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 May is a month when DNREC’s work touches many parts of daily life. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and more of us are heading outside to hike, fish, boat, visit parks and enjoy the outdoors.
National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23) is the perfect time to make sure you're ready to hit the water safely. Life jacket? Check. Weather forecast? Check. Visit our boating safety webpage, de.gov/boatsafety, for courses and resources before you head out.
And as the temperatures climb, Ozone Season is underway in Delaware. Keep an eye on air quality conditions, forecasts and action days at de.gov/airdata, especially if you or someone in your household is in a sensitive group.
We also have reminders to help Delawareans protect themselves from tick bites. Learn more, find tick identification resources and report tick encounters at de.gov/ticks.
May is also American Wetlands Month, a time to celebrate the wetlands that filter water, provide habitat for fish and wildlife and protect our communities from flooding and storm impacts. Learn more about Delaware wetlands and conservation efforts at de.gov/delawarewetlands.
Stay connected with us for more information to help Delawareans stay safe, informed and ready for the season ahead.
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Colors Abound as Spring Blooms in Delaware
Delaware comes alive every spring. The reemergence of life and color after months of cold and gray are a welcome relief that serve as a poignant reminder of how cyclical nature is. While the First State is small, it’s got plenty of beautiful outdoor spots replete with trees, bushes and flowers to dazzle the eye. Check them out in this photo essay from Outdoor Delaware. Read more
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DNREC Helps Grow Delaware Quail Population Through Targeted Habitat Work
The population of northern bobwhite quail saw a precipitous drop across the country in the mid-to-late 1900s. Fortunately for Delaware, an initiative launched here about 15 years ago is already paying dividends for our state. Read more
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DNREC Newsroom
Spring Stopover Puts Delaware at Center of Annual Shorebird Migration Phenomenon
Thousands of shorebirds of different species pause their marathon migration — while enroute from wintering in South America back to their Arctic breeding grounds — to refuel in Delaware Bay. The spectacle of the shorebirds feasting on horseshoe crab eggs for energy to get them home for breeding season is in full view — and under the watchful eye of the DNREC Delaware Shorebird Project. Read more
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Delaware Revises Recreational Regs for Bluefish to Give Anglers Higher Daily Possession Limit
DNREC has revised Delaware’s fishing regulations for bluefish to benefit recreational anglers, with the daily possession limit increased from three to five bluefish for anglers fishing from private vessels and from shore, while the limit for anglers aboard for-hire vessels has been raised from five to seven bluefish a day. Read more
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DNREC Expects to Complete Channel Marking Projects for Major Boating Waters Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
The DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management Section expects to complete a channel marker installation project and maintenance activities on five major boating waters in Delaware’s Inland Bays ahead of the Memorial Day weekend so Delaware boaters can enjoy the traditional start of their season. Read more
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Historic School House Opens at Bellevue State Park
Mount Pleasant School House, one of the first public schools in Delaware, will serve as an interpretive center at Bellevue State Park to explore the rich history of the Brandywine area. Read more
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DNREC Communications Team Earns Multiple First-Place Awards from Delaware Press Association
DNREC earned multiple first-place honors from the Delaware Press Association, recognizing its Office of Communications for excellence in communication and storytelling. Read more
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Required Reservations for Five Most Popular Drive-on Surf Fishing Beaches Begin May 23
Five of the most popular drive-on beaches for surf fishing in Delaware require reservations on weekends and holidays beginning May 23, but reservations at seven other locations are not required since a change was adopted in 2025. Read more
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DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center to Offer Array of Summer Family-Oriented Fishing and Environmental Fun
DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) is set to expand family-oriented outdoor fun and educational discovery programs throughout the state this summer. A full slate of AREC programming — Take A Kid Fishing! (TAKF!), Small Fry Adventures and Life in the Bay seining fun — began the week of May 11. Read more
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DNREC Shares Information on Delaware City Refining Repair Work and Air Monitoring
DNREC is advising the public about planned Delaware City refinery repairs that could increase sulfur dioxide emissions for about four weeks. Public air monitoring data, notifications and other resources are available to help the public track environmental releases and air quality. Read more
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DNREC Announces June 6 and 7 Will be Free Fishing Days in Delaware Waters
DNREC encourages Delawareans and visitors alike to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-14) with two days of free fishing in the state Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. On these two days anglers may fish, crab and clam in any Delaware waters without possessing a 2026 fishing license. Read more
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Wilmington Resident Arrested for Multiple Incidents of Illegal Dumping of Trash and Construction Materials
Delaware Natural Resources Police (DNRP) recently arrested a 47-year-old Wilmington resident following an ongoing investigation into illegal dumping of trash and construction materials along Terminal Avenue and Interstate 495 in Wilmington. Read more
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DNREC Reminds Residents and Visitors That Delaware’s Annual Open Burning Ban Began May 1
Delaware’s annual open burning ban took effect Thursday, May 1 and continues through Sept. 30 to help protect air quality during ozone season. During the statewide ban, most outdoor burning is not allowed. Cooking fires, recreational campfires and ceremonial bonfires are still permitted year-round when they use firewood, charcoal, propane or natural gas. Read more
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DNREC, DPH Call for Heightened Tick Awareness in Delaware
As Delawareans spend more time outdoors this spring and summer, DNREC and the Division of Public Health are reminding residents to take simple steps to avoid tick bites and reduce the risk of tick-borne illness. Of particular concern with ticks now active year-round in the state are the blacklegged tick, lone star tick and American dog tick. Read more
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Fort Delaware Debuts Fort Fest for 75th Anniversary
DNREC launched Fort Fest on April 25-26, including the dedication of a historic marker and an inaugural 5K run around Pea Patch Island. Read more
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Odessa High School FFA and Agriscience Team Wins 2026 Delaware Envirothon Championship Second Year in a Row
Odessa High School celebrated earning first place for the second straight year in the 2026 Delaware Envirothon Championship on April 23, held at Sussex Academy. Held for a milestone 30 years in the First State, Envirothon is an education competition sponsored by DNREC and open to high school students statewide. Read more
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40th Annual Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament Set for Saturday, June 6
Families are invited to bring their kids out to try casting a line for a big fish in three of the First State’s freshwater public ponds when DNRP hosts its 40th annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 6 at Blockhouse Pond in Sussex County, the Akridge Scout Reservation Pond in Kent County and Lums Pond in New Castle County. Read more
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DNREC Revises 2026-2027 Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishing Regulations for Compliance With Fishery Management Plan
DNREC is revising recreational fishing state regulations for black sea bass to reflect a greater abundance of the species for anglers to catch. Read more
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Delaware Confirms State’s First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in Wild White-Tailed Deer
Delaware has confirmed its first case of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, in a wild white-tailed deer in Sussex County, with a second deer testing presumptive positive. While there is no evidence that CWD infects humans, DNREC is taking action and asking hunters and residents to follow precautions to help slow the spread. Read more
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3 Boating Safety Tips for This Season
Captain Josh Hudson with DNRP shares three boating safety tips for this season:
• Have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board and children under 13 must wear one at all times
• Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1978, must complete an approved Delaware boating safety course
• Vessels under 26 feet made after 2020 must use an engine cut-off switch
Stay safe and enjoy the water this summer.
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Horseshoe Crabs and the Delaware Bay
May 22, 2 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Road, Milford
More Info
Fly Fishing Class for Adults, Part 1
May 23, 9 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna
More Info
Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch Volunteer Training
May 27, 6 p.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Brandywine Zoo Education Center
1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington
More Info
Fly Fishing Class for Adults, Part 2
May 30, 9 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna
More Info
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Green Eggs and Sand Workshop
May 30, 9 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
More Info
Horseshoe Crab Beach Walk
May 30, 9 a.m.
Marvel Drive Parking Lot
Bay Avenue and Marvel Drive,
Slaughter Beach
More Info
2026 Youth Fishing Tournament
June 6, 10 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Various Locations
More Info
Life in the Bay Seining Program
June 12, 9 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Woodland Beach
Woodland Avenue, Smyrna
More Info
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Field Trip Fridays continue with visits highlighting environmental stewardship efforts, conservation projects and the staff and partners helping protect Delaware’s natural resources.
Want to explore with us? Check out our #FieldTripFriday playlist and follow us on social!
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DNREC Programs
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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Employee Spotlight
 Beth Daliessio has spent more than two decades working with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, beginning her career at Lums Pond State Park in 2003.
Beth started as a campground attendant while still in high school, after her older brother, who worked as a seasonal maintenance employee, encouraged her and her twin brother to apply for jobs at the park. Over the years, Beth worked in a variety of seasonal roles at different parks before returning to where it all began.
In 2023, she was named the assistant park superintendent at Lums Pond. In that role, she assists the park superintendent with the overall management of park operations. “What I like most about working here is that every day is different and the coworkers I get to work with,” Beth said.
Beth credits former Park Superintendent Mike Felker with helping spark her passion for the job by giving her opportunities early in her career to learn different roles within the park.
After nearly two decades working as a seasonal employee and gaining experience across Delaware State Parks, Beth says one of her proudest accomplishments is returning to Lums Pond in a leadership role.
“Being able to be in a management position at the park I started in means a lot to me,” Beth said. “I’ve always known my heart was with Lums Pond. I’m excited about what the future holds for me here and continuing to grow with the park.”
A Delaware native from Bear, Beth enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach and adding to her sneaker collection when she’s not at work.
Thank you, Beth, for your years of dedication to DNREC and Delaware State Parks.
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