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.

Inside DNREC’s Efforts to Save America’s Tiniest Turtle - In northern New Castle County, a tiny population of North America’s smallest turtle is receiving a lift thanks to efforts from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. While once home to populations at several different sites, today Delaware has only about 20 adult bog turtles across two habitats. However, DNREC is working to help the species thrive once more.

Delaware’s Push to Cut Diesel Emissions Improves Air Quality Statewide - Many communities across the United States face challenges related to air quality and respiratory health, especially as it pertains to emissions from diesel engines. In Delaware, transportation is a major contributor to pollution, producing 75% of the state's nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. But Delaware is also taking advantage of a federal program to clean up diesel pollution, replacing and retrofitting older diesel vehicles like school buses and trash trucks.

A History of Earth Day in Delaware - At the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Earth Day is far too important and multifaceted to be confined to a single 24-hour period. Though Earth Day normally takes place on April 22, in Delaware, this holiday is transformed into a monthlong event recognizing the importance of preserving our natural world. For 2025, DNREC has planned tree plantings, beach cleanups, hikes, talks and more.

Meet the Dedicated DNREC Inspectors Protecting Delawareans from Environmental Hazards - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control handles a lot of responsibilities, one of the most important yet often overlooked of which is ensuring companies and other entities are following environmental laws and regulations. This includes regularly inspecting boilers, septic systems, exhaust stacks and more around the state. Learn more about the dedicated professionals who handle these duties in this piece from Outdoor Delaware.

What Fish Die-Offs Mean for Delaware and How DNREC Handles Them - As part of its duties overseeing Delaware’s environment and wildlife, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control regularly responds to fish kills. These die-offs can occur in bodies of water as disparate as an ocean or a neighborhood stormwater basin and can consist of just a few fish or literal millions.

Meet Your Chemical Neighbors: DNREC’s New Portal Reveals Local Chemical Hazards - Do you know what chemicals are stored in your community? For four decades, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act has helped keep Americans safe by requiring officials to track hazardous substances, develop emergency plans in case of spills or leaks and make information available to the public. That includes providing details about businesses, schools and other places storing chemicals, which Delawareans can now view through a new portal from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Inside the DNREC Environmental Laboratory Responsible for Testing for Forever Chemicals and Other Contaminants - When the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control needs to test water samples for contaminants, it turns to its Environmental Laboratory, which has been helping protect the state's natural resources for 75 years -- and will, before long, move into a new home. In this piece, Outdoor Delaware takes you into the lab to elucidate its important duties.

New Tool Helps Delawareans Manage Flood Risk Amid Rising Climate Threats - 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.

Winter Survival Strategies: A Closer Look at Hibernation in Delaware’s Animal Kingdom - Delaware doesn't have many "true" hibernators, but it does have its share of critters that use long naps as a winter survival strategy.

STEM Women of DNREC - 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.

Navigating the Depths: Inside the Delaware Bay’s Longest-Running Water Quality Monitoring Program - 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.

DNREC Building Delights, Informs Tens of Thousands of Visitors at Delaware State Fair - The annual Delaware State Fair is underway and here's what you can look forward to at the DNREC Building this year.

Breathing Easier – Delaware’s Air Quality Monitoring Network - 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.

Earth Day, 2023 - 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.

Turkeys Trot Into the Lead - A photo of three turkeys trotting down a misty country road took first prize in the 2022 Delaware Watersheds Photos Contest.

Sharks in Delaware Waters - 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.

At One With Nature: Delaware’s Nature Preserves - Looking for special summer getaways off the beaten path in Delaware? We highlighted three beautiful state Nature Preserves – one in each county.

Planting a Pollinator Garden – Dig In With Our Expert! - 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.

Attention Shoppers! Remember to Bring Your Own Bag - Got your reusable bags? Don't forget them when you go shopping, as Delaware has banned stores from providing plastic bags since 2022.

Operation Terrapin Rescue – Keeping Turtles Safe - 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.

Flooding – What You Can Do - Flood Awareness Week is May 20-24, 2024. Are you prepared for flooding?

Earth Day 2022 – The Time for Bold Action on Climate Change - 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.

Tick-Tock – The Ticks are Waiting… - 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

PFAS – Fighting Forever Chemicals in Delaware - By Todd Keyser Beginning in the 1970s, firefighters used a special foam to put out jet fuel fires at Dover Air Force Base (DAFB). That foam figured prominently in 2006, when a C-5 cargo plane crashed just short of a runway after developing problems during takeoff. Fortunately, all 17 onboard survived the crash. But

Nourishing Delaware’s Beaches - 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.

Delaware’s Endangered Species: DNREC Keeps Today’s Wildlife from Becoming Tomorrow’s Memory - There are 86 animals on Delaware’s endangered species list, including the American kestrel, the northern long-eared bat and the barking tree frog.

Delaware’s Endangered Species: What DNREC’s Doing to Help - The red knot, monarch butterfly and Delmarva fox squirrel are among the nearly 100 animals on Delaware’s endangered species list. Learn more about what DNREC is doing to ensure thriving wildlife diversity in Delaware.

It’s a Big Year at DNERR - Calling all birders – experienced or not – to help the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve have a Big Year!

Good Eats from Nature’s Bounty - Looking for something different on your plate? We asked DNREC folks to share their most wildly delicious recipes for harvested game.

Delaware Hunters Against Hunger – A Season for Giving - The Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger program is once again providing venison to people in need, an annual tradition during the holidays.

Great Blue Heron Steals the Show - A photo of the iconic great blue heron took first prize in the Watersheds Photos Contest, sponsored by the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship.

Delaware Recycles! - 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.

What We Do About Animal Strandings 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.

Salt in Our Water — Saltwater Intrusion and Inundation 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.

Nature’s Beauty – the Tony Florio Woodland Beach Wildlife Area - Photo Contest Winners! See nature’s beauty at DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna.

The Nitty-Gritty of the Estuary - 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.

Our Not So Secretive Marsh Birds - 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?

How to Stay Safe on the Water - 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.

Snakes to Watch Out For - 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?

How to Prevent Backyard Mosquitos - 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.

On the Move – Delmarva Fox Squirrels in Delaware - 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.

Meet the Lemurs (and More!) at The Brandywine Zoo - 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.

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.

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.

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.

“Not My Trash – But I Picked It Up.”
Coastal Cleanup 2020 - For 32 years, volunteers cleared tons of trash from Delaware beaches in single-day events. In 2020, to make the Coastal Cleanup accessible and safe for everyone, the effort transitioned to a month-long campaign.

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