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Forest Stewardship

Led by the Ardencroft Environment Committee and supported by dedicated volunteers from the Village, neighboring communities, and beyond, Ardencroft is working tirelessly to protect and restore its precious forest ecosystem. Through initiatives like planting native vegetation and managing invasive species, we are ensuring a sustainable future for our forests. Below are some highlights of our ongoing efforts.

Relocation of Delmarva Power’s Transmission Lines

The current route of Delmarva Power’s high-voltage transmission lines has caused significant harm to our forest ecosystem and residential properties. This route has been costly and environmentally destructive, creating a wide chasm through our forest. Ardencroft is advocating for a sensible relocation of this infrastructure to minimize these impacts. Learn more about our advocacy on the Transmission Lines Relocation page.

200 New Trees for Our Forests!

With $28,000 in funding from the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI)—a partnership of Delaware’s DNREC and Department of Agriculture—along with local fundraising efforts and ARPA funds, Ardencroft has planted 200 trees in our forests. This effort also contributed 40 additional trees to the New Castle County Park system, providing shade and stabilizing a riparian buffer at Naamans Creek in Harvey Mill Park.

A Collaborative Effort:

  • Volunteers of the Naamans Creek Watershed Association planted 40 trees on November 2, 2024 at Harvey Mill Park.
  • 148 trees in Ardencroft were planted by Davey.
  • 52 trees were planted by Village volunteers on November 9, 2024.

The replanting along Delmarva Power’s 30-foot-wide easement, cleared to an 80-foot width in 2023, included low-to-mid canopy species that won’t interfere with the transmission lines. Many trees were also planted near concentrations of beech trees showing early signs of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), a pandemic likely to result in deforestation. These new plantings diversify the forest with resilient species to mitigate future losses.

Vegetation Survey

Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) and other sources, the three villages of the Ardens have partnered with ecologists Dr. Will Ryan and Janet Ebert to conduct a comprehensive vegetation survey in 2024. This study documents species in the forests and public spaces throughout the growing seasons, mapping biodiversity hotspots and problem areas. This essential work will guide future strategies to preserve rich ecological zones and manage invasive species.

Invasive Species Removal and Stream Cleanups

Ardencroft organizes volunteer events to combat invasive plants like English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Garlic Mustard, which threaten the health of our forests. Earth Day cleanups include litter collection and Garlic Mustard pulls, timed to coincide with the plant’s mid-April white blooms for easy identification. These efforts protect native vegetation and improve stream health in our local ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: Arbor Day 2025

Ardencroft is excited to celebrate Arbor Day in 2025 with events to engage the community and promote forest stewardship. The Village will also pursue a Tree City USA designation to formalize its commitment to urban forestry. Stay tuned for updates!

Join Us in Stewardship!

Ardencroft’s Forest Stewardship efforts reflect our shared values of environmental protection, sustainability, and community collaboration. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, your involvement is vital to keeping our forests thriving for generations to come. If you’re interested in helping out, please contact environment@ardencroft.delaware.gov