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On Saturday, Sept. 13, volunteers across the state joined our 38th Delaware Coastal Cleanup, collecting litter from beaches, waterways and wetlands. Final totals are still being tallied, but the impact was easy to see. There are fewer bottles, cigarette butts and food wrappers in the places we all love.
This event is one of our state’s longest-running environmental traditions. It shows how much Delawareans value protecting our coast. Thank you to every volunteer, partner and community group who made the day a success!
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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? Read more
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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. Read more
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Rising Costs and Record Demand Are Basis for Discussion of Possible Fee Changes for Delaware State Parks
DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation is seeking public input at three open houses on the first proposed park pass increase in 10 years to address rising costs and record demand. A recent economic impact study found the system generated $822 million in revenue and 7.4 million in visitors for the state in 2024. Read more
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DNREC Issues Notice of Violation to Refinery for May 25 to June 11 Unpermitted Emissions
DNREC has issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the Delaware City Refining Company (DCRC) for unpermitted emissions from DCRC’s Fluid Coking Unit that occurred between May 25 and June 11, 2025. DNREC’s NOV, which documents the Department’s findings and the calculated release quantities, is available at the dnrec.delaware.gov website. Read more
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Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative Awards $173,000 to Nine Organizations
The Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative has awarded $173,000 to nine organizations to plant 12,055 trees in spring of 2026 Read more
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ASMFC to Hold Hybrid Hearing in Delaware Sept. 18 on Striped Bass Management Plan
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a hybrid public hearing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 to gather public input on Draft Addendum III to Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Striped Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan. The ASMFC’s hybrid format will allow the public to participate either in-person at DNREC’s Little Creek Hunter Education Center Training Center, 3018 Bayside Drive in Dover or virtually. Read more
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DNREC Hosts Parks for Pollinators with Projects to Save Crops and Gardens
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control provides the Parks for Pollinators program to help save the bats, insects, birds and animals that help provide one-third of the food eaten across the globe. Read more
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Court Ruling Eliminates ‘Direct Supervision’ Provision in State Law Affecting Delaware Hunters Ages 18 to 21
An Aug. 29 Superior Court ruling has eliminated a provision in Delaware Code from a 2022 law that stated hunters between 18 and 21 years old would require direct supervision from a person age 21 or older when the state’s hunting seasons open Monday, Sept. 1. Read more
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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Weekend Set for Oct. 3-5 at Lums Pond State Park
Lums Pond State Park will welcome participants to the 2025 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program the weekend of Oct. 3 to 5. The annual outdoors recreation and nature event marks Delaware BOW’s 26th year under the sponsorship of DNREC. Read more
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Delaware Opened Several Hunting Seasons in September, Including Archery Deer, Resident Canada Goose, and Teal
Several Delaware hunting seasons opened statewide on Monday, Sept. 1, marking the start of the 2025/’26 hunting season. The early season hunts are a longstanding tradition for First State hunters, who play a vital role in helping DNREC with conservation management of the state’s wildlife populations. Read more
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Beach Patrol Helps Earn National Title for Second Year
The Delaware State Beach Patrol helped bring home the national title for the Sussex County Lifesaving Association, with three men and three women among the top five scorers by gender, after a summer of dramatic rescues, medical emergencies and jellyfish. Read more
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New DNREC Survey: Most Delawareans Say Climate Change is a Serious Threat to Future Generations
A majority of Delawareans are concerned about climate change, believe it poses a serious threat to their communities and to future generations and think that more action is necessary to combat the issue. Read more
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Out-of-State Winners Chosen in Delaware Waterfowl and Trout Stamp Art Competitions
Gerald Putt of Boiling Springs, Pa. and Charles Wurst of Fort Wayne, Ind., have claimed blue ribbons in Delaware’s Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Mr. Putt’s painting of a Northern Shoveler will be featured on the 2026/27 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp. A painting of a brown trout by Wurst was awarded first place and will grace the 2026 Delaware Trout Stamp. Read more
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What’s in your water? DNREC hydrologists demonstrate the tools and technology they use to monitor Delaware’s water quality. See how the DNREC Division of Water collects and analyzes data to better understand Delaware’s groundwater resources.
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how science drives clean water decisions. Explore more about water science and quality protection at de.gov/water.
Like, comment and subscribe!
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Delaware Climate Action Plan Update Public Engagement Session
September 18, 4 p.m.
Delaware Tech Carter Partnership Center
21225 Seashore Hwy., Georgetown
More Info
UD Cooperative Extension Milford Tree Giveaway
September 20, 9 a.m.
Old National Guard Armory
604 N. Walnut St., Milford
More Info
Delaware Climate Action Plan Update Public Engagement Session
September 23, 4 p.m.
Modern Maturity Center
1121 Forrest Ave., Dover
More Info
Feeding Time at the DuPont Nature Center
September 24, 1 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
Glasgow Regional Park Tree Giveaway
September 26, 11 a.m.
Glasgow Regional Park
2775 Pulaski Hwy., Newark
More Info
Science and History: Walking the Connection from JDP to DNERR
September 27, 10 a.m.
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover
More Info
Storybook Saturday
September 27, 11 a.m.
Dupont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
Feeding Time at the DuPont Nature Center
September 27, 1 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
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Division of Parks and Recreation Open House
September 30, 5:30 p.m.
Blue Ball Barn
1914 West Park Dr., Wilmington
More Info
Division of Parks and Recreation Open House
October 1, 5:30 p.m.
Officer's Club
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
More Info
Division of Parks and Recreation Open House
October 2, 5:30 p.m.
Killens Pond State Park Nature Center
5025 Killens Pond, Felton
More Info
Rockwood Park Tree Giveaway
October 3, 11 a.m.
Rockwood Park
4651 Washington Street Ext., Wilmington
More Info
Delaware Botanic Gardens Tree Giveaway
October 11, 9 a.m.
Delaware Botanic Gardens
30220 Piney Neck Rd., Dagsboro
More Info
Kent Conservation District Native Tree Giveaway
October 11, 9 a.m.
Kent Conservation District
1679 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover
More Info
New Castle Conservation District Native Tree Giveaway
October 11, 9 a.m.
New Castle Conservation District
2430 Old County Rd., Newark
More Info
Sussex Conservation District Native Tree Giveaway
October 11, 9 a.m.
Sussex Conservation District Offices
23818 Shortly Rd., Georgetown
More Info
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 Field Trip Fridays recently took us both behind the scenes and back out to the coast.
Secretary Patterson and Deputy Secretary Cobb visited DNREC’s Office of Human Resources and Office of Budget and Finance to learn how these teams keep the agency running smoothly. Human Resources provides the support and resources staff need to succeed, while Budget and Finance manages funding for projects that protect Delaware’s air, water, land and wildlife. From managing grant programs that improve water quality to helping communities access low-interest loans for environmental projects, their work makes it possible for our scientists, engineers and field staff to get the job done.
We returned to the Indian River Inlet, where Secretary Patterson joined federal, state and local leaders for a tour of the sand bypass system and beach nourishment work. With U.S. Senator Chris Coons, U.S. Representative Sarah McBride, Lt. Col. Ryan Baum of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District, and other officials, we saw firsthand how partnerships and investments are helping protect Delaware’s coast. The tour also underscored the challenges ahead, as more frequent and severe storms threaten Delaware Seashore State Park, Route 1 and the navigability of the inlet.
We also took a trip to the Aquatic Resources Education Center in Smyrna, where we explored the EcoExplorers Trail, studied marsh critters, and saw firsthand the importance of salt marsh conservation. Secretary Greg Patterson and Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb even joined a casting competition with AREC naturalists. The popular 5th Grade Field Trip program will return in fall 2026 after boardwalk renovations.
Whether behind a desk or in the field, DNREC employees and our partners are working every day to strengthen Delaware’s natural resources, provide recreational opportunities and safeguard communities for future generations.
Want a firsthand look? Check out our #FieldTripFriday playlist and follow us on social!
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Delaware Recycles
Recycling conserves valuable natural resources and energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps us take responsibility for our waste today, as opposed to leaving a burden for future generations.
Delaware has one recycling program that is the same whether at home, at work or at school. To learn more about how to recycle or check out our Delaware Recyclopedia tool that takes the guess work out of recycling, visit de.gov/recycling.
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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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DNREC Language Services
We provide free interpretation services, upon request, to help ensure full participation by all communities, primarily those with limited English proficiency.
Requests for oral interpretation of an application or assistance with submitting a public comment must be made no later than 10 days prior to the close of that application’s comment period. Requests for live oral interpretation must be made no later than 10 days prior to date of the DNREC-hosted public hearing, meeting, or community event.
Submit a request using the interpretation services request form: de.gov/dnrectranslations
Learn more at de.gov/titlevi
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Recreational Water Program
Our Recreational Water Program samples beaches across Delaware, regularly testing for indicator bacteria from mid-May through mid-September. Samples are cultured to detect viable Enterococcus indicator bacteria that correlate with potential increased risk of illness from swimming or wading. While indicator bacteria levels, which may be elevated after rainfall, typically return to normal quickly, DNREC issues swimming advisories when sample results exceed water quality standards so the public can make informed decisions. Learn more and subscribe to water quality alerts at de.gov/recwater.
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 Meet Jesse Hayden, administrator of our Coastal Programs Section! Jesse joined the team in October 2024 after eight years with our Shoreline and Waterway Management Section.
A licensed professional engineer in Delaware, Jesse brings a strong background in coastal engineering and resilience. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia and a master’s in Coastal Engineering from the University of Delaware. Jesse is also serving on the External Advisory Council for UD’s Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.
Before DNREC, Jesse spent seven years in private engineering consulting, working on coastal hazard modeling and resilience projects across several states — including here in Delaware.
Throughout his time at DNREC, Jesse has led efforts in beach nourishment, waterway dredging and maintenance, floodplain management and dam safety. His new role shifts his focus from engineering and construction programs to coastal science and policy.
When he’s not working to protect Delaware’s coastlines, you might find Jesse enjoying the beach with family and friends or exploring local art and craft shows.
Thank you, Jesse, for your continued dedication to safeguarding Delaware’s coastal resources!
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