Doing a nature based blog post on the Newark Reservoir is sort of oxymoronic considering the fact that it is completely manmade BUT it is actually a great example of responsible watershed management. Since it’s completion in the mid 2000’s, it has since become an asset to the community in more ways than the obvious.
Just to give you some background info…between 1999 and 2002 there were significant drought issues in Delaware, even being called a “100 year drought.” Newark, like many towns, struggled to supply its residents with drinking water and had to impose many water use restrictions during that time. In order to become self sustaining, the decision was made to build a reservoir, the first built in Delaware since 1932. Newark reservoir has a 300 MILLION gallon capacity and was an engineering feat that took years to complete.
Now that the site has become naturalized, its calm waters house fish and attract birds. We even saw an osprey hunting while we were there, but it was too far away for a picture. The 1.8 mile paved walking path is utilized heavily by walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders and more. It’s a steep hike up the hill to get to the top, so plan on bringing water and rest along the way if you need to. The view looking out over downtown Newark is really nice and we even watched a train rumbling by from up there! Watch your step as you walk the loop around the reservoir, as geese have mistaken the pathway for their potty spot! O was enamored by the piles of droppings and I had to remind him over and over and over again that we don’t touch poop. I would bring some hand sanitizer and wipes just in case!
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| Can you spot the fish? |
After we hiked up and then back down again, we passed by the nicely landscaped parking lot and a loud buzzing caught my attention. We followed the sound and ended up at these rose bushes which were a pollinator paradise! The shrubs were covered in bees, butterflies and beetles all spreading pollen from flower to flower and the boys loved watching all the insect activity.
See if you can find all 5 scavenger hunt items!
1) Manhole Cover
2) Giant Boulder
3) Feather
4) A place where the water bubbles
5) A bench
Bonus: Fish in the water!
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