The Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, Part II

Visitors to the environmental center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge , whether they come by foot, water taxi or car, are greeted by a 10-acre botanic garden. Native plants, benches, flagstone paths, rivulets and a statue of Russell W. Peterson by sculptor Charles Parks set the tone of this scene overlooking the Christina River and the Wilmington skyline.

Peterson left his mark on Delaware with the Coastal Zone Act of 1972, a law intended to protect Delaware's coast from heavy industry. In the 1960s, he started a battle with oil companies who saw the Delaware River as fertile ground for new industrial uses. But Gov. Peterson's love of nature stood in the way as he recently told an enthralled group (of which I was a part) at the Delaware Historical Society. Commerce Maurice Stans told Peterson to back off. "Governor, you are being disloyal to your country," Stans said. "Hell no," Peterson replied. "I'm being loyal to future generations of Americans." Later in life, Peterson led the effort to reclaim the marshland south of Wilmington. This weekend's opening of the education center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge is the realization of Peterson's vision.

This giant tree sculpture proved a popular place for children and their parents on opening day of the complex. There is a naming contest for the giant "Lord of the Rings" type sculpture, and no one had to explain to these kids what to do with it. Now it remains to be seen if they and their generation are able to live Governor Peterson's legacy!