Tubman Bicentennial Tours at Blackbird State Forest
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Urban and Community Forestry | Date Posted: Friday, March 4, 2022
Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is sponsoring “Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Underground Railroad Experience Walking Tours” at Blackbird State Forest to celebrate Harriet Tubman’s unique connection to Blackbird State Forest and commemorate the bicentennial of her birth in 2022. The tours will take place on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. and on Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m. at Blackbird State Forest, 502 Blackbird Forest Road, Smyrna, 19977.
There is no cost to the public, but space is limited and advance registration is required.
Wildfire Training Classes Online
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
The Delaware Forest Service is looking for motivated recruits to enroll in its wildfire training classes. There is no cost for training and no previous experience necessary. Candidates must be over 18 years of age, willing to learn, physically fit, and able to travel for at least two weeks at a time, usually in the summer months. Completion of all classes is required for prospective firefighters to achieve certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
Arbor Day Poster Contest Now Open
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Date Posted: Thursday, January 13, 2022
The Delaware Forest Service is now seeking entries for its annual Arbor Day Poster Contest, open to all K-5 public, private, homeschool, after-school, and other organized youth groups. The deadline to register is March 9, with entries submitted by April 1. Posters will be judged on originality, use of theme, neatness, and artistic expression. Each winner receives a gift card, a tree-themed book, and a tree planting at their school. Twelve winners will be selected, one from each county in four grade categories: kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, and grade 5. All participating classes receive free loblolly pine seedlings delivered to their school, just in time to celebrate Arbor Day!
Urban Forestry Grants up to $5,000 Available
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Newsroom | Urban and Community Forestry | Date Posted: Monday, January 10, 2022
Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is now accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space. Urban and community grants are open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits – including schools and churches. There are also grant opportunities specifically for applicants with properties located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Complete guidelines on all grant programs are available at de.gov/treegrants. The deadline is March 4, 2022 and all submissions must be online.
Redden Forest Campsites and Trails Closed Due to Snowstorm
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Date Posted: Thursday, January 6, 2022
Redden State Forest has closed its campsites and many trails still remain inaccessible following the heavy snowstorm on January 3 that dumped up to 14.5 inches in nearby Ellendale. With a potential for additional snowfall of 3 inches or more and wind gusts to 35 m.p.h., Delaware Forest Service staff are currently assessing impacts from the storm and working to mitigate hazardous trees in and around high-use areas and clear trails and access roads. The Redden Education Trail (photo) on the Headquarters Tract is littered with downed trees and covered with heavy snow. Visitors should be aware of the potential for falling tree limbs on all areas of the state forest. The historic Redden Lodge, also on the Headquarters Tract, remains accessible for now and is open for previously scheduled events and bookings.
