Pages Tagged With: "conservation"
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.Wildlife Action Plan Comment Form
Please use the form below to share your comments with the DNREC team working on the latest revision of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan. Please review the lists of Species of Greatest Conservation Need and Associated Threats and Actions and let us know which you want your comment to apply to. If you want to commentWilmington Falcon Fledge Watch Volunteers
The Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch relies on community scientist volunteers who dedicate time each year to monitor young Peregrine falcons leaving their nest site – a nest box on the 19th floor of the Brandywine Building in Wilmington.Contact Us
Peregrine Falcon Monitoring and Management
The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife works with volunteers and other partners to monitor and study Peregrine falcons.Contact Us
Jordan Brown Raptor, Grassland and Forest Bird Biologist 302-735-8658
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.When Wildlife Cause Problems
Delaware is home to diverse and vibrant communities of fish and wildlife. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Delaware for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography. As Delaware expands its urban and suburban centers, and the population grows, there is an increase in human-wildlife contact and, sometimes, conflict. The idea of “nuisance wildlife” has becomePrivate Lands Assistance
Delaware is a biologically diverse state with hardwood forests, swamps and coastal marshes that support over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Despite significant strides in conservation, much of the wildlife habitat in Delaware remains isolated, degraded and unprotected as more land is converted to urban, commercial and industrial uses.Nonpoint Source Program Project Highlights
This page includes information on some of the recent projects undertaken by the DNREC Nonpoint Source Program and its partners to help meet local water quality goals. Projects have been leveraged with Clean Water Act Section 319 funding and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program funding. Clean Water Act Section 319Biennial Partnership Meeting
The DNREC Nonpoint Source Program hosted a Biennial Partnership Meeting in Lewes on May 3, 2023, sharing the work and achievements of the program and its partners. The next meeting will occur inDivision of Watershed Stewardship
The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship manages and protects the state’s soil, water and coastlines. It uses a comprehensive array of watershed-based programs to ensure proper stewardship of Delaware’s natural resources. Watershed Assessment and ManagementNavigating Delaware’s Drought History: Insights into Water Management Challenges and Solutions
Delaware’s last official drought emergency came in 2002. That was also the worst drought here since well before Delaware became a state. Learn more about drought in this article from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.Wild Turkey Surveys
Since 2010, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has used an annual, volunteer-based survey to record observations of wild turkeys across the state during the months of July and August. The survey generates an index of annual turkey productivity and recruitment (the ratio of young birds to adult females). The surveyGeneration Green: Delaware’s Youth Lead the Charge in Environmental Action
Everybody is affected by the state of our environment. Today, young people are often leading the charge in environmental action, getting involved in the annual school Envirothon competition, tackling individual projects aimed at benefiting nature and pursuing environmental-based careers.Chesapeake Implementation Program
The DNREC Chesapeake Implementation Program administers water quality focused programs and manages grants that fund projects within the Delaware portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed designed to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.Contact Us
Holly Walker 302-608-5458
Delaware Wildlife Action Plan
After over eight years of implementing the 2015 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has begun a comprehensive review and revision of the Plan to ensure the document remains up to date with the best available science and continues to serve the needs of Delaware’s wildlife. [columnBuffer Incentive Program in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers incentives for urban and agricultural landowners to install buffers along waterways within Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible landowners that qualify will receive an incentive payment for land they enroll in the program. A buffer is a linear stripHundreds of Coastal Guardians Unite to Strengthen Dunes Along Delaware Beaches
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.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.American Oystercatchers
American oystercatchers are black and white shorebirds with bright orange beaks that feed and nest on the beach. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the population and productivity of American oystercatchers in Delaware. An American oystercatcher incubating a nest. (Photo: Henrietta Bellman) These birds begin arriving in Delaware in March, startLeast Terns
Least terns are the smallest species of tern in North America, with an orange-yellow beak and mask-like black markings on the head. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the population and productivity of least terns in Delaware. A male and female least tern conducting a courtship ritual. The male presents the female withBeach-Nesting Birds
Dwindling shorebird populations have landed several species on Delaware’s Endangered Species List. The DNREC Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the endangered breeding shorebirds, provides habitat protection, and provides information to the public about beach-nesting species. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program primarily focuses on three species — Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers and LeastAll About Wetlands: Delaware’s Natural Filters
Want to learn more about wetlands, the natural filters of Delaware? Read all about them at Outdoor Delaware.Bands and Special Markers on Migratory Gamebirds
Delaware hunters may find GPS transmitters, bands or other human-created additions on migratory gamebirds they encounter during hunting seasons. Harvesting such gamebirds is legal, but hunters should report what they find to state and federal biologists. Migratory gamebird hunters should be aware of specially marked ducks, geese andWhat Do I Do With My Leftover Halloween Pumpkins?
Wondering what to do with your pumpkins after the season is over? Learn how to recycle them with these easy tips.Water Conservation
Drought watches, warnings and emergencies in Delaware are declared by the Governor, with guidance from the Water Supply Coordinating Council. Governor John Carney, with guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council, has declared a statewide drought watch. Delaware residents and non-farm businesses should reduce nonessential water use during thisDNREC 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.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.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.Community Conservation Assistance Program
The Delaware Community Conservation Assistance Program (DeCAP) is a cost-share program that provides financial incentives, technical and educational assistance to property owners for installing eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed.Contact Us
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.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.Wildlife Mortality Survey
If you see sick wildlife, or dead wildlife where it looks like the cause of death is an illness, please report it to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you see five or more sick or dead wild animals at the same location, please also call division staff at 302-735-3600Reporting Sick or Dead Wildlife
Wildlife disease surveillance, prevention, and control are crucial factors for safeguarding Delaware’s citizens, wildlife, pets, and livestock. Citizen reports help state biologists monitor wildlife populations in Delaware. If you seePFAS – 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. ButNourishing 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.Volunteer With the Piping Plover Program
To ensure continued breeding success, the DNREC Piping Plover Program depends on volunteers to help inform the public about the breeding progress of the plovers and the importance of staying out of closed areas.Contact Us
Shorebird Project Staff 302-735-3600
