In a world where dividing and conquering has become the norm, the Pemberton Forest Preserve represents a place where The Nature Conservancy is putting things back together.

In 1999, the Conservancy acquired the 456-acre Pemberton Branch tract that gave the preserve its name. Five years later, the 908-acre Ponders tract was added to the preserve. Together, these parcels contain high quality streams and other wetlands that nourish the headwaters of local waterways such as the Broadkill River – which flows into the Delaware Bay. Forests located within the preserve also provide unbroken habitat needed by wide-ranging animals, including migratory birds and the Delmarva Fox Squirrel.

However, protecting the forests and streams at the Pemberton Forest Preserve is not enough. With only 20 percent of Delaware’s forests remaining in the midst of rapid development, the Conservancy is engaging in what’s thought to be the largest private forest restoration effort ever undertaken in the state of Delaware.

Since acquiring the Ponders tract in 2004, the Conservancy staff and volunteers have been thinning a former loblolly pine plantation and planting habitat islands as a way of welcoming back the native coastal hardwood forest that once covered the landscape. In tandem with this hands-on approach to mimicking natural disturbances, the Conservancy has witnessed the natural regeneration of native trees and shrubs in additional parts of the preserve. While reforestation will take years, the Conservancy hopes it will serve as a model for future efforts across the state.

Size
1,364 acres

Location
North-central Sussex County

What’s At Stake
The Pemberton Branch tract provides refuge for more than 40 rare plant and animal species, including the only occurrence in Delaware of the curly-grass fern. The tract also possesses some of the highest quality Atlantic white cedar swamps and bogs in the state, as well as a significant amount of upland forest.

The Ponders Tract offers an excellent stopover point for numerous migrating neo-tropical birds such as the black-and-white warbler, and is within a five-mile radius of known populations of the Delmarva Fox squirrel. The tract also contains numerous small wetlands and vernal ponds that provide excellent habitat for numerous reptile and amphibian species, including the Gray Tree Frog, and many rare plants such as the Bird’s Foot Violet.

Threats
Eighty percent of Delaware’s original forests have been lost to activities such as timber operations and development.

Milestones
Purchased the Pemberton Branch Tract from the Chesapeake Lumber Company in 1999. Acquired the Ponders Tract from Glatfelter Pulpwood Company in 2004. Planted habitat islands on 24 acres at the Ponders tract in 2007.

Action
Implementing two restoration projects utilizing state-of-the art timber thinning practices to transform 240 acres of loblolly pine plantation into a native coastal forest of oak, hickory, tulip, sassafras, red maple, Virginia pine and other hardwoods. Surveying the presence of non-native species. Exploring public acess options that will enable surrounding communities to enjoy the preserve in ways that will enable it to maintain its ecological values.

Partners
Vision Forestry, Delaware Landowner Incentive Program

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photos © Stephen Kirkpatrick (Atlantic white cedar ); © Casey Brooks (Hyssops Skullcaps); © Casey Brooks (Goats Rue)