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year at a glance calendar 2026 Calendar of Events Friday, November 13 - Donation Drop-off for Holiday Boutique and Book Fair Saturday, November 14 - Holiday Boutique and Book Fair Tuesday, December 1 - Giving Tuesday FOCHSP Trails Days Free Borrow-a-Bike Program Monthly Board Meetings Prior Events Wednesday, April 22 - Earth Day Annual Community Cleanup Saturday, April 18 - Wine, Cheese & Beer Tasting Saturday, March 21 - Flea Market Saturday, February 21, Annual Meeting Saturday, June 6 - National Trails Day Wednesday, June 10 - Board Meeting Wednesday, July 8 - Board Meeting May 15 - July 31 - 2nd Annual Capturing the Cape, a Digital Photography Contest Saturday, September 19 - Delaware Coastal Cleanup Saturday, September 19 - Chocolate Tasting Saturday, October 3 - Capturing the Cape Photo Contest Winners Celebration Questions? Call us at 302-858-6127

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP) funds two grant opportunities.  The Thatcher Education Grant and the Youth Educational Support (YES) Grant are designed to inspire youth groups to engage in programs focused on learning about nature and the environment. Educational Grants The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP) funds two grant opportunities. The Thatcher Education Grant and the Youth Educational Support (YES) Grant are designed to inspire youth groups to engage in programs focused on learning about nature and the environment. Below, you will find information about each program and application processes. Join us in fostering a love for nature in the next generation! Thatcher Grant Thatcher Grants may be applied to: School Transportation costs to the park. Nature Center/Park program fees for Title 1 Delaware schools. Thatcher Grant Process: First contact Richard Julian, Park Nature Center Manager, at (302) 645-6852, or Richard.Julian@Delaware.gov . Complete the fillable application form here: Application Form Submit the signed application to the Park's Nature Center Manager. The Nature Center Manager will review the application to determine if the Park has the resources to ensure a successful class trip on the proposed date. After scheduling, applications are forwarded to the FOCHSP Board. The FOCHSP Board considers the application and will reply to the teacher/group leader. Youth Educational Support (YES) Grant YES Grants may be applied to: Transportation costs to the park. Nature Center/Park program fees. YES Grant Process: First contact Richard Julian, Park Nature Center Manager, at (302) 645-6852, or Richard.Julian@Delaware.gov . Complete the application form here: Application Form Submit the signed application to the Park's Nature Center Manager. The Nature Center Manager will review the application to determine if the Park has the resources to ensure a successful trip on the proposed date. Approved applications are forwarded to the FOCHSP Board. The FOCHSP Board considers the application and will reply to the teacher/group leader. Unlike Thatcher Grants, YES Grants: Are open to Delaware-based non-profit youth organizations. Are awarded preferentially to groups that have a sponsor/leader who is a current FOCHSP member. Each youth group may be awarded only one grant per calendar year. Participant's program may include environmental education or other topics.

Stay informed with our calendar of events—view upcoming events, important dates, and key activities all in one place. November 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 26 27 10:00 AM Ribbon Cutting: Deauville Beach Hydration Station 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8:45 AM November Trails Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:00 AM Donation Drop-Off for Holiday Boutique and Book Sale 14 9:00 AM Holiday Boutique and Book Sale 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 12:01 AM Giving Tuesday 2 3 4 5 6

Bike Barn Ambassadors help park visitors select bikes, adjust seat heights, provide route recommendations, and more. If you’re interested in becoming a member of our volunteer cadre, please contact us using the form on the web page. Bike Barn Volunteers Become a Bike Barn Volunteer! We couldn’t operate the free Borrow-a-Bike program without the terrific support of our Bike Barn Ambassador team. Bike Barn Ambassadors help park visitors select bikes, adjust seat heights, provide route recommendations, and more. If you’re interested in becoming a member of our volunteer cadre, please contact us using the form below. Please note: You must be a member of the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP) to volunteer with us. First Name Last Name Email Subject Message Send Thanks for your inquiry!

The FOCHSP is proud to have initiated, funded, and supported numerous opportunities to incorporate native plants throughout the park. These efforts not only enhance the landscape but also promote biodiversity and support local wildlife. Gardening The FOCHSP is proud to have initiated, funded, and supported opportunities to incorporate native plants throughout the park. These efforts not only enhance the landscape but also promote biodiversity and support local wildlife. We believe that by integrating native flora, we can create a more sustainable and vibrant environment for everyone to enjoy. Join us in celebrating these green initiatives! Monarch Garden Delaware is an important state for the recovery of this iconic butterfly as it lies in the direct path of migrating monarchs from late August through November. Delaware Master Naturalists who are also Friends members have installed 100 plants into the garden including 60 seaside goldenrods, a major source of nectar for migrating monarchs, and a keystone species for dozens of other insects. Several species of native host and nectar plants have also been included in the garden for caterpillar food sources and nectar for butterflies. Visit us next to the Biden Center and learn more about monarchs and what you can do to help them in your yard. See the April 20, 2025, 60 Minutes video about monarchs. Nature Center Native Plant Garden Friends placed a variety of native plants in the fenced area in front of the Nature Center. The species include host and nectar plants. Flower Displays Friends members also procure the plants, install, and maintain the flower pots at the park entrance, the campground, and the Officers Club building. Nature Center Pond Transformation Visit our newest garden, where native plants thrive in the former pond area. Here, you'll find a variety of "host" plants, perfect for nurturing butterfly caterpillars, while the vibrant floral blooms will attract and support our buzzing bee friends. To enhance this natural habitat, a bird bath offers a drink for the feathered visitors that frequent the nearby feeder.

Stay connected with Friends in the News—featuring notable updates, media mentions, achievements, and newsworthy highlights from our group. Friends In the News From memorable events to inspiring speakers, this page highlights what we’ve been up to—along with insights and resources we’re glad to share. CoastLife (WRDE-TV) features August 8 Trails Day CoastLife TV reporter Kendall Gordon joined us for our August 8 Trails Day—and she didn’t just watch from the sidelines! Kendall rolled up her sleeves and worked alongside our volunteers while learning firsthand what goes into helping keep the trails of Cape Henlopen State Park clean, beautiful, and ready for visitors. Check out Kendall’s great story, “Behind the Beauty of Cape Henlopen State Park,” and meet some of the dedicated volunteers who make Trails Day happen month after month! -—Courtesy of WRDE-TV CoastLife Ospreys, The Iconic Birds of the Inland Bays On May 22, the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park welcomed Delaware Master Naturalist Jodi McLaughlin to the Biden Environmental Training Center for an engaging presentation, Ospreys: The Iconic Birds of the Inland Bays. Attendees enjoyed an inspiring look into the lives of the area’s osprey population, conservation efforts throughout Sussex County, and the importance of protecting local wildlife and habitats. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening celebrating one of the Inland Bays’ most iconic birds. Annual Meeting The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park held their Annual Meeting on February 21 at the Biden Environmental Center. Members gathered for a productive session that included the election of the 2026 Board of Directors. Votes were cast to renew current board members Jeff Underwood (President), MJ Candaux (Merchandise), and Suzanne Langwell (Marketing and Media), and to confirm continued service of Tim McDermott and Susan Giordano following their mid-year appointments. Members also considered new nominees Tony Buffkin (Webmaster) and Becky Brasington Clark (Grants Committee). The meeting offered a valuable opportunity for members to engage in leadership decisions and reaffirm their commitment to the park. Winter Birds of Southern Delaware At our annual meeting, guest speaker Ian Stewart shared tips for supporting winter birds and highlighted his favorite birding spots in lower Delaware. To help birds in winter, provide food like black oil sunflower seeds, suet cakes, shel peanuts, and mealworms. Planting native wildflowers, such Purple Coneflower and Brown-eyed Susan, can also support local wildlife while offering seeds. Water is crucial; a bird bath with a heater can keep water accessible. For birdwatching, Cape Henlopen State Park and Indian River Inlet are standout locations for various species, including Snow Buntings and Great Cormorants.

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP), in partnership with the Coastal Camera Club, Nations Photo Lab, and Cape Henlopen State Park, sponsored "Capturing Cape Henlopen"—a digital photography contest. Capturing the Cape Photo Contest Winners To honor the beauty of our treasured natural space and inspire creative expression, the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP), in partnership with the Coastal Camera Club, Nations Photo Lab, and Cape Henlopen State Park, sponsored "Capturing Cape Henlopen"—a digital photography contest inviting visitors to showcase the park’s splendor through their lens. Congratulations to the winners and everyone who submitted a photograph! Category: Park Wildlife First Place: John Hoyt, Cedar Waxwing Second Place: Linda Benzon, Neighborly Third Place: Samantha Scullen, Boisterous Bird Category: Scenic and Landscape First Place: Jim Cotter, Silent Sentinels Second Place: Rich White, Herring Point Sunrise Third Place: Marian Dowling, Overlooking the Point Category: Flora and Fauna First Place: Beth Baker, Summer Sundews Second Place: Victoria Smith, Monarch Caterpillar in Biden Center Monarch Garden Third Place: Clarissa Pogoda, In Bloom Click to enlarge. John Hoyt, Cedar Waxwing Jim Cotter, Silent Sentinels Beth Baker, Summer Sundews Linda Benzon, Neighborly Rich White, Herring Point Sunrise Victoria Smith, Monarch Caterpillar in the Biden Center Monarch Garden Samatha Scullen, Boisterous Bird Marian Dowling, Overlooking the Point Clarissa Pogoda, In Bloom

We collaborate with the park staff to organize clean-up initiatives, wildlife conservation projects, and educational programs. We also raise funds to support park improvements and infrastructure development. About Us The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park supports the park through volunteer projects and fundraising events. We have a wide variety of programs, many of which are unique to the park's geographical location and the environmental diversity of the Cape Henlopen area. Board Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month at 2pm on odd-numbered months and 7pm on even-numbered months. All members are invited. Board of Directors Jeff Underwood, President Tony Buffkin, Vice President Miguel Garces, Secretary Becky Brasington Clark, Treasurer MJ Candaux Bob Callahan Susan Giordano Suzanne Langwell Timothy McDermott Doug Pool Barry Snyder What We Do We collaborate with the park staff to organize recreational activities, wildlife conservation projects, clean-up initiatives, and support educational programs. Through our fundraising efforts, we fund park improvements and infrastructure development, ensuring a pristine and welcoming environment for all visitors to enjoy. Together, we can make a difference!

2nd Annual Capturing the Cape a Digital Photography Contest Presented by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park Cape Henlopen State Park is where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean – a placed filled with scenic beaches, coastal landscapes, historic landmarks, trails, and incredible wildlife. The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park together with Coastal Camera Club, Nations Photo Lab and Cape Henlopen State Park, invite photographers of all skill levels to share their view of the park through Capturing the Cape , our all-digital photography contest. Whether you’re capturing dramatic landscapes, wildlife, or quiet moments along the shoreline, this is you chance to showcase Cape Henlopen State Park through your lens. 2026 Categories Black & White – Open to any subject within the park and must be presented in black & white or monochrome and should emphasize contrast, texture, form, or pattern. Landscape / Flora – Scenic views, beaches, dunes, trails, and plant life. Wildlife – Birds, mammals, marine life, insects, and other wildlife. Prizes – which will be awarded in each category are: 1st Place - $100 ~ 2nd Place - $50 ~ 3rd Place - $25 CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN!!!

Cape Henlopen State Park is a treasure trove of joy, community, and natural beauty. Explore the stunning landscapes, from sandy beaches to lush forests, that invite you to connect with nature. Join fellow visitors in celebrating the vibrant community spirit that makes this park a beloved destination.  Photo Gallery Cape Henlopen State Park is a treasure trove of joy, community, and natural beauty. Explore the stunning landscapes, from sandy beaches to lush forests, that invite you to connect with nature. Join fellow visitors in celebrating the vibrant community spirit that makes this park a beloved destination.