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June is National Ocean Month. In celebration, we partnered with libraries in each county, to conduct a haiku poetry contest.
As a coastal state, Delaware depends on the ocean and marine resources for its economic prosperity, particularly in terms of tourism, commercial fishing, recreation and shipping industries. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the total economic value of Delaware’s ocean-related activities is estimated at approximately $1.9 billion annually.
To celebrate the ocean's importance, we challenged Delawareans to create haikus highlighting "What I Love About the Ocean."
Selected poems will be displayed in participating libraries throughout the state through the month of June. Winning haikus will also be displayed at the Delaware State Fair.
The first place winner in the adult category was Scott Walls of Greenwood:
Whale carcass plunges
Boon to the abyssal plain
Blooming reef of bones
The first place winner in the youth category was Spencer Rapson of Bear:
Dark forest of kelp
Life is hidden all around
A shadow swims by
Congratulations to all of the winners! To read more haikus, visit our newsroom.
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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. Read More
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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. Read More
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DNREC announced that Delaware’s recreational striped bass summer slot size limit regulation has been revised and will be in effect for the July 1 start of the slot season. The revision changes the state’s slot size limit from 20- to 25-inches to 20- to 24-inches. Read more
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DNREC to Treat Two Downstate Public Ponds During June for Invasive Aquatic Weed Hydrilla
With inland water temperatures rising and aquatic plants emerging, DNREC began the annual treatment of downstate public ponds for the foreign invasive aquatic weed hydrilla on June 13. Hydrilla is a non-native plant that likely entered the state through the aquarium trade. Read more
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End of Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier to Remain Closed for Structural Repairs
DNREC announced that the last 145 feet of the 1,300-foot Cape Henlopen State Park fishing pier will remain closed until structural repairs can be made. Additionally, the public will not be able to access certain closed-off sections along the side of the pier and two areas marked as “no standing zone.” Read more
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DNREC: Information Meetings to Highlight Energy Efficiency Programs
Delawareans looking for ways to decrease home energy costs will be able to get information on several new and existing programs available through DNREC at public meetings planned in each of the three counties this month. Read more
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DNREC and Kent Conservation District Announce Fall Cover Crop Cost Share Sign-Up Period Through Aug. 30
The annual sign-up period for the Kent Conservation District’s popular Cover Crop Cost-Share Program – funded in part by DNREC – has opened and runs through Aug. 30. Read more
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Dagsboro Angler Wins Annual Youth Fishing Tournament Second Year in a Row
More than 300 youth anglers turned out on a perfect early summer day June 1 to cast their lines in the 38th annual Youth Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Delaware Natural Resources Police at Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County. Read more
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Live streaming of the DuPont Nature Center Mispillion Harbor, marsh and Osprey Nest.
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We joined the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) for their annual World Environment Day event.
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Planning Effective Projects for Coastal Communities
June 25, 9 a.m.
Virtual Workshop
More Info
Take A Kid Fishing!
June 29, 9 a.m.
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Road Smyrna, Del.
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Field Day
June 30, 8 a.m.
Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center
3018 Bayside Drive Dover, Del.
More Info
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Take A Kid Fishing!
July 2, 9 a.m.
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Road Smyrna, Del.
More Info
DNREC Joint Permitting Hearing: US Wind Project
July 9, 6 p.m.
Virtual Hearing
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Course
July 9, 6:30 p.m.
Owens Station Shooting Sports and Hunter Education Training Center
12613 Hunters Cove Rd. Greenwood, Del.
More Info
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Air Quality Forecast
We provide regular air quality forecasts and an air quality index to help you know if you need to take precautions. When planning outings this summer, be sure to check the forecast by visiting de.gov/aqi.
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Digital DNREC E-Permitting
Use the Digital DNREC ePermitting system for recreational fishing and hunting licenses, license exempt numbers, deer harvest report cards and tags, deer damage assistance, hunter education, waterfowl stamps, permits, Conservation Access Passes, and harvest reporting.
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Green Energy Program
The Green Energy Program applied for a $100 million competitive grant through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) – Solar for All (S4A), under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). S4A aims to bring solar to low – income and disadvantaged communities throughout the state. The funding was approved through Delaware State Clearinghouse (DSCC). However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not expect to release funding until July of 2024. The funding is imperative to assist Delaware's most vulnerable and underserved communities, by investing in clean energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additional information regarding federal funding can be found at de.gov/energyoffice.
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides weatherproofing to income-qualifying Delawareans, which often leads us to service affordable housing developments across the state. WAP contractors are working on projects with Laverty Lane in Bridgeville and Hurds Crossing in Felton, giving nearly one hundred housing units new insulation, sealing, HVAC, and other offerings, all without charge to the residents. If you are from or familiar with a low-income housing community or development that would benefit from weatherization, please contact 302-735-3480. Learn more at de.gov/wap.
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