Delaware State University College Woods: A bird in the hand? Rapidly evolving status of a campus natural area

Natural areas on college campuses inspire students to explore and appreciate wildness. At historically black universities, many students are their families’ first generation to attend college and are often from urban areas affording little opportunity to experience nature. The acquired appreciation of local flora and fauna is a major reason it is important to keep intact natural areas on campuses. Delaware State University, established in 1891, includes a 33 ha wooded tract that has been under various development threats for years; now it may be designated as a conservation easement, ensuring future students can experience nature right on campus.