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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. Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park Supporting and Advocating for Our Unique Public Park GET INVOLVED The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization that works with the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation and the staff to support and advocate for one of the country's unique public parks. Join Us: Become a Member Become a Member Anchor 1 FRIENDS ACTIVITIES Educational Grants Bike Barn Events Trail Maintenance and Beach Cleanup TEDI Grant Gardening Explore Opportunities VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS What Our Dedicated Volunteers Are Saying “I've had an amazing experience volunteering with FOCHSP. It's incredibly rewarding to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of such a beautiful park.” VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES

Join us in preserving the beauty and excitement of Cape Henlopen State Park! As a member, you'll help maintain this treasured space for future generations to enjoy. Memberships are tax deductible. Membership Join Us Join us in preserving the beauty and excitement of Cape Henlopen State Park! As a member, you'll help maintain this treasured space for future generations to enjoy. Memberships are tax deductible. The annual membership period is January 1 through December 31st. We do not share your personal information. Complete the Form Below to Join or Renew First Name Last Name Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Zip code Email Phone Number Family Member First Name Family Member Last Name Family Member Email What are your interests? Interest Bike Barn Indoor Events Participate on a Committee Trails Days Gardens New Member or Renewal * New Member Membership Renewal * To donate an additional amount, select a higher level of membership. Select an item ($) * Individual - $20 Family - $30 Sustaining - $50 Sponsor - $100 Benefactor - $250 Patron - $500 Lifetime - $1000 Go to Checkout Thank You Electronic payments are preferred, but if you wish to pay by check, complete a paper form.

Donated bikes are for sale during operating hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weather permitting. Call (302) 858-6127, or by email: fochsp@gmail.com to make arrangements to view bikes in person. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Bikes for Sale Explore our selection of donated bikes on display at the Bike Barn during our open hours. Feel free to make an appointment by emailing BikeBarn@FriendsOfCapeHenlopen.org . We gladly accept both cash and card payments. We look forward to helping you find the perfect bike! Kids' Bikes Adult Bikes Model: Trek 4300 Specs: 21 Speed 26" Condition: Good Price: $75 Number: 624 Model: Huffy Cranbrook Specs: Single Speed 26" Condition: Good Price: $55 Number: 631 Model: Jamis Boss Specs: 7 Speed 26" Condition: Fair Price: $55 Number: 636 Kids' Bikes Kids Model: Schwinn Specs: 1 speed 16" Condition: Fair Price: $30 Number: 536

The Point at CHSP is closed from March through September to safeguard endangered beach-nesting birds. Your cooperation during this period is crucial to prevent nest abandonment and protect vulnerable eggs and chicks. Thank you for your understanding and support in preserving these precious species. DNREC Beach-Nesting Bird Program The Point at CHSP is closed from March through September to safeguard endangered beach-nesting birds. Your cooperation during this period is crucial to prevent nest abandonment and protect vulnerable eggs and chicks. Thank you for your understanding and support in preserving these precious species. Victoria Smith Threats to Birds Piping plovers, American oystercatchers, red knots, and least terns nest at the CHSP Point from March through September. While loss and degradation of habitat, climate change, and predators may contribute to the loss of chicks, human disturbance is also a factor and the reason the Point is closed during breeding months. American Oyster Catcher CHSP is an essential way point for these species to gain weight for migration to points as distant as the Arctic. The birds also are dependent upon the thousands of eggs produced by Delaware's beloved horseshoe crabs. DNREC Fish and Wildlife staff monitor the birds and take appropriate actions to help their breeding, such as installing exclosures around nests. To volunteer as a site monitor, complete this linked form . For more information about Delaware's beach nesting birds and DNREC's efforts to provide habitat protection, visit Beach-Nesting Birds . Terri Campbell Semipalmated Sandpiper

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. 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.

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!

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 Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. All members are invited. Board of Directors Jeff Underwood, President Tony Buffkin, Vice President Bob Callahan, Treasurer Miguel Garces, Secretary MJ Candaux Becky Brasington Clark Susan Giordano Suzanne Langwell Timothy McDermott 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!

Discover our exciting events happening throughout the year! There's always something going on, so come join the fun and make unforgettable memories with us! Events FOCHSP supports the Park with monthly Trails Days for clean-up and restoration and recruits volunteers to help with Parks events, including races, charitable walks, and seasonal activities for families and children. Annual special events promote public engagement and raise critical funds to support the Friends' activities. Upcoming Events Multiple Dates May Trails Day Sat, May 09 Gordon's Pond Parking Lot More info Learn more FOCHSP Speaker Series - Ospreys, The Iconic Birds of the Inland Bays Fri, May 22 Biden Environmental Training Center More info RSVP National Trails Day Sat, Jun 06 Hawk Watch Pavilion More info Learn more Multiple Dates July Trails Day Sat, Jul 11 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Multiple Dates August Trails Day Sat, Aug 08 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Annual Birdseed Sale, September 1-30 Tue, Sep 01 Seaside Nature Center More info Learn more Youth Fishing Tournament Sat, Sep 12 Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier More info Learn more Delaware Coastal Cleanup Sat, Sep 19 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Chocolate Tasting Sat, Sep 19 Officers Club More info Learn more Multiple Dates October Trails Day Sat, Oct 10 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Birdseed Pick-up Sat, Oct 17 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Donation Drop-Off for Holiday Boutique and Book Sale Fri, Nov 13 Cape Henlopen State Park Officers Club More info Learn more Multiple Dates November Trails Day Sat, Nov 14 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Holiday Boutique and Book Sale Sat, Nov 14 Cape Henlopen Officers Club More info Learn more Giving Tuesday Tue, Dec 01 www.givingtuesday.org More info Learn more Multiple Dates December Trails Day Sat, Dec 12 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Learn more Multiple Dates January Trails Day Sat, Jan 09 Cape Henlopen State Park More info RSVP Recently Completed Earth Day Annual Cleanup Wed, Apr 22 Johnnie Walker Beach More info Details Wine, Cheese, and Beer Tasting Sat, Apr 18 Cape Henlopen State Park Officers Club, Queens Rd, Lewes, DE 19958 More info Details Multiple Dates April Trails Day Sat, Apr 11 Cape Henlopen State Park More info Details FOCHSP Annual Meeting Sat, Feb 21 Biden Environmental Center More info Details

Thank you for your contributions to FOCHSP! Your donations played a vital role in creating the playground, enhancing the disc golf course, installing the Osprey and Nature Center cameras, and developing the Nature Center and Monarch gardens, among other projects. Every donation is tax-deductible and truly appreciated, helping us continue our mission to support the park. Donations Thank you for your contributions to FOCHSP! Your donations played a vital role in creating the playground, enhancing the disc golf course, installing the Osprey and Nature Center cameras, and developing the Nature Center and Monarch gardens, among other projects. Every donation is tax-deductible and truly appreciated, helping us continue our mission to support the park. Support Our Cause First name Last name Email Purpose: Bike Barn Fishing Tournament Thatcher Education Fund Youth Educational Support (YES) Other: Please Specify Below Greatest Need Comments Enter the amount you wish to donate: $ Next Be sure to scroll down on the Payment Details screen to enter city and zip code.

Capturing Cape Henlopen 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 breathtaking landscape of sweeping beaches, dramatic dunes, and historic lighthouses. Spanning more than 5,000 acres, the park boasts diverse habitats, vibrant wildlife, and miles of scenic trails. Every trail, shoreline, and sunset offers a moment worth capturing. To celebrate the beauty of this cherished natural space and encourage creative expression, the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (FOCHSP) and our sponsors the Coastal Camera Club, Nations Photo Lab, and Cape Henlopen State Park, are proud to announce Capturing Cape Henlopen—a digital photography contest showcasing the park through your lens. This all-digital competition invites FOCHSP members, local residents, and visitors alike to submit photographs that reflect the park’s unique charm—from sweeping vistas and coastal landscapes to its wildlife and fauna. The contest is open to all skill levels and aims to highlight the wonder of Cape Henlopen through the eyes of those who love it most. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just love snapping special moments at the park, this contest is your chance to showcase the magic of Cape Henlopen. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN!!!

Borrow a bike and ride for free! Check in at the Nature Center, provide your photo ID, and head over to Bike Barn where our team will help you find the perfect-sized bike for your adventure.  Borrow a Bike And ride for free! The Bike Barn is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, and is currently closed on Mondays. An exception will be made for Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, when the Barn will be open. We encourage you to confirm the operating status of the Barn by calling the Friends’ phone (302-858-6127) or by contacting the Park’s Nature Center (302-645-6852). For special requests and for groups greater than 10, please contact us at least a week in advance to discuss your requirements by emailing BikeBarn@FriendsOfCapeHenlopen.org How to Borrow a Bike Check in at the Nature Center, provide your photo ID, and head over to Bike Barn where our team will help you find the perfect-sized bike for your adventure. Our Bike Fleet 45 adult bikes with baskets and bells 14 kids’ bikes 2 adult trikes 3 bike trailers Adult and children’s helmets are also available for loan All bikes have coaster brakes and no gear shift. Borrowing Guidelines Bikes may be borrowed for up to 2 hours Loans are first come first served Riders must remain within the park and on trails at all times All bikes must be returned by 2:45 p.m. At least one adult must accompany children All riders under 18 must wear helmets Children under 12 months of age are not allowed on bikes with infant seats or in trailers Groups of 10 or more riders please contact us at least a week in advance to discuss your requirements by emailing BikeBarn@FriendsOfCapeHenlopen.org