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.
Detailing Delaware’s Marshland Battle Against Invasive Phragmites - Delaware marshes are chock-full of phragmites, a mostly invasive plant species that threatens to disrupt ecosystems throughout the state. First identified in Delaware in the 1840s, it is ubiquitous near waterways in our state today. That's why the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has for decades worked to control the population and manage habitats, in the process preserving a delicate balance. Outdoor Adventures in Delaware: Explore Some of the First State’s Top Trails - From Laurel to Wilmington, Delaware has an array of natural spots, including parks, nature reserves and wildlife areas. And between these sites, there are more than a handful of notable trails, including wilderness treks and historic strolls. While few of them can really pose the challenge that experienced hikers used to genuine mountains may prefer, they’re certainly worth checking out if you like the outdoors (and who doesn’t?). Delaware’s Natural Beauty Shines in Fall - Perhaps few natural sights are more beautiful than the changing leaves in autumn. In Delaware, there are myriad locations to see the warm reds, oranges and yellows of oaks, beeches, maples, poplars and more, including numerous state parks and wildlife areas managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Delaware’s Biggest Trees are a Cut Above the Rest - Delaware is home to more than 100 different tree species, from the bald cypress to the American holly to the yellow poplar. Trees have always played a significant role in human society and culture, and the First State is no exception in that regard. In this piece, Outdoor Delaware takes you inside Delaware's forests. By the way -- do you know what our state tree is? From Wilmington to Fenwick, Volunteers Clean Up Trash Along Delaware’s Coast - For more than 30 years, Delaware's Coastal Cleanup has removed literal tons of garbage from our state's coastal areas. In the 2024 event, held after the prior year saw a cancellation due to bad weather, more than 1,000 people gave their time to help pick up litter (including a couch and a mannequin head) at almost 50 sites up and down eastern Delaware. How Delaware is Preparing for the Return of Black Bears - Prior to 2016, black bears had not been spotted in Delaware in more than a century. Over the past eight years, however, four different juvenile male bears have ventured into Delaware, capturing the public imagination. Is this a trend residents can expect to continue? The Perils of Wild Pets: DNREC Warns Against Keeping Non-Domesticated Animals - Around two-thirds of American households have pets, mostly dogs or cats, and many consider them just as much a part of the family as human members. But for a few people, even some of the more unique animals sometimes owned as pets like snakes, parakeets and hamsters aren't enough -- they want to keep wildlife. Find out why animal experts say it's generally bad to take in wild animals in this offering from Outdoor Delaware. 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. Exploring Delaware’s Open Spaces - 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. 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. Top Spots for Your Valentine’s Engagement - 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. 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. 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 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. 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! 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. 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. 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? 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? On the Move – Delmarva Fox Squirrels in Delaware - Delmarva fox squirrels are rare in Delaware. Just because you haven’t seen one of these large, silver-gray, fluffy-tailed squirrels doesn’t mean you won’t – especially if you live in Sussex County. Our Division of Fish and Wildlife just moved 15 more into the area, as part of an ongoing translocation program. 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. 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. 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.
