The Rocks Wetland Restoration
Restoring wetlands. Supporting wildlife. Strengthening our region.
This restoration site is part of PSEG’s Estuary Enhancement Program (EEP) — a long-term effort to restore and strengthen tidal wetlands along the Delaware Estuary.
Working with scientists, environmental organizations, regulators and local communities, the program focuses on restoring marsh habitat, improving aquatic ecosystems and supporting the long-term health of the estuary.
Through restoration projects like this one, the EEP helps expand habitat for fish and wildlife, encourage the return of native marsh vegetation and reconnect wetlands with natural tidal processes.
Learn more about the Estuary Enhancement Program and restoration efforts across the Delaware Estuary.
Overview
The Rocks is a 736-acre wetland restoration site located in New Castle County, Delaware. The site is part of a continuous tidal marsh community known as the Appoquinimink River–Blackbird Creek System, which extends for several miles to the north and south. The site is owned by DNREC.
Before restoration, Phragmites covered approximately 87 percent of the vegetated marsh plain. Wetland enhancement and restoration efforts began in 1995 and were completed in 2000, restoring the ecological function of the marsh within this larger tidal wetland system.
Restoration goals
Enhancement and restoration efforts for the site focused on:
- expanding spawning and nursery habitat for aquatic species
- controlling and reducing the invasive plant Phragmites
- allowing Spartina and other desirable marsh plants to re-vegetate
- preserving wetlands and the surrounding upland buffer
Actions taken
To achieve these goals, the Estuary Enhancement Program implemented restoration measures including:
- targeted herbicide treatments applied by aerial, ground and boat methods to control Phragmites and support the re-establishment of Spartina
- studying four test areas to determine the relative effectiveness of different treatments for Phragmites control and elimination
These actions helped restore conditions that support native marsh vegetation and improve habitat within the wetland.
Restoration results
- Restoration activities resulted in significant ecological improvements, including:
- 736 acres of aquatic habitat restored within the Delaware Estuary
Public access and site enhancements
Additional enhancements were completed to support responsible public access and long-term use of the site, including:
- parking area
- boat launch
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Prior to restoration activities, Phragmites dominated the site, while Spartina was present only in limited areas. Following herbicide treatments, Phragmites coverage declined and was replaced by Spartina and mixed stands of desirable marsh vegetation. Today, Spartina and other desirable marsh plants dominate the site.
Before restoration (1993)
Prior to restoration, the site was largely dominated by Phragmites, shown as tan shaded areas on the vegetation map. Only scattered patches of Spartina and other desirable marsh vegetation were present, and small tidal channels were absent.
After restoration (2016)
Following treatment, the Phragmites population declined. With improved drainage across the marsh, Spartina expanded and now dominates the site.
