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 September is one of those months when you can experience a little bit of everything in Delaware. Beach days aren’t quite behind us, fall outdoor adventures are getting closer and wildlife across the state is beginning to respond to the changing season.
This month also brings new opportunities to think about how we use energy at home and on the road. Delaware SHINES is expanding opportunities for households, small businesses and nonprofits to save on energy costs through solar and battery storage, with DNREC helping connect Delawareans to enhanced grants, rebates and other resources. And from Sept. 11 through Oct. 12, National Drive Electric Month puts the spotlight on electric vehicles, charging and the growing options for Delaware drivers interested in making the switch. Learn more at de.gov/cleantransportation.
Elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, we’re taking you along on recent Field Trip Friday visits, introducing you to one of the people behind DNREC’s climate work and sharing the latest environmental news, fall programs and events happening across the state. There’s a lot to catch up on as we make the turn from summer to fall.
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How Electric Vehicles are Going Mainstream (Again)
Electric vehicles are the future — but they’re not some far-off dream like flying cars. Rather, they represent the present as well as the possibilities to come. And they have a history that’s far deeper than you were likely aware. Learn more in this piece from Outdoor Delaware. Read more
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Everything Including the Kitchen “Sink” — Delaware’s Artificial Reefs
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DNREC Newsroom
Delaware Confirms Third Case of Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer
With Delaware confirming a third case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer in central Sussex County, DNREC held a community meeting Sept. 16 in Georgetown. Attendees heard about the state’s updated response to CWD, including the adoption of temporary emergency deer hunting regulations for the evolving in-state presence of the disease, which affects deer but not humans. Read more
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Free Private Well Water Testing Available for Delawareans
Delawareans who rely on private wells for their drinking water can request free testing for PFAS and a range of other contaminants through a statewide program offered by DNREC and DHSS. Read more
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DNREC to Co-Host Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting on Menhaden Management Plan
DNREC will jointly host a virtual hearing with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on potential changes to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Atlantic Menhaden management plan Tuesday, Sept. 22. The virtual meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information about the meeting, including registration, visit the ASMFC website. Read more
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DNREC Announces New Law Streamlining Delaware’s Subaqueous Lands Permitting
Delawareans who need permits to build docks, install utility lines or undertake other work on Delaware’s submerged lands and tidal waters will see faster decisions and a clearer path though the approval process under a law signed last week by Gov. Matt Meyer. Read more
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Governor Meyer Announces Delaware SHINES, The State’s First and Country’s Most Comprehensive Solar Storage Program
Gov. Matt Meyer, along with DNREC, Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (Energize Delaware), Senator Stephanie Hansen, Senator Kyra Hoffner, Representative Frank Burns, local utilities and solar companies, local government officials and other key stakeholders announced Delaware SHINES. Read more
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DNREC Seeking Community Water Project Proposals for Water Quality Improvement Grant Program
DNREC is encouraging Delaware nonprofit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowners’ associations to submit project proposals to be considered for matching grant funds from DNREC’s Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 30. Read more
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2026-27 Delaware Hunting Season Opened Sept. 1 for Deer, Canada Goose and Dove
Several Delaware hunting seasons opened on Tuesday, Sept. 1, marking the start of the state’s overall 2026-27 hunting season. Chief among them is archery deer season, resident Canada goose season and the traditional Delaware dove opener in sunflower fields across the state. Read more
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Delaware State Beach Patrol Helps Earn National Award for Third Year for Sussex County Team
The Delaware State Beach Patrol helped the Sussex County Lifesaving Association win its third national title from the U.S. Lifesaving Association at the annual competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Read more
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Newark Man Arrested on Multiple Firearm-Related Felony Charges
Delaware Natural Resources Police (DNRP) State Parks Unit officers arrested a 21-year-old Newark man on multiple felony charges after finding him with a loaded, illegally modified handgun in White Clay Creek State Park. Read more
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The Point at Cape Henlopen Oceanside Beach Reopened Sept. 1 to Anglers and Beachgoers
The Point at Cape Henlopen reopened oceanside Sept. 1 after a successful beach-nesting bird breeding season. The bayside beach at the Point will reopen Oct. 1 after a successful breeding season and annual bird migration. Read more
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DNREC Breaks Ground on Discovery Center for White Clay Creek State Park
A new Discovery Center is coming to White Clay Creek State Park to meet the growing demand for more environmental education programs and the need for classroom space for school groups, summer camps and activities. Read more
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Blue Ribbons Awarded to Winners of Delaware Waterfowl and Trout Stamp Art Competitions
Jonathan Milo of Monroe, Connecticut, and in-state artist George Bradford of Georgetown have claimed blue ribbons respectively in Delaware’s annual Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests. Read more
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Weatherization Assistance Program | Judith's Story
Judith’s home was cold. As she got older, she knew she needed help. Then she found DNREC’s Weatherization Assistance Program.
Caulking and insulation made an immediate difference, helping make her home more comfortable and energy efficient. Then came solar.
The impact went far beyond her energy bills. Judith was able to remain in her home.
Funded in part by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), DNREC’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides free energy-saving improvements for eligible Delaware homeowners and renters. Delaware SHINES is expanding access to solar and battery storage to help more Delawareans save on energy costs.
Interested in applying? Visit de.gov/wap or call 302-735-3480 for application assistance.
Like, comment and subscribe! 🔔
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Tree Identification Workshop
Sept. 23, 5 p.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Blackbird Creek Reserve
801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend
More Info
Fly-tying Class
Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Road,
Smyrna
More Info
New Castle County Native Tree Giveaway
Sept. 25, 11 a.m.
Glasgow Regional Park
2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark
More Info
Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Native Tree Giveaway
Oct. 3, 9 a.m.
James Farm Ecological Preserve
30048 Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View
More Info
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Board Game Night: Estuary Pictionary
Oct. 7, 6 p.m.
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
More Info
Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m.
St. Jones Reserve
818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
More Info
Oct. 10, 12 p.m.
Mt. Cuba Center
3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin
More Info
Deer Hunting 101
Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m.
(Preregistration Required)
Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center
3018 Bayside Drive, Dover
More Info
Top 3 in 30 Webinar: Saltwater Intrusion into Groundwater in Delaware
Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
(Preregistration Required)
A Virtual Meeting
More Info
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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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Weatherization Assistance Program
DNREC’s free Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible Delawareans make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable and affordable. Improvements like insulation and air sealing can help lower energy use and reduce monthly energy bills.
Eligibility is based on household size and income. Learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program and how to apply.
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DNREC Language Services
DNREC provides free interpretation services upon request to help ensure all communities can participate in our programs and public processes.
Requests for interpretation or assistance with public comments must be submitted at least 10 days before the application comment period closes or a DNREC-hosted public hearing, meeting or community event.
Submit a request at de.gov/dnrectranslations. Learn more at de.gov/titlevi.
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Employee Spotlight
Jessica Quinn led a horseshoe crab survey last spring.
With Delaware's 2025 Climate Action Plan complete, Jessica Quinn is looking ahead to the next chapter: turning the plan into action.
Jessica has worked at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for 16 years and is currently a principal planner with the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy. She manages a team that develops and implements climate and decarbonization policies, coordinates with stakeholders and helps advance initiatives that support Delaware's climate goals.
Originally from Schoharie County, New York, Jessica earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo before attending the University of Delaware to study energy and environmental policy. After working for the New York State Department of Health, a friend shared a job posting for Delaware's State Energy Office that brought her back to the First State.
The people are what Jessica enjoys most about working at DNREC.
"DNREC is full of talented and interesting colleagues who genuinely care about Delaware and its future," she said.
She also enjoys opportunities to support projects outside her day-to-day work, including horseshoe crab surveys, beach grass plantings and Coastal Cleanup events.
Growing up surrounded by forests and farmland inspired Jessica's passion for environmental protection and shaped the career she has today. She is especially proud of helping develop Delaware's Climate Action Plan and building partnerships that will help guide its implementation.
Outside the office, she enjoys volunteering and taking classes at the Dover Art League, experimenting with unusual vegetables in her garden, weightlifting, hiking, taking photos and learning about birds and other wildlife.
Looking ahead, Jessica is excited for what's next.
"Implementation of the Climate Action Plan means new collaborations and working with teams across the Department, and I'm genuinely looking forward to that," she said.
Thank you, Jessica, for your dedication and service to DNREC and the state of Delaware.
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