Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge

Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. Riverfront Wilmington.

"We can save the Earth." , Russ Peterson, former Governor of Delaware

, You are standing on what was once known as the Old Wilmington Marsh, also Dravo Marsh. This 238-acre freshwater marsh on the Christina River is now named for one of the foremost and accomplished environmentalists in the nation, former Delaware Governor Russell W. Peterson, also known as "Rebel with a Conscience." The vision of Governor Peterson led to the redevelopment of this riverfront., Called "Russ" among friends, he was governor of Delaware from 1969 to 1973, when he championed the Coastal Zone Act. He is also a past president of the National Audubon Society. The people of Delaware and the nation will forever be indebted to him for the environmental leadership he has provided for more than fifty years., It is the conviction of Governor Peterson and countless others that this refuge can again become the teeming fish and wildlife area it once was. The tidal freshwater wetlands here can provide the diversity of vegetation that will make this area an attractive habitat for migratory waterfowl and other water birds including black ducks, pintails, green-winged teal, migrant Canada geese and various heron and raptor species. An array of mammals, especially aquatic furbearers such as muskrats, beaver and otter will also benefit from this habitat.