In celebration of National Estuaries Week, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will hold a two-day Research and Stewardship Symposium at the St. Jones and Blackbird Creek Reserves, on Sept. 22 and 23, 2026.

The Symposium will showcase the Reserve’s mission of engaging people, applying science and protecting places.

These key themes will be represented through presentations, demonstrations, site tours and hands-on experiences.

For more information, contact Lynne Pusey at lynne.pusey@delaware.gov or 302-739-6377.

Two Days of Learning Exchanges

Sept. 22 at the St. Jones Reserve

The first day will be a “choose your own adventure” to allow participants to attend multiple presentation sessions at the St. Jones Reserve in Dover. There will also be a poster session to showcase research projects that are completed on DNERR property or in conjunction with DNERR staff.

Day one will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Jones Reserve at 818 Kitts Hummock Rd., in Dover.

Sept. 23 at the Blackbird Creek Reserve

The second day will be a site visit to the Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend to explore land conservation efforts, as well as past and present restoration sites and research projects.

Day two will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Blackbird Creek Reserve at 801 Blackbird Landing Rd., in Townsend.

Registration

This event is free, but registration is required. The registration deadline is Sept. 4, 2026.

Participants can choose to attend one or both symposium events. Simply check off which days you would like to participate in when completing the registration form.

Lunch will be provided on day one for the St. Jones Symposium Presentations. Lunch will not be provided for the day two Blackbird Creek Reserve Site Visit.

Details by Symposium Day

St. Jones Reserve Symposium Presentations

Sept. 22, 2026 — from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Read the presentation abstracts to plan your day.

• 9 to 9:30 a.m. — Registration and light refreshments
• 9:30 to 9:50 a.m. — Welcome and Introductions
• 10 to 11:45 a.m. — Morning Sessions
• 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. — Poster Session, Lunch and Networking. Lunch will be provided.
• 1:15 to 3 p.m. — Afternoon Sessions
• 3 to 3:30 p.m. — Reconvene and Wrap-up

During the St. Jones Reserve symposium presentations, participants will have opportunities to engage with Reserve staff and researchers to learn about programs and projects.

Posters will showcase research projects currently underway or already complete, in conjunction with DNERR research, habitats and scientists.

Blackbird Creek Reserve Site Visit

Sept. 22, 2026 — from 9 a.m. to noon

The second day of the symposium will explore past and present restoration sites and research projects at the Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend.

The on-site experience will include:

• A walking tour of habitat restoration sites
• A wagon tour showcasing a variety of research and restoration projects

Site visit participants should wear boots or waterproof shoes for walking in potentially wet areas, dress for the weather (layers are encouraged) and bring a lunch, hat, water and insect repellant. Space is limited!