Of Opening Exposures and Closing Spaces
Like every state, Delaware is constantly building. People at the northernmost end of the state, yearning for space from their neighbors, have been migrating in droves to the wide-open spaces south of the C and D Canal. Of course, the result is that the wide-open spaces in a patchwork quilt of farm fields are now 50-foot spaces between oversized houses, sprawled on a carpet of suburban lawns. But, I digress.
Between former farm and fresh development, there is mud. Lots of mud. Tempting mud. The kind you know holds treasure, if only it wasn't fenced off with "No Trespassing" signs. In lower New Castle County, that treasure is Miocene petrified cypress wood. Standing at the fence, you can spot chunks here and there in the freshly cleared ground.
Some piratical types might consider ignoring those signs and poking around anyway. Let's face it, those people getting into trouble are WHY there are no trespassing signs in the first place.
What is a fossil hunter to do?
Here, at least, there is a literal work-around. As in, you can work around the construction site. Delaware requires all new developments to leave aside a percentage of undeveloped "open space" that largely becomes unregulated community property. In practice, this is the steepest, boggiest most impractical space in any given parcel on which to build. Trash from construction is often dumped in these spots, sometimes adding to the trash pile that was made by the original farmers. The multiflora rose bushes grow dense and the only humans likely to venture through are the occasional set of adventurous teenagers. These are the places to seek with sharp eyes and maybe a trowel, before these sad oases, too, are lost.
Remember if you go that this is all that is being left for wildlife. Tread respectfully. Take some trash out with you when you go. Help make it a place worth preserving.
Side note: I met a woman the other day who asked me where she might look for fossils. Her house is in the middle of this high-growth area. My response? Grab a shovel and start digging in her back yard. She's bound to find something that way.
Here, at least, there is a literal work-around. As in, you can work around the construction site. Delaware requires all new developments to leave aside a percentage of undeveloped "open space" that largely becomes unregulated community property. In practice, this is the steepest, boggiest most impractical space in any given parcel on which to build. Trash from construction is often dumped in these spots, sometimes adding to the trash pile that was made by the original farmers. The multiflora rose bushes grow dense and the only humans likely to venture through are the occasional set of adventurous teenagers. These are the places to seek with sharp eyes and maybe a trowel, before these sad oases, too, are lost.
Remember if you go that this is all that is being left for wildlife. Tread respectfully. Take some trash out with you when you go. Help make it a place worth preserving.
Side note: I met a woman the other day who asked me where she might look for fossils. Her house is in the middle of this high-growth area. My response? Grab a shovel and start digging in her back yard. She's bound to find something that way.
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