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2022 AREC Photo Contest Gallery

This page contains photographs submitted for the 2022 Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) nature photography contest. All photos were taken in the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area. The contest was open to photographers of all ages through Sep. 29, 2022. In the Nature category, the winner was “Windy Morning Waves,” by Tracy Thompkins, of


AREC Nature Photo Contest

DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) ran a nature photography contest for several years to gather images from photographers and nature lovers of the Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area.
2021 Contest Gallery 2022 Contest Gallery


Our Planet, Our Responsibility

Most of us do the best we can to reduce our carbon footprint by recycling more, taking more public transportation, or using less electricity to heat and cool our homes. But what else can we do? Outdoor Delaware asked our experts for a list of the best ways we can help our planet.


Spring – It’s Bird TV

Now is a great time to grab your binoculars to witness the spectacle of the return of our migrant bird species throughout the state. Outdoor Delaware sat down with our staff birders to talk about spring birding and what makes it so special.


Shopping in Delaware? Here are Four Alternatives for Plastic Carryout Bags

Delaware’s recent plastic bag ban may have you looking for other ways to take your groceries home. Here are four alternatives to single-use carryout plastic bags that are better for you and the environment.


Four Tips for Fishing with Young Anglers

Fishing is a great activity for young people to jump-start interest in the natural environment. Our staff agree, there is no time like the present to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards.


The Transformers

You may not have heard about them, but there are brownfields all over Delaware. They’re neither pretty nor healthy. That is, until we step in to clean them up and make way for redevelopment.


More Than a Drink of WATAR

Safer water for us, less flooding and shad returning to their spawning grounds in the Brandywine River. Our WATAR team is making it happen.


Answering the Call 24/7 – Our Emergency Response Team

Our Emergency Response Team is the state’s designated first responder for environmental emergencies. The team is on call 24/7 to respond to emergencies from oil spills to clandestine drug labs, chemical leaks, radiological incidents and many more that may occur.


Plastic Carryout Bags in Delaware – Their End is Here

As of January 1, we no longer use plastic carryout bags from many places like convenience, grocery or other retail stores. Most retailers don’t distribute point-of-sale plastic carryout bags anymore. You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.


Delaware’s Formula for Increasing Recycling – Do the Right Thing the Right Way

We celebrated America Recycles Day in November. The goal is to increase recycling efforts nationwide and in Delaware. And there are plenty of opportunities for us to make a difference, right now, through proper recycling. Our Secretary, Shawn Garvin, shares tips on how we can all recycle the right way.


Microplastics: A Not So Tiny Tale

What happens to plastic after it fulfills its original purpose? Recycling gives many plastic items a second use but vast amounts are discarded and make their way into the environment. Some of this becomes microplastics. DNREC scientists are working on ways to clean them up.


Our Weatherization Assistance Program – Helping Families Reduce Energy Costs

DNREC can help even out the potentially high costs of home heating, and make a home more energy efficient, through the Weatherization Assistance Program.


Hanging with the Bats

Many of us are scared of bats. But they’re far more beneficial than harmful – and they’re not out to get us.


2020 Coastal Cleanup Photos

A gallery of photos from volunteers who turned out during September to help clean their favorite beach or park, or their own neighborhood, during the month-long Delaware Coastal Cleanup.


Outdoor Delaware: Fun and Education

Get smarter about our environment and enjoy the journey. Learn what makes our natural world tick and how we can help conserve and protect it.


What Really Happens to Recyclables in Delaware

Every week, thousands of tons of paper, glass, plastic, cardboard and aluminum make their way to a large facility sitting between Interstate 295 and Interstate 495 in New Castle near the Delaware River. This is the Materials Recovery Facility, and it processes much of Delaware’s recyclables.


Outdoor Delaware: Boating, Fishing and Hunting

Want to go cruisin’, drop a line or test your aim? Here’s where you’ll find out about seasons, safety, licenses and much more.


Outdoor Delaware: People

Who’s behind the discoveries we make? What’s it like to be a hunter? How do our K9 officers help our Natural Resource Police? Get these answers and more.


Disc Golf: No Funny Pants Required

Any disc golf enthusiast will tell you it’s a great game. No clubs are required, you don’t need a caddie or an electric cart, you can play alone or with a group, and you don’t have to wear funny pants.


Gone Herpin’ — DNREC Catalogs Delaware’s Reptiles and Amphibians

As anyone who’s searched for them knows, finding snakes, turtles, frogs and other reptiles or amphibians isn’t always easy. For conservationists, who must develop detailed plans around propagating species that are typically rare to begin with, it can be even more difficult. Experts have too often lacked good data about these critters, including where exactly they live. Mapping the range of every species in our state is a very big task. But, thanks to a very extensive project that took the better part of a decade, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control now has a better idea about the location of reptiles and amphibians here.


Outdoor Delaware: Adventure

Outdoors or indoors, there are plenty of exciting activities to experience and places to see in Delaware. Discover what’s out there!


Outdoor Delaware: Health and Science

What are the latest discoveries our scientists are making? How are we keeping our air and water cleaner? What’s White-nose syndrome? Learn more.


Outdoor Delaware: Animals

Hey animal lovers! Find out all about Delaware’s wildlife, from who’s new at the Brandywine Zoo to the other creatures that crawl, swim, walk and fly.


Outdoor Delaware: Nature

Delaware is full of beauty and wonder. From our insects and animals, to our wild lands and beaches, learn why our natural world is important to all of us.


Outdoor Delaware: Conservation

Want to find out how we can help the environment? From habitat and wildlife protection to recycling, learn how we can conserve our natural resources.


Our Own Toliara

Toliara is a radiated tortoise who lives at the Brandywine Zoo. Radiated tortoises are reptiles and considered among the most beautiful in the world. His ancestors emerged on land shortly after dinosaurs became extinct some 65 million years ago.


From Phragmites Part-Timer to a Wildlife Management Career, Thanks Delaware!

Former Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Bill Jones reflects on 34 years in state service and his progress from a part-time job to a career in wildlife management.


What About Kestrels? DNREC is Finding Out

The American kestrel is a pint-sized yet ferocious aerial predator notorious for taking out tree swallows or bluebirds in mid-air. About the size of a mourning dove, this raptor is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America. But the species is also in danger. Kestrel populations have been falling, with the Mid-Atlantic region experiencing the greatest decline.


Jellyfish to Watch Out For

Are you planning to go for a swim? If so, you may encounter jellyfish because they love warm water. And there are several species of jellies you should keep a watchful eye on as you venture out for a dip.


Wildlife Enthusiasts – Check Out Improved Access to the Bayshore!

Enjoy birding, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, taking photographs or just watching wildlife in their natural habitats when you visit the Delaware Bayshore. It doesn’t take much effort to find your favorite spot to enjoy some time outdoors.


Everything Including the Kitchen “Sink” — Delaware’s Artificial Reefs

Over 20 years, Delaware has recycled more than two million tons of rock, 100,000 tons of concrete, 86 tanks and armored personnel carriers, 1,329 retired subway cars and 27 retired vessels to create new, artificial reefs.


Time Travelers Dig the John Bell House

The Delaware State Parks Time Traveler program offers a hands-on experience for volunteers to get involved in cultural heritage work at our state parks. And you can literally get your hands dirty.


Delaware Hunting and Fishing Photo Contests

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has suspended its annual fishing and hunting photography contests for 2024. Please check back in the future for other photo contest


Delaware Coastal Cleanup

Trash on our beaches and in our waterways isn’t just unsightly – it’s also potentially dangerous to marine life and in some cases harmful to water quality. The annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup offers volunteers an opportunity to help make a difference for Delaware’s shoreline and waterways while joining an international effort to clean up the


DNREC Newsroom

The latest news and information from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
DNREC Media Contacts Nikki Lavoie Chief Communications Officer Michael Globetti Media Relations Manager 302-739-9902 DNREC on the Delaware News Server  Sign up for the


DNREC Digital Newsletter

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides e-mail list subscriptions on a variety of subjects.


Your Guide to Nature, Conservation and Fun

Outdoor Delaware, Delaware’s award-winning conservation magazine, is published four times each year and presents stunning photography, detailed feature articles, regular columnists, and more.


DNREC Social Media

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) maintains many social media accounts across its varied divisions and offices that provide updates on issues, activities, and volunteer opportunities, among other subjects. Follow the Department (@DelawareDNREC) on several major social media platforms.





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