Great Places

Aquatic Resources Education Center at the Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area

• Enviro. Programs / Exhibits
• Catch & Release Fishing
• Wildlife Watching
• Trails
• Dog Friendly

39°19'49.96"N  75°31'16.96"W

4876 Hay Point Landing Road
Smyrna, DE 19977

Email: gary.kreamer@state.de.us
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The Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area consists of three large land tracts totaling about 6,300 acres near Smyrna and Delaware Bay. Among its attractions is a 60-acre waterfowl refuge that is popular with birders.

The gateway to this refuge is the Aquatic Resources Education Center. This reopened in 2017 as a state-of-the-art visitors' center for travelers on the Delaware Bayshore Byway. Other attractions include:

— a conference facility for environmental educators and wetland managers
— on-site ponds, wetlands, and boardwalks for nature study
— catch-and-release fishing at three stocked ponds

Before your arrival, we recommend you consult the current schedule of hunting seasons. Or, if you're ever in doubt, simply wear hunters' orange or other bright colors. Also, please be advised that wildlife areas typically keep signage to a minimum, so a compass or GPS unit may be a wise thing to pack.

This refuge is named for Anthony J. “Tony” Florio, a retired wildlife professional, conservationist, and artist.

Photo by Shaun Bailey

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