What a great concept: an urban wildlife refuge along Wilmington's Riverfront. And not only will Riverfront visitors gain a unique environmental experience, the city's residents and schoolchildren will have access to wildlife education and recreation.

Named after Russell W. Peterson, former Governor of Delaware who gained international recognition as an environmentalist, scientist, activist and public servant, the refuge is one of the few urban wildlife areas in the country. Riverfront visitors will soon be able to escape into the tranquility of the sanctuary that is among the nation's most valuable fish and wildlife habitats.

An extensive marsh restoration process began in 1998, and has already enabled beneficial vegetation to flourish in the marsh and provide habitat for wetland wildlife. Future rehabilitation efforts will include stabilizing the shorelines, re-excavating water channels to their historic patterns,developing a trail system and installing wildlife nesting structures. The Dupont Education Center will open in 2009.