Cape Henlopen State Park's The Point to Close for Nesting Season

Sussex County, DE - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will close The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park beginning Sunday, March 1. The closure includes sections of both ocean and bay beach. This seasonal measure protects nesting grounds and migratory paths for threatened and endangered species.

The protected species include piping plovers, American oystercatchers, least terns, and red knots. Other bird species also benefit from the closure.

The Point has closed annually since 1993 during most of spring and summer. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts regular surveys at this location and others to monitor population impacts.

During the 2025 nesting season, the piping plover population showed mixed results in Delaware. The species is listed federally as threatened. Nine adult pairs were recorded at The Point, marking a record for the site since monitoring began.

However, statewide nesting success declined due to predation and climate conditions.

Productivity at The Point, measured as fledglings per plover pair, remained fairly typical.
The division also monitored American oystercatchers and least terns at The Point. Two American oystercatcher pairs nested in 2025, but no chicks reached fledging age. Least terns made 53 nesting attempts last year. Some eggs hatched, but no fledglings were confirmed from the colony.

The ocean side of The Point's beach will reopen to the public on September 1. The bayside beach will remain closed until October 1. This extended closure allows shorebirds migrating south for winter to use the area.

The dunes remain off limits year-round. These areas are located behind the symbolic PVC fencing at the top of the beach. This permanent restriction protects the sensitive habitat.

The DNREC Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have collaborated since 1990. Their joint efforts implement a management plan designed to bolster and increase shorebird populations in Delaware.