Cape Henlopen State Park Beach to Reopen This Weekend

SUSSEX COUNTY, DE - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that a section of oceanside beach at The Point in Cape Henlopen State Park will reopen to visitors by Saturday, August 30. The bayside area will remain closed until October 1 to protect migrating shorebirds.

Annual Closure Protects Wildlife

The Point has been closed each March since 1993 to support threatened and endangered bird species during their nesting and migration periods. The closure benefits multiple species including piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns, and red knots. The area typically reopens in late summer or early fall for public use.

Collaborative Conservation Efforts

Three DNREC divisions have worked together since 1990 to manage the area effectively. The Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship implement strategies designed to increase bird populations.

The Point serves as one of only three undisturbed beach habitats in Delaware where shorebirds can rest and feed after breeding season.

Successful Breeding Season

This year's closure produced positive results for local bird populations. Nine piping plover chicks successfully fledged from nests at The Point. More than 27 least tern chicks hatched during the season. Some broods remain active on the beach along with fledgling least terns from other locations.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will release a complete report on breeding activity after the season concludes.

Safety Considerations for Visitors

Park officials request caution from visitors when the oceanside area reopens. Piping plovers nest individually and can be protected with fencing. Least terns nest in colonies and cannot be enclosed for protection from predators.

Active least tern broods remain on the oceanside of The Point and may still be present when the area opens to the public.

Visitors should exercise care when driving or walking in the reopened section.

Species Diversity

Since the March 1 closure began, researchers have documented significant wildlife activity. Twenty-four shorebird species have been observed at The Point in 2025.

This includes both breeding species and migrants such as the federally threatened red knot. Ten tern species, including the federally threatened roseate tern, have been recorded. Six gull species have also been documented in the protected area.