Flint Woods ~ A Conservation Legacy
Spanning Several Generations
Peter Flint and his family’s involvement in Delaware
Nature Society dates back to the early 70s at a pinnacle
point when our young organization was shaping its future.
Peter and his siblings made a complex and strategic land
preservation decision for their parents and the future of
the property. The results of this conservation plan became
Flint Woods. The following story of the Flint family’s
conservation legacy was captured by Delaware Nature
Society Board Member, Pam Finkleman.
Peter Flint admits that he cannot rattle off the names of
the myriad flowers, trees and native plants growing in
Flint Woods. However, he gets great satisfaction knowing
they are there — and will be in perpetuity. “One of
the reasons I wanted to donate land and grant
easements to the Delaware Nature Society
and the State of Delaware was due to my
family’s historical connection to woods
and all the natural places where I grew
up,” Peter explains. “The importance of
adding to the biodiversity of this area
was also a strong motivation.”
Delaware is fortunate to have so many
intact large natural spaces, unlike some of
our neighboring states, and many local land
owners are becoming aware of the importance
of conservation. Flint Woods near Centerville —
stunning parcels which are home to rare and diverse
native species — represents the largest tract of old
growth Piedmont forest in the state. Logging was
done on the property in the mid-19th century and in the
1920s, dead American chestnut trees were removed.
Over many years, trees were harvested routinely when
building material or firewood were sought. However, the
majestic old oak and tulip trees remain to provide a lush
gr een roof for the woodland. Thanks to the conservation
values of the Flint family, a total of 226 acres are
preserved forever through outright transfer of ownership
or easement rights given to the Delaware Nature Society
and the State of Delaware.
In addition, the Flints established an endowment to fund
land management. It may be surprising, but stewardship of
natural spaces is labor intensive. Part of the job description
of a land manager is to wage war against predator-plants.
Garlic mustard is one of the many on Peter’s list of wily
adversaries. “It takes seven years of pulling the weed out of the
ground each spring before it can be considered eradicated,”
Peter explains. “Invasive species often begin their incursion on
the edge of the woods or are brought in by birds.” In addition,
deer must be monitored and controlled with fences and
occasional hunts. The voracious animals destroy seedlings
and other native plants. Peter notes that last year over
30 deer were culled, making a small dent in the population.
A certified controlled burn expert, Peter’s land manager also
coordinates periodic burns to rejuvenate the open
meadow bordering the Flint home.
“Easements must be carefully crafted to
allow the land owner to enjoy use of the
land while at the same time preserving
the property for future generations.
The law requires that to gain the tax
advantages, the land be used for some
public good,” Peter says. For example,
he can hike in the woods, invite guests to join
him and limit access. Fences can be installed
and maintained since overuse would compromise the
intent of the easement. Delaware Nature Society sponsors
guided hikes through the woodlands. “For conservationminded land owners, easements forbid you from doing
things you don’t want to do anyway, and allow you to do
the activities you enjoy, so it is a win-win,” Peter explains.
“There are organizations that are legally certified to
manage easements,” he continues. “It is a long-term
responsibility and donors need to make sure conservation
oversight is properly and legally secured. Easement status
is forever, even when the land is sold.”
For more information on conservation easements,
please contact Ginger North, Director of Conservation,
302.239.2334 x100.