Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, The Lewes And Rehoboth Canal Area Travel Guide

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1963, spans over 10,000 acres of diverse habitats along the western shore of Delaware Bay. The refuge was created under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to serve as a sanctuary for migratory birds. It's a crucial stopover on the Atlantic Flyway, hosting hundreds of thousands of birds annually.The refuge's landscape includes freshwater and salt marshes, wooded swamps, upland grasslands, and forests. This mosaic of habitats supports a rich variety of wildlife, including 308 species of birds, 51 species of fish, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 37 species of mammals. Visitors can explore the refuge through a network of walking trails, a canoe trail, and several state roads that bisect the area. The visitor center offers exhibits, educational programs, and information about the refuge's ecology and conservation efforts.Prime Hook provides nesting habitat for various species, and is managed to maintain suitable resting and feeding areas for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge also manages forested lands as habitat for the Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel, which was reintroduced to the refuge in 1986. The name 'Prime Hook' originates from the Dutch 'Priume Hoek,' meaning 'Plum Point,' reflecting the area's historical abundance of purple beach plums. Today, Prime Hook continues to focus on providing habitat and protection for waterfowl, migratory birds, and endangered species, ensuring these resources are available for future generations.