There is magic in nature for those who seek it, and I've experienced this magic at Fort DuPont State Park with my dog, Gracie, in so many ways.  (That's Gracie in the campaign photo, running through the park with unabashed happiness!)  Blue herons, perched on the ruins of the old pier, have joined us in anticipation of welcoming a new day as together we watched the sky turn from indigo to an orange glow; the sun first shyly peeking at us from behind Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island before finding the confidence to blaze across the sky. The trees have reached out to whisper their ancient stories, the very ground we walked on echoed the footsteps of those who have gone before us.  We've listened to chattering birds gather at the end of the day, filling a tree and talking to each other so loudly that their conversation was deafening.  I imagine they selected the tree in the morning before they went about their day, and then agreed to reconvene and talk about all the lovely worms they found before deciding where to roost for the night.  As quickly as the chatter would begin, it would end, as the birds flew away to their slumbering rest.  We've watched the evening sky turn from aqua to pink to lavender as the ibis flew back to the island, dipping their wings in the last rays of the setting sun.  We've watched beautiful moon rises, made wishes on falling stars, and wondered at Venus and Mars, all the while experiencing the ultimate connection to humanity, to wildlife, to the universe, to God.

Please, do not let this magic be destroyed in the name of 'progress' - we must preserve it for ourselves and for the generations to follow.  Share this petition, ask everyone you know to sign and share it, talk about it, contact your elected officials and tell them to stop the sale and development of YOUR state park.  Call or email the sponsors of HB310, Valerie Longhurst and Nicole Poore (Valerie.Longhurst@delaware.gov 302.577.8476 and Nicole.Poore@delaware.gov 302.577.8744) and tell them to stop the sale and development of Fort DuPont State Park and return ownership to The People!  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all of your support!