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DNREC at the Delaware State Fair

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control welcomes Delaware State Fair visitors to DNREC’s climate-controlled building on the fairgrounds at the corner of Holloway Avenue and East Rider Road. The 2026 State Fair runs from July 23 through Aug. 1, 2026.

A variety of people, including families with children, stand outside the entrance of a building on the state fairgrounds.

Visitors will learn about the science behind the work of DNREC, and its partners, to protect the environment and public health through displays and hands-on activities.

Displays in the DNREC building include a large aquarium, to bring visitors up close to native aquatic life. Outside, a shiny Airstream trailer will feature information on camping and other fun things to do at Delaware’s beautiful state parks.

Stop by the Division of Fish and Wildlife booth in the DNREC building to buy your Delaware hunting or fishing licenses, boat registration renewal or your Conservation Access Pass.

There will be activities on the DNREC porch and visitors are invited to stroll across the street to check out a variety of DNREC Natural Resources Police and Emergency Response equipment.

Admission to DNREC programs is free. The building is open from Noon to 8 p.m. during the ten days of the fair.

Get to Know Us

Throughout the Fair, there will be staff from several DNREC divisions in the front room of the DNREC building ready to share some of their work, and fun, with visitors.

Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy

Staff from the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy will be on-hand to answer questions about the Division’s programs, including the Weatherization Assistance Program, Green Energy Fund, Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (for businesses), the I-ADAPT flood planning and preparation tool, electric vehicle rebates, and charging station incentives for multi-family dwellings, public access, fleet and workplace charging.

Learn about Delaware’s 2025 Climate Action Plan and steps the state is taking to reduce emissions.

On July 30, CCE will showcase their “Climate Living Room,” where, during public meetings and events, people are encouraged to come sit and just talk with us about their climate concerns and what they think should be done.

Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances

A DNREC staff person discusses recycling with a visitor at the Delaware State Fair.

Come explore the world of the Division Waste and Hazardous Substances. Discover how you can make a difference through recycling, composting and PFAS prevention. And learn what to do in an environmental emergency.

From hazardous waste disposal to hands-on activities for kids and adults alike, our interactive booths make environmental education fun for the whole family.

Division of Water

Curious to see how a well is drilled and developed?  Want to learn more about septic systems, wetlands, stormwater or water quality?

Stop by the Division of Water display to engage with staff working in these programs.  You can also learn about the Division’s reorganization and recently updated website. 

Division of Watershed Stewardship

Staff from the Division of Watershed Stewardship will share tips and tricks that help improve local water quality, provide habitat for our wildlife, improve recreational activities and sustain healthy watersheds. 

What’s Happening in the DNREC Building

The following is a day-by-day breakdown of what you will find in the DNREC Building at the Fair. This schedule is subject to change, so please check back to see what has popped up.


July 23, 2026

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Come see a Sand Sculpting Display from Dewey Castles on the DNREC porch. Watch as skilled sculptors transform a pile of sand into fantastic new forms.

Noon to 5 p.m.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will have their Archery Trailer and Vehicle Display set up in the nearby machine lot. Come try your hand at shooting with a bow and arrow. Learn basic archery safety and shooting and have an opportunity for hands-on instruction shooting a bow.

Vehicles used by the Natural Resources Police will also be on display.

Noon to 8 p.m.

The Division of Air Quality will be at the Partner Booth offering information about the work of the Division, including an interactive educational activity with prizes.


July 24, 2026

Noon to 8 p.m.

The Division of Air Quality will be at the Partner Booth offering information about the work of the Division, including an interactive educational activity with prizes.


July 25, 2026

Noon to 5 p.m.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will have their Archery Trailer and Vehicle Display set up in the nearby machine lot. Come try your hand at shooting with a bow and arrow. Learn basic archery safety and shooting and have an opportunity for hands-on instruction shooting a bow.

Vehicles used by the Natural Resources Police will also be on display.

Noon to 8 p.m.

The Division of Air Quality will be at the Partner Booth offering information about the work of the Division, including an interactive educational activity with prizes.

1 to 3 p.m.

Stop by the DNREC porch to see a variety of birds of prey and learn more about them.


July 26, 2026

Noon to 5 p.m.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will have their Archery Trailer and Vehicle Display set up in the nearby machine lot. Come try your hand at shooting with a bow and arrow. Learn basic archery safety and shooting and have an opportunity for hands-on instruction shooting a bow.

Vehicles used by the Natural Resources Police will also be on display.

Noon to 8 p.m.

The Division of Air Quality will be at the Partner Booth offering information about the work of the Division, including an interactive educational activity with prizes.


July 27, 2026 (Seniors’ Day)

Noon to 3:45 p.m.

Stop by the Partner Booth to learn how the Sussex County Land Trust is preserving open space and creating outdoor access across Sussex County. Discover the properties they have protected, explore their mission and see how land conservation benefits the community. Kids can take home a free coloring book and crayons (while supplies last).


July 28, 2026 (Kids’ Day)

Noon to 5 p.m.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will have their Archery Trailer and Vehicle Display set up in the nearby machine lot. Come try your hand at shooting with a bow and arrow. Learn basic archery safety and shooting and have an opportunity for hands-on instruction shooting a bow.

Vehicles used by the Natural Resources Police will also be on display.

Noon to 8 p.m.

Researchers from the Mosquito Control Section and Tick Program will be on hand in the Partner Booth to share information about ticks, mosquitoes, associated diseases, and prevention tips.

1 to 2:30 p.m.

Kids are welcome to come to the DNREC Porch and make bluebird boxes they can take home to paint. Youth Conservation Corps members will be on hand to assist.

1 to 3 p.m.

Stop by the DNREC porch to see a variety of birds of prey and learn more about them.


July 29, 2026 (Armed Forces Day)

Noon to 8 p.m.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is Semper Paratus (Always Ready). They’ll be in the Partner Booth to share information about their mission to promote and improve recreational boating safety; provide trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance safety and security of our ports, waterways and coastal regions; and to support Coast Guard operational, administrative, and logistical requirements.


July 30, 2026 (Governor’s Day / Seniors’ Day)

DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson will host Governor Meyer on a tour of the DNREC building and exhibits between 1 and 1:30 p.m. They will also present awards to the photo contest winners and the overall youth fishing tournament winner.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Come see a Sand Sculpting Display from Dewey Castles on the DNREC porch. Watch as skilled sculptors transform a pile of sand into fantastic new forms.

Noon to 5 p.m.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will have their Archery Trailer and Vehicle Display set up in the nearby machine lot. Come try your hand at shooting with a bow and arrow. Learn basic archery safety and shooting and have an opportunity for hands-on instruction shooting a bow.

Vehicles used by the Natural Resources Police will also be on display.

1 to 2:30 p.m.

Kids are welcome to come to the DNREC Porch and make bluebird boxes they can take home to paint. Youth Conservation Corps members will be on hand to assist.

1 to 3 p.m.

Stop by the DNREC porch to see a variety of birds of prey and learn more about them.


July 31, 2026

Noon to 8 p.m.

Stop by the Partner Booth to learn about the Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Learn about hunter education programs, mentored hunts, legislative efforts and their commitment to maintaining healthy hardwood forests, stopping habitat loss and increasing habitat diversity and winter wildlife survival. 


August 1, 2026

Noon to 4 p.m.

Learn about the Brandywine Zoo and meet an animal ambassador or two.

Noon to 5 p.m.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will have their Archery Trailer and Vehicle Display set up in the nearby machine lot. Come try your hand at shooting with a bow and arrow. Learn basic archery safety and shooting and have an opportunity for hands-on instruction shooting a bow.

Vehicles used by the Natural Resources Police will also be on display.

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