Riverfront in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge
Riverfront Wilmington
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 28, 2022
1. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge Marker
"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
this page online
Erected by Riverfront Wilmington.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Government & Politics • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 39° 43.704′ N, 75° 33.706′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Riverfront. It is on Jack A. Markell Trail north of New Sweden Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 Riverwalk, Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War II (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Points of Remembrance (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named World War II (about 700 feet away); Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk (approx. 0.2 miles away); Long Hook (approx. 0.2 miles away); Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refute (approx. Ό mile away); Russell W. Peterson (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Another marker is no longer nearby. World War II (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2024
2. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 496 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 29, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 4, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
