presence.  Many times, they will continue with their day giving you a view into their world.  Also be sure to listen quietly for crunching, pecking, and singing. 

I always include the half-mile Boardwalk Trail loop in my route since it connects to the Dike Trail.  This trail allows you to walk through the forested area and then onto a raised boardwalk overlooking marshlands.  Be sure to look up as you walk the boardwalk section since many times you will see Bald Eagles roosting high above.  There are many snags along the way which act as a great place for woodpeckers to nest and feed.  If the boardwalk is wet, use caution since it tends to get slippery.  Once you are on the boardwalk overlooking the marsh, be sure to look for Clapper Rails in warmer months.  Off in the distance, look for Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers on the hunt.  There are a few benches along the way, so feel free to stop and relax.  If you’re quiet, wildlife will go about their day giving you a closer view into their world.

We asked visitors and volunteers what they like about these trails.  Board member Carla Burton mentioned, “I like walking early morning though never get there at sunrise.  The birds are most active, the smells most acute and the light can be interesting.  There are fewer people.  Pay attention to the sights, sounds and smells. I like spring, fall and winter to walk.  It’s too hot in the summer most of the time for me and the bugs are ever present.  I’ve been walking at the Refuge for 16 years.  When I visited just before moving here. I was walking on the Dike Trail and a Northern Flicker flew down onto the path a bit in front of me!  It’s one of my favorite birds; I had them at my feeder on Cape Cod.  So when that happened, I knew it was fine for me to move to Delaware and be close to Prime Hook.” 

James Housten III tells us “Early morning on the Dike Trail as the sun comes up produces great light.’ He also mentioned walking backwards at times just as I do!

Ashley Norton reminds us, “Always keep an eye out for Bald Eagles in trees and Great Blue Herons and Rails in the spartina along the Dike Trail. We walk the dog and birdwatch on both trails so often that our dog, Bowie, preemptively stops and sits to wait for us to scan with binoculars at specific spots.”

  

Black Farm Trail

Submitted by Bill Pritchett Friends of Prime Hook

Along with my number one hiking companion (an English Shepherd named Cody), I regularly walk every trail in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge from early fall through late spring with occasional visits during the warmer months when weather and insects permit. 

Determining my favorite trail is no easy feat when all of the trails in the Refuge are, in my view, truly spectacular.  I think to myself: what do I most frequently recommend to first time folks stopping by the Visitor’s Center seeking guidance as to which trail(s) to hike?

That usually begins with my asking the visitor: What is your purpose?  What do you hope to see?  Are you a photographer?  Is trail length a concern?  I also caution with the caveat that many indigenous mammals are primarily nocturnal.

With these thoughts in mind, and if I could only walk one trail, I would opt for the Black Farm Trail.

The length, at 1.6 miles for the main loop, provides one with a good physical workout.  Parts of the trail are beautifully sheltered by trees that, in places, seem to create a tunnel-like effect.  Other parts of the trail are more open which increases the potential for viewing wildlife, and there are tidal ponds and a freshwater pond that always seem to host a multitude of waterfowl and turtles.

Black Farm is especially beautiful in the fall with the myriad colors in the leaves.  Take note of wild shrubs such as Viburnum, Chokecherry, Multiflora Rose, and Pokeweed (caution: her berries are poisonous).  Also, some weeds/wildflowers are blooming including Blue Mist, Queen Anne’s Lace, Goldenrod, and Thistle.  In the spring, early wildflowers and yellow and white daffodils, along with blue flowering periwinkle (probably planted by old inhabitants in years gone by), provide beautiful color along the trail.

One will encounter conifer and broadleaf (deciduous) trees of varying species and maturities.  Expect to see trees common to the mid-Atlantic such as Oaks, Maples, Sassafras, Hickories, Walnuts, Dogwoods, Sweetgum, American Hollies, Wild Cherry, and, even, Persimmon with stunning colors in the fall.  Of the conifers, immature Loblolly Pine predominates.

A traveler should begin the Black Farm trail at the information kiosk next to the gate by the parking area. Please note the trail map which includes considerable useful information about what wildlife one might spot along the way. 

As one proceeds down the first long, straight leg of the trail, he/she may notice a few castings laying on the ground that show typical footprints of indigenous mammals, including Beaver, Fox, Mink, Muskrat, and Otter.  Keep an eye on the small drainage ditches on either side of the trail for smaller aquatic animals such as frogs, turtles, or snakes. 

Moving in a clockwise direction around the trail, one begins to bear to the right.  There will be a short branch trail almost immediately to the left taking the hiker to the edge of the wetlands (tidal ponds).  Notice the Wood Duck house on a pole a few feet out into the marsh.  On occasion, one may see one of our resident Screech Owls peeking out of the house opening.

A short distance back on the main trail, one comes to a clearing which reveals a fresh water pond to the right with tidal wetlands to the left which may be overgrown with invasive Phragmites at times.  The fresh water pond to the right frequently hosts numerous duck species and other waterfowl.       

Also, note Eastern Mud Turtles and Painted Turtles basking on partly submerged logs and fallen limbs.

Proceeding, a hiker soon enters a long-wooded area of mostly deciduous trees that actually meet overhead.  Occasionally, whispers of wind and rays of sunlight sneak through the leaves creating an ethereal effect. This is a place of absolute peace and tranquility.

As one emerges at the other end of the “tree tunnel”, the trail begins to open up again.  On the left, there are numerous wild shrubs which, in season, reveal Honeysuckle, Multi-flora Rose, and fall Red Sumac leaves.  To the right, fields abound with wild grasses such as Blue Stem and deer trails.

Continuing clockwise around Black Farm Trail, the hiker will notice numerous stands of earlier growth conifer trees to the left and a field of immature deciduous trees to the right.  This is definitely deer country and one often sees does, yearlings, and fawns traveling across the trail ahead.  Also, look for the occasional Groundhog waddling across the trail. Reportedly, they are pretty near sighted, so sometimes one can approach fairly closely (but not too close!).

Ultimately, the hiker has closed the loop and returned to the parking area, having partaken of the many gifts Mother Nature has to share of Her Flora and Fauna.  As with all Prime Hook’s beautiful hiking trails, the wildlife and flora along the Black Farm Trail change with the seasons and, even, moment to moment.    Just a reminder that all Trails on the refuge are limited to foot traffic only.  Bicycles are limited to using the roads on the Refuge.