Registration open for DNREC-sponsored living shorelines workshop March 7 and 8 in Lewes

DOVER – DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays will host a two-day workshop, “Introduction to Living Shorelines Training for Engineers, Contractors, and Landscape Professionals,” from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 7 and 8, at DNREC’s Lewes Field Facility, 901 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958. Admission to the workshop is free, with lunch provided.

Participants will be introduced to an in-demand and eco-friendly technique in shoreline management: the living shoreline. Topics to be covered include site evaluation, design, permitting, and exemplary projects, supplemented with site visits.

Stable shorelines help protect coastal communities and serve as important habitat for native animals. However, commonly-used hardened methods of shorelines stabilization do not adequately serve both purposes. Living shorelines are an increasingly popular solution.

Engineered using native plant material, shellfish, sand, and some hard structures, these shorelines prevent erosion, reduce wave energy, trap floating sediment, and filter stormwater runoff from lawns and pavement – all while maintaining natural beach or wetland habitats.

Space is limited to 25 workshop participants per day, and participants may attend one or both days. To sign up, visit www.deshorelineworkshop.eventbrite.com. Participants currently working in Delaware will be given preference. For more information, please email communications@inlandbays.org.

Vol. 48, No. 29

CONTACT: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902