Project Description
To compensate for injuries to migratory waterfowl caused by the M/T Athos I oil spill, the Trustees conducted a habitat enhancement project at the Eagles Nest Wildlife Area (formerly known as the Blackbird Reserve Wildlife Area until 2015). The Wildlife Area is predominately forested with areas of open agricultural lands. In an effort to maintain habitat heterogeneity and increase wildlife habitat value, a portion of the agricultural land on the Ellingsworth Tract was restored to create a combination of forested areas and wintering habitat for migratory geese.
Three existing lowland areas were excavated to create approximately 3.5 acres of shallow wetland ponds buffered by 16 acres of pasture and 24 acres of food plots to attract migratory geese. Native wetlands plants were planted on the slopes of the ponds and cool season grasses, including white clover and a mix of creeping red and chewings fescue, were planted in the pastures. The food plots were established using agricultural practices and planted with corn, soybean, or winter wheat. To maintain the food plots, up to 80 percent of the crop is harvested each year with the remaining 20 percent left standing to provide food and feeding habitat for the migrating geese, and vegetative erosion control in the fields.
Parties Implementing Restoration
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service