View high-resolution images from the 2021 Arbor Day Ceremony: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmVt4ZHB

Watch a video of the Arbor Day Ceremony at: https://vimeo.com/543833663

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (April 30, 2021) – Governor John C. Carney, Jr. proclaimed Arbor Day in Delaware at a ceremony at Rehoboth Elementary School attended by fifth-grade students and staff, members of the General Assembly, and city and state officials. The event recognized Mayor Stan Mills and the City of Rehoboth Beach for its 30^th year as a Tree City USA. Governor Carney also honored student winners in the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest. Two new oak trees were planted on the school campus for the event.

Carney addressed the audience on the importance of trees to the environment: “One of my favorite bumper stickers, in terms of our personal responsibility to protect the environment, is ‘think globally, but act locally’ … we can do something, each of us, to protect our environment, to address global warming, and to prepare a better world for all of us in the future.” Carney said. “And one of the best things we can do is plant more trees.”

Speakers included Rehoboth Mayor Stan Mills, Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse, DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, Delaware State Forester Michael Valenti, and Nick Serratore of the Rehoboth Art League. Honored guests included Speaker of the House Peter Schwartzkopf, Senator Ernesto Lopez, State Auditor Kathleen K. McGuiness, and Rehoboth Beach city commissioners.

Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse highlighted the importance of trees to Delaware: “Arbor Day is a great day to both celebrate trees and remind us to plant more,” he said.  “Trees have many natural benefits that help improve our environment. Trees are great at capturing carbon dioxide emissions, which helps improve the air quality in our climate. They also serve as buffers to protect water quality by reducing soil erosion and decreasing runoff. The Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Program works to increase tree canopy in communities statewide. Every community can find its tree canopy level at de.gov/treecanopy and then work with the Forest Service to improve it.”

DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin addressed the students with a direct message of their role in today’s world: “There are people like me who speak to students who say ‘And you’re the environmental stewards of the future.’ And I’m the first person to stand up and say, actually, no. You are the environmental stewards of today. You are the ones who are pushing us and holding us accountable because this is your future we’re talking about.”

State forester Michael A. Valenti asked the students to take the lead and plant trees for future generations: “I urge you to protect trees and the forests in your communities, in your county, and in the state. Because trees provide so many natural benefits, we cannot live without them.”

Mayor Mills accepted recognition from Delaware State Forester Michael Valenti for their 30^th year as a Tree City USA:

“This is such a terrific, terrific honor… The city has a history, as you know, of investing in its trees, and we will continue to do so. We value trees not just for their beauty but also for their health, social, environmental, and wildlife benefits,” Mill said. “And I also want to thank the state for supporting us in our effort to maintain the health and beauty of our trees. It takes an effort and a partnership, and I also want to give additional thanks to all those within our community who plant and nurture trees, and who are committed to the City of Rehoboth Beach continuing as a Tree City USA.”

Rehoboth Elementary School fifth-grader Miranda Garcia was among three fifth-grade students honored for her winning entry in the Delaware Forest Service’s Arbor Day School Poster Contest – she was selected as the Sussex County winner for Grade 5. The winning students participated in a ceremonial tree watering of two new white oaks planted on the school campus, along with Governor Carney and state officials.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware next week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by New Castle County and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.

“The most important thing we can all do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” said Governor Carney. “Check your local pharmacy for an appointment. Talk to your doctor, or look for vaccination clinics in your area. And ask your friends if they’ve been vaccinated. That’s how we’ll beat this virus.”

DEMA has coordinated community sites this week in addition to sites at Walgreens and at various hospitals and health care locations. Delawareans can view a full list of COVID-19 testing locations at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans are encouraged to check the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for testing location updates due to inclement weather.   

New Castle County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Tuesday, May 4 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Wilmington University Rt. 13 (320 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, May 4 from 10 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Hockessin United Methodist Church (7250 Lancaster Pike Hockessin DE 19707) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, May 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Wednesday, May 5 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: ChristianaCare Hospital, Portal 1 Parking Lot (4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd, Newark DE, 19718) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, May 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: St. Paul UAME Church (3114 N. Market St, Wilmington, DE 19802) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, May 6 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Friday, May 7 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: University of Delaware Laird Campus Lot #6 (David Hollowell Dr, Newark DE 19716) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, May 8 from 10 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Westside Healthcare (1802 W. 4^th St, Wilmington, DE 19805) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, May 8 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Sunday, May 9 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: University of Delaware STAR Campus (540 S College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Kent County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Tuesday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Mt. Zion AME Church (101 N. Queen St, Dover, DE 19904) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, May 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Caesar Rodney High School (239 Old North Road, Camden, DE 19934) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, May 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Grace Presbyterian Church (350 McKee Road, Dover, DE 19904) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Peoples Church of Dover (46 S Bradford St, Dover, DE 19904) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Sussex County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, May 3 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Epworth UM Church (19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Delaware Tech Georgetown (21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Laurel Elementary School (815 S. Central Avenue, Laurel, DE 19956) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, May 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Indian River High School (29772 Armory Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, May 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Ellendale Fire Department (302 Main Street, Ellendale, DE 19941) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, May 6 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Selbyville Fire Company (30 N Main St, Selbyville, DE 19975) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, May 6 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Blades Fire Company (200 E 5^th Street, Blades, DE 19973) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, May 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center (400 Governors Avenue, Greenwood, DE 19950) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, May 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Rehoboth City Hall (229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center (400 Governors Avenue, Greenwood, DE 19950) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Rehoboth City Hall (229 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.    

Download COVID Alert DE in the App Store or Google Play.   

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.  

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DOVER (April 30, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2021.

A total of 104,405 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases decreased to 257.6 as of Thursday, April 29.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, April 29, was 21.2%, a decrease from 24.4% as of Thursday, April 22. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, April 27, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 5.6%, a slight decrease from 5.7% as of Tuesday, April 20. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 166 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, down two from this time last week. Fifteen of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down six from last week.

A total of 1,625 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 16 additional deaths since last week’s update, which includes six from a review of vital statistics records. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 814 were female and 811 were male. A total of 808 individuals were from New Castle County, 334 were from Kent County, and 483 were from Sussex County.

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

To date, the Division of Public Health has identified the following COVID-19 variants in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. These variants are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest.

In aggregate, the cases include 440 adults ranging in age from 18-98, as well as 71 individuals under the age of 18. A total of 382 individuals were from New Castle County, 84 were from Kent County and 45 were from Sussex County.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 1,821 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 183 within the past week.

Virus mutation is common. Public health approach and treatments are currently not any different, but as these variants may be more contagious, it is even more important that individuals remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.

For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

Walk-in/drive-up COVID-19 vaccination opportunities will be offered this weekend (May 1-May 2) at three locations. Vaccinations will be available without an appointment at these locations, however registering for your shot will guarantee there will be a vaccine for you upon arrival.

• Saturday, May 1 at Dover International Speedway
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer
Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/delawaremay1vaccination

• Saturday, May 1 at Howard High School of Technology
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Pfizer
Register: wagsoutreach.com/ss/HOW947561 (This event is being coordinated and scheduled by Walgreens)

• Sunday, May 2 at Wilmington Chase Center
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Johnson & Johnson
Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/delawaremay2vaccination

In addition, new walk-up clinics are now offered at five of public health clinics for those interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccination. The clinics, which started this week, are offering the Pfizer vaccine. No appointment is necessary. The clinics are open to any individual 16 years or older. Pfizer is the only vaccine currently FDA-approved to served individuals under the age of 18. The clinics are located in Dover, Georgetown, Milford, Seaford, and Wilmington, are handicap-accessible and are located within walking distance of DART routes. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., and 1:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Details, including specific locations, can be found at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

As of 12:01 a.m. April 30, a total of 747,571 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. A total of 687,420 doses have been delivered to the state, and 239,135 doses have been delivered as part of the federal provider programs.

More than 407,500 Delaware residents ages 16 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing nearly 53% of the currently eligible population in the state. More than 294,500 have been fully vaccinated, representing nearly 38% of the currently eligible population.

Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:
As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 29, there have been a total of 2,719 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 746 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:

Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (25)
Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (23)
Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (37)
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (5)
Brookdale Dover, Dover (15)
Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (17)
Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (22)
Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (14)
Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (33)
Cadia Healthcare Pike Creek, Pike Creek (3)
Churchman Village, Newark (22)
Country Rest Home, Greenwood (17)
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (15)
Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar (2)
Dover Place, Dover (7)
Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (15)
Forwood Manor, Wilmington (10)
Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (46)
Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (48)
Hillside Center, Wilmington (9)
Ingleside Assisted Living, Wilmington (4)
Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (9)
Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (10)
Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (20)
ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (29)
Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
Millcroft, Newark (3)
Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (52)
New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (40)
Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (16)
Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (9)
Seaford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (4)
Shipley Manor, Wilmington (12)
Silver Lake Center, Genesis Healthcare, Dover (3)
Somerford House and Place, Newark (6)
State Street Assisted Living, Dover (4)
Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (4)
Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
The Center at Eden Hill, Dover (9)
The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
Westminster Village, Dover (23)
WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (13)
WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin (4)
Five other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
One other Sussex County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.

DPH reminds Delawareans that if you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

As a reminder, DPH recently announced it has created a pathway for the public to submit complaints if they believe a COVID-19 vaccination provider is violating vaccination requirements. Those complaints can be directed to HSPContact@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

DOVER (APRIL 30, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising New Castle County residents who live – or spend time – in the area of Four Seasons Parkway, near Route 896 in Newark, of a positive case of rabies in a stray cat that recently came into contact with two humans. The individuals were each bitten by the cat, which had been acting lethargic and presented with wounds of an unknown origin. The cat was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Thursday, April 29, 2021. The individuals have begun treatment for rabies exposure.

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched, or come in contact with a stray cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a feral cat might have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian for examination, treatment, and who will report the exposure to Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, the Division of Public Health has performed rabies tests on 44 animals, one of which was confirmed to be rabid, which includes this cat. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon, one bat, and two cats.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

• If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/.
• Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
• If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

• To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
• If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices).  The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages

To encourage northern Delaware volunteers to get outside and clean up, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in partnership with the Christina Conservancy has extended the month-long Christina River Watershed Cleanup campaign an extra two weeks through Saturday, May 15. The date coincides with the Wilmington Community Cleanup Day taking place in neighborhoods throughout the city.

The 2021 Christina Cleanup campaign mobilizes volunteers to safely clean up their communities by picking up trash in their own neighborhoods, on beaches and along waterways within northern New Castle County, from Brandywine Hundred south through Glasgow and Bear. No pre-registration is needed for this year’s campaign. Volunteers are asked to clean up debris, like cigarette butts, beverage containers, food wrappers and more, that easily end up in waterways and ultimately in the ocean.

While large groups are discouraged, volunteers will have greater freedom to select when, where, and how often their household participates. They can see locations, document their findings and share photos in the cleanup’s mobile-friendly online volunteer hub at Christina Cleanup Campaign.

Volunteers can also find ideas about how to get involved in the 2021 Christina River Watershed Cleanup on Facebook and Twitter. Volunteers can post photos on facebook.com/ChristinaCleanup for a chance to win a 2021 Delaware State Parks pass. Each photo post counts as an entry. Volunteers can post as often as they like throughout the month.

Important Reminders:

• Pick up trash near your home along streets, roadways, and in natural areas and open spaces.
• Know your limitations and be aware of possibly hazardous areas, including along roadways, streambanks, and steep or slippery slopes.
• Pack a disposable bag and rubber gloves whenever you take a walk or go hiking, to collect and carry out trash you find along the way.
• Always Recycle Right. Only recycle clean items through curbside recycling or designated drop-off locations. Items with lots of dirt or grit attached or inside should be placed in your household trash.

Avoid These Actions:

• Don’t enter private property without permission of the landowner.
• Don’t place yourself in any danger while volunteering for the Christina River Cleanup.
• Don’t collect any trash that your household waste hauler might not accept. Tires, construction materials, and metal drums may be unacceptable.

For more information, visit Christina River Watershed Cleanup or email ChristinaRiverCleanup@gmail.com.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, Joanna.wilson@delaware.gov, Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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