There are multiple opportunities for wetland education and field trips in Delaware. They include opportunities within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and among our conservation partners.

DNREC Opportunities

The Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Research Education Center (AREC) offers extensive wetland education materials for teachers, a field trip based eco-explorer program, horseshoe crab and shorebird themed classroom visits, and nature retreats for urban and at-risk families, and youth fishing opportunities.

Delaware State Parks offers many natural resource and wetland related programs across the state in the state parks.

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve is a cooperative program between DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Programs and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The goal of the program is to establish, protect, and manage natural estuarine habitats for research and education.

The DuPont Nature Center, owned and operated by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, offers one of the best viewing areas for spawning horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds during the peak season. Visitors can learn about horseshoe crabs, migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and the Delaware Estuary. Interior exhibitions include the history of Slaughter Beach and the famed Mispillion Lighthouse, educational information on horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, waterfowl and plant life of the Salt Marsh.

The Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program within the Division of Watershed Stewardship offers classroom programs to interested schools. Contact their Outreach Specialist at 302-739-9939 for details and to schedule a presentation today.

Conservation Partners

The Thank You Delaware Bay! campaign, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, was developed to showcase the beauty and amenities of the Delaware Bay and to encourage actions and activities that will help protect the bay’s health and resources.

The Delaware Nature Society operates the DuPont Environmental Education Center on the Wilmington Riverfront. DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is a partner in developing exhibit content for the Center and provides advice on marsh projects related to the educational programming developed by The Delaware Nature Society.

The Center is on the edge of the 212-acre Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge that adjoins the tidal Christina River, which is home to many species of amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and native plants. The facility features indoor and outdoor exhibits on water related natural and cultural history topics and a boardwalk that extends into the marsh. Programs are offered for all ages, as well as courses for teachers.

Related Topics:  education, field trips, watershed, wetlands