Paddle one of Delaware’s quiet Nanticoke tributaries

In the lower corner of Delaware, the town of Laurel is surrounded by abundant natural resources. To the east, Trap Pond State Park holds some of the East Coast’s northernmost naturally occurring bald cypress trees. To the west, the Nanticoke unit of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge contains 16,000 acres of low-lying forest and marsh. And from Laurel itself, Broad Creek quietly flows about eight miles to the Nanticoke River, one of the most pristine of the Chesapeake Bay’s major tributaries, where wetlands line its banks and endangered Atlantic sturgeon return every year to spawn.

Laurel is in the early stages of a major revitalization effort that includes enhancements along Broad Creek, and one of the first steps in Laurel’s nascent transformation was the installation of an accessible launch for canoes and kayaks by the Rotary Club of Laurel. Located on the south bank of Broad Creek, at Poplar Street Bridge, the ADA-compliant entry point provides paddlers a scenic escape hatch to natural delights. In 2025, Laurel is newly armed with a fleet of kayaks available for rent during special events. And starting this month, with support from the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation and Delaware Sea Grant, Delmarva Birding Weekends is offering guided paddles.

On a visit to Laurel this spring, a quick plunge into Broad Creek provided a hint of its offerings. Drifting downstream, the dominant feature was the towering ancient cypress trees that shade the slow-moving water—survivors of harvest, fires and development that reduced the vast cypress forests of the region. Residents dropped lines from docks as turtles basked on half-submerged fallen trees. At the water’s edge, a great blue heron objected to the presence of human visitors by releasing a loud squawk and flying farther downstream, eventually deciding to let the vessels pass without comment. High above, half of a bald eagle pair perched in a pine tree as its mate circled nearby. And as the creek’s banks gradually transitioned to patches of spatterdock and other wetland plants, a large beaver took to the water with a startling splash.

Whether it’s a kayak launch, a boat ramp or fishing pier, public access helps foster a connection to the Chesapeake Bay watershed’s valuable natural amenities. Because of this, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement set a goal to add 300 public access sites by 2025, to improve opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing. It’s a target that is expected to be met and potentially exceeded in 2025. 

Without an easy way onto the water, like the launch offered in Laurel, it would be simple to overlook the vein of wonders flowing right through the middle of town. This is the case not just in Laurel, but in communities across the Chesapeake region. Thankfully, with contributions from local governments, nonprofits and community organizations, local partners of the Chesapeake Bay Program are increasing access to the lands and waters of the Chesapeake.