outdoor delaware Archives

Pages Tagged With: "outdoor delaware"

From Our Bays to Your Plate: Inside Delaware’s Shellfish Aquaculture Industry

Significant progress in the shellfish industry has been made since the beginning of the 2010s, when Delaware was the only state on the Atlantic coast without shellfish aquaculture. Just a decade later, hundreds of thousands of oysters are being harvested via aquaculture and sold to restaurants and distributors right here in the state.

Remembering Delaware’s Original Inhabitants: How DNREC Preserves and Promotes Indigenous Heritage

The state of Delaware recognizes two Native American tribes: the Lenape and the Nanticoke. Both groups descend from indigenous Americans who lived along the Delaware River and Delaware Bay for many centuries before Europeans arrived. Learn how the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control works to protect and promote their heritage in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.

DNREC Tool Offers Hourly Updates on Delaware Air Quality

Helpful information regarding air quality for your area is available online thanks to a tool from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Accessible at de.gov/airdata and updated hourly, the resource provides a quick and easy way to check what’s in the air, which can indicate how conditions outside may impact your health.

PFAS in Delaware: How the First State is Tackling Toxic Forever Chemicals

Significant progress has been made in combating forever chemicals in Delaware in recent years, and we continue to learn more about presence of these emerging contaminants in our land, water and bodies. Officially known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances but more commonly referred to simply as PFAS, the chemicals have been used in thousands of products, including cookware, clothing and firefighting foam, for decades following their creation in the mid-20th century. Learn more about how the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is responding to these contaminants.

DNREC Works Diligently to Tackle the Oft-Overlooked Environmental Threat of Nonpoint Source Pollution

While people often think of factory smokestacks emitting gases into the sky or industrial facilities discharging wastewater into rivers when they hear of pollution, many of the contaminants that make their way into the environment originate as part of everyday activities. This is known as nonpoint source pollution, and it can be very difficult to stop. But the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control isn’t backing down.

Dedicated Volunteers Play Vital Role in Supporting Delaware State Parks

Hundreds of people volunteer for Delaware State Parks every year, providing a crucial service that otherwise would cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars more annually or require it to cease some of its offerings. In 2024, volunteers contributed 153,543 hours — the equivalent of 78 full-time employees. These valued volunteers sell park passes, pick up trash, help plan events and much more.

From Argentina to the Arctic: How Delaware’s Beaches Fuel Epic Shorebird Migrations

Every May, huge numbers of shorebirds like red knots, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings stop in Delaware as they migrate north to the Arctic to mate. Our state is a key rest stop for these species, which take advantage of the Delaware Bay’s location as prime horseshoe crab spawning grounds to feast on their eggs. What have scientists learned from carefully studying these birds for more than 40 years?

Preserving All the Wonder of Wildlife for Years to Come: How the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan Helps Protect Thousands of Species

Delaware is home to more than 2,800 known animal species. Many are doing just fine or even thriving, but some are experiencing harder times. About 700 of these animals, as well as some 300 plant species, are included in Delaware’s draft 2025-2035 Wildlife Action Plan as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Learn more about how the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control uses the plan to preserve our flora and fauna, including 90 animal species designated as endangered, in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.

Showcasing Delaware’s Beauty: Meet the Five Winners of DNREC’s 2025 Photo Contest

The sun rising over dozens of horseshoe crabs congregating on the beach, dolphins breaching the water with a lighthouse in the background and an idyllic scene of Assawoman Bay at twilight are among the five winning images out of nearly 500 entries submitted to the 2025 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Photo Contest. See the winning photographs and learn about the artists who took them in this piece from Outdoor Delaware.

How Delaware’s Unique Sand Bypass System at the Indian River Inlet Helps Hold the Line Against Coastal Erosion

After six years, the sand bypass system at the Indian River Inlet is reopening. But what exactly is a sand bypass system, how does it help prevent erosion and what do beachgoers need to know? Find all those answers and more in this piece from Outdoor Delaware.

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.

Murderkill River? Slaughter Beach? Exploring the Etymology of Delaware’s Places

Virginia is named for Queen Elizabeth I of England, Pennsylvania is derived from proprietor William Penn, New Jersey takes its designation from a British island and everyone knows the origin of Washington. But what about Delaware? And even if you are aware of where our state’s name comes from, how about the Murderkill River or Cape Henlopen? The origins of Delaware’s place names make for fascinating stories.

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.

Unseen Intruders: Delaware’s Battle Against Invasive Species Threatening Native Wildlife

Invasive species threaten to outcompete native species, could carry disease and generally risk disrupting the fragile ecosystem. In this piece from Outdoor Delaware, experts offer an overview of what qualifies as an invasive species, how these plants and animals can harm the environment and what Delawareans should know about them.

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.

Battling a Summer Menace: Inside Delaware’s Relentless Mosquito Control Efforts

You don’t need to know much about mosquitoes to appreciate efforts to prevent the insects from spreading and sucking blood. But how exactly does the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control go about controlling the mosquito population? Learn all about mosquito control in this article from Outdoor 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?

Navigating 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.

Poetry Contest Winners Share Inspirations

Meet the winners of DNREC’s Haiku Poetry Contest, which celebrates June’s Ocean Month.

Dolphins, Horseshoe Crabs and Piping Plovers, Oh My! Discover Delaware’s Diverse Coastal Wildlife This Summer

Delaware’s beaches are home to a dizzying array of wildlife that might surprise even many Delawareans, from fish to birds to crabs to mammals and more. This summer, visitors to the state’s beaches will have a chance to observe many critters in their natural habitats.

Bald Eagles Soar in Delaware as Survey Reveals Population Growth

The bald eagle population plummeted greatly in the middle of the 20th century but has since rebounded. In 2023, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control conducted a count of eagles’ nests in the First State.

Generation 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.

Meet the Animal Moms of the First State

This Mother’s Day, Outdoor Delaware is highlighting some of the state’s most fascinating animal parents, from the pouch-packing Virginia opossum to the solo-singing spring peeper.

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.

Hundreds 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.

Ambitious DNREC Initiative Aims to Revitalize the Christina and Brandywine Rivers

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working alongside partners to clean up the Christina and Brandywine rivers in an ambitious initiative known as CBR4.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delaware's Government