Pages Categorized With: "OComms"
This Mother’s Day, Outdoor Delaware is highlighting some of the state’s most fascinating animal parents, from the pouch-packing Virginia opossum to the solo-singing spring peeper.
Delaware is home to more than 1,600 native plant species. Of those, upward of 650 are considered rare here, including 47 thought to be completely extinct in the state.
Flooding is already a problem in Delaware, the lowest-lying state, and it is expected to worsen over time due to climate change. That’s why the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has launched a new flood planning tool, known as I-ADAPT, or the Individual Adaptation and Decision Planning Tool.
Every March for more than three decades, hundreds of volunteers have gathered at beaches along the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean to plant Cape American beach grass.
Earth Day 2026 is celebrated on April 22. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, focuses on renewable energy and the need to commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future. At DNREC, Earth Day is What We Do All Year
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working alongside partners to clean up the Christina and Brandywine rivers in an ambitious initiative known as CBR4.
Delaware doesn’t have many “true” hibernators, but it does have its share of critters that use long naps as a winter survival strategy.
Every year on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re proud to celebrate DNREC’s women scientists, engineers, biologists, directors and others in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Learn more about how some of them got started, their advice for girls and what they love about their work.
The Delaware Estuary Water Quality Monitoring Program, informally known as the boat run, is one of the longest-running water quality monitoring programs in the world.
An intimate moment with a white-tailed deer is captured by Delaware photographer Kimberly Barksdale.
With help from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Faithful Friends Animal Society has opened a new shelter in New Castle.
Want to learn more about wetlands, the natural filters of Delaware? Read all about them at Outdoor Delaware.
Are you looking for a haunting adventure? Come with us on a spine-tingling paranormal investigation at the haunted Fort Delaware.
Wondering what to do with your pumpkins after the season is over? Learn how to recycle them with these easy tips.
Part of our mission is providing quality outdoor recreation for all Delawareans. Learn about our commitment to accessibility and recent improvements.
Angela Flynn, winner of our Ocean Photo Contest, shares with Outdoor Delaware about her beach adventures and love of photography.
The annual Delaware State Fair is underway and here’s what you can look forward to at the DNREC Building this year.
Take a journey with us as we explore some of the unique properties acquired through the Delaware Open Space Program administered by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation and the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Join DNREC designer Christy Shaffer as she takes us on an illustrated journey to discover the beauty of herons found in Delaware.
The first week of May marks the beginning of Air Quality Awareness Week. DNREC ‘s Air Quality Monitoring Stations, located throughout the state, are helping us breathe easier.
As we renew our commitment to our planet this Earth Day, we can be proud of the progress we are making toward reducing emissions by focusing on clean transportation, energy efficiency, clean energy, offsetting carbon emissions and more.
For more than 50 years, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has worked to protect, preserve, and enhance Delaware’s environment for current and future generations. The key to DNREC’s efforts is our shared mission. We all must contribute to a shared brand experience, one that educates, engages and inspires others to support
It’s estimated that more than 6 million couples will get engaged on Valentine’s Day. The prep work is a big deal – picking the ring, choosing the words, and finding the perfect spot. We can help with some great location ideas.
A photo of three turkeys trotting down a misty country road took first prize in the 2022 Delaware Watersheds Photos Contest.
If you’re swimming in Delaware waters, particularly in the ocean, you’re probably swimming near sharks. But they actually have more to fear from us than the other way around.
Looking for special summer getaways off the beaten path in Delaware? We highlighted three beautiful state Nature Preserves – one in each county.
We all want to help bees and other pollinators that produce the food we eat. Planting a pollinator garden is a great way to do that. Our DNREC expert has some tips to help you dig in.
Got your reusable bags? Don’t forget them when you go shopping, as Delaware has banned stores from providing plastic bags since 2022.
This page contains photographs submitted for the 2021 Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) nature photography contest, including the winning submissions. The contest was open to photographers of all ages. Prizes were awarded in three categories (birds, nature, and people enjoying nature) and in three age groups (children, teens and adults). All photos were
The diamondback terrapins at Port Mahon in Kent County could use a hand during their upcoming nesting season. Learn more about how you can help.
Delaware’s Flood Awareness Week for 2026 is March 16-20. Are you prepared for flooding?
For Earth Day, 2022, Gov. John Carney and DNREC Sec. Shawn M. Garvin wrote an article on the need to take bold action on climate change.
By Dr. Ashley Kennedy Last April, returning home after a day of work outdoors, I loosened my hair out of my ponytail and felt a familiar but unwelcome bump on my scalp. Based on the size and location, I immediately guessed what it could be – an adult American dog tick which often bites
Our beaches and dunes need protection to prevent erosion especially after severe coastal storms. Learn how DNREC works to provide beach nourishment to Delaware’s shoreline.
Calling all birders – experienced or not – to help the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve have a Big Year!
Looking for something different on your plate? We asked DNREC folks to share their most wildly delicious recipes for harvested game.
The Delaware Hunters Against Hunger program is once again providing venison to people in need, an annual tradition during the holidays. The initiative has distributed almost 328 tons of venison to local food banks since 1996, totaling about 2.62 million meals.
A photo of the iconic great blue heron took first prize in the Watersheds Photos Contest, sponsored by the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship.
America Recycles Day, November 15, is a reminder to reduce, reuse and recycle. We have some tips to help you remember how to recycle right in Delaware.
An endangered fin whale was spotted struggling in the waters of Cape Henlopen State Park. Both the Delaware Natural Resources Police and the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute responded. Learn what happened and how we respond to animal strandings in Delaware.
“Ghost forests.” Salty-tasting well water. Saltwater intrusion is a growing issue in Delaware due to sea level rise and climate change. Here’s what DNREC is doing about it.
Photo Contest Winners! See nature’s beauty at DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna.
As we mark National Estuaries Week on September 18, learn more about estuaries of Delaware – unique ecosystems that many people, plants and animals call home.
Hunting season gets underway in Delaware on September 1. Get all the information you need to go afield.
DNREC scientists are unlocking some of the mysteries of Delaware’s secretive marsh birds. Clapper rails, saltmarsh sparrows and other species are facing many challenges. How are they faring?
Delaware’s waterways are packed with boat traffic this summer. Here are some tips and requirements you need to know to stay safe and enjoy your nautical adventures in the First State.
There are 19 species of snakes slithering around Delaware. Which ones should you watch out for and what are the best ways to avoid them?
zzzzz … slap. Sound familiar? The whine of buzzing mosquitoes followed by swats is a tell-tale sign of summer in Delaware. There’s plenty you can do in your backyard to reduce populations of these pests. Our Mosquito Control Section has tips to share, along with the mosquitos to watch out for.
Delmarva fox squirrels are rare in Delaware, but just because you haven’t seen one of these large, silver-gray, fluffy-tailed squirrels yet doesn’t mean you won’t, especially if you live in Sussex County. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has moved 123 squirrels into the area over the past few years as part of a translocation program aimed at bolstering the formerly endangered species’ numbers.
They have long striped tails, intense eyes and they’re full of antics. Meet the lemurs – and the other animals – at the Brandywine Zoo’s new Madagascar Exhibit.
