Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuges

04/06/2026

Rehabilitation of Observation Towers at Bombay Hook

On March 16, 2026, a USFWS maintenance team, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), visited Bombay Hook to assist with the rehabilitation of three 30-foot observation towers. Passed in 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Fund, allocating $9.5 billion over five years to support federal land management agencies in addressing critical infrastructure needs on refuges, parks, and other public lands.

The team joined their labor and skills with our maintenance worker to begin the restoration of the Raymond, Shearness, and Bear Swamp Trail observation towers at Bombay Hook. The project included removing existing stairs, decking, and fencing from each tower and replacing them with new materials. The completed renovations will extend the lifespan of these structures significantly.

In addition to rehabilitating the towers, the team also replaced several refuge signs, installed internet equipment to improve connectivity in the maintenance shop building, and constructed a parking area for the photo blind located in Shearness Pool. The expertise and dedication demonstrated by these maintenance professionals will benefit refuge visitors for many years to come.

03/04/2026

Tired of being cooped up from the snow? Come stretch your legs at Bombay Hook NWR, where our roads are plowed and our trails are beginning to melt.

Today we’re featuring Parson Point Trail, a one-mile forested stroll adjacent to one of our freshwater impoundments. This trail is a wonderful way to escape the traffic of the auto-tour route while still enjoying great views of wintering waterfowl. Not only is Parson Point a hotspot for wildlife viewing, but it also has archeological significance – the remnants of a lookout tower from WWII sit just off the trail. It's the perfect compromise for the nature lovers and history buffs in your family!

Have you visited Parson Point Trail before? Share your photos in the comments!

02/27/2026

*Fowler Beach Closure 2026*

Portions of the Fowler Beach area of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge which includes the bay beach, dunes and back-barrier portions will close beginning March 1st for the benefit of federally and state protected beach-nesting and migratory shorebirds, including red knot, piping plover, oystercatcher, least tern and other species.
When visiting Prime Hook NWR during beach-nesting bird season, please remember to obey all posted signs and barriers.
• Dog walking is prohibited.
• Closed areas are subject to change and/or modification at any time.
• The beach area will re-open on October 1st for full visitor use.

02/17/2026

Bombay Hook NWR and Prime Hook NWR are undergoing exhibit work this week. Visitors may experience delays entering the visitor centers as crews move materials in and out.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

02/12/2026

02/05/2026

Update: The Wildlife Drive at Bombay Hook NWR is cleared and open. Thank you for your patience!

There is still ice on the road so please be cautious.

02/02/2026

With the onset of cold weather, you’ve probably spent more time inside – and you’re not the only one.

Mantises create their own sort of shelter for developing young in the form of an ootheca. These protective casings are made of proteins which harden around developing eggs, protecting them from both the frigid, dry temperatures and predation. In the spring, successful eggs will hatch and hundreds of nymphs may emerge from a single ootheca.

Delaware is home to one native mantis species, the Carolina mantis. Two non-native species are also established in Delaware, originally introduced for pest management on farms. Carolina mantis oothecae can be differentiated by their slender form, unlike the bulkier casings of European and Chinese mantises. The next time you spot an ootheca, pause for a moment – is it a native species or an introduced guest?

01/28/2026

Status Update: the Wildlife Drive at Bombay Hook NWR remains closed due to unsafe road conditions. We will announce when it reopens here. The visitor center is currently open.

Roads, parking lots, and the visitor center are open at Prime Hook NWR.

Stay safe out there!

01/26/2026

Bombay Hook’s visitor center will remain closed tomorrow (1/27). Snow has not yet been cleared on the refuge.

Prime Hook’s visitor center will be open tomorrow (1/27), and all roads and parking areas have been cleared.

Please use caution when driving through the refuges, as you may still encounter icy roadways.

01/23/2026

Weather Closure Notice – Prime Hook & Bombay Hook NWR
Due to forecasted severe weather this weekend, Sunday, January 24, and Monday, January 25, both Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge visitor centers will be closed.
Outside restroom facilities, trails, and roads will remain open at each refuge. Snow plowing will occur on Monday, January 25, but timing will depend on access conditions. Please plan ahead if you intend to visit.

01/20/2026

Come explore the beauty of The D**e Trail at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge! This one-mile out-and-back trail is easily accessible from the main parking lot and offers some of the most stunning views of the marsh. It’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike, with an observation deck at the end that provides a perfect vantage point for taking in the scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or hoping to spot some incredible wildlife, The D**e Trail is the perfect destination. Bring your binoculars, your camera, and enjoy one of the most popular trails on the refuge.
Have you visited The D**e Trail before? Share your photos and experiences in the comments. we’d love to hear from you! 📷