Forest Service Observes “Outdoor Classroom Day”
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Newsroom | Urban and Community Forestry | Date Posted: Friday, May 21, 2021
The Delaware Forest Service joined the Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) to observe “World Outdoor Classroom Day” by planting trees this week at Heritage Elementary in Red Clay School District and Allen Frear Elementary in Caesar Rodney School District. An outdoor learning place is “any place where meaningful experiences can be had in and with nature and the environment,” according to DAEE. “Outdoor learning places are especially beneficial to young students to develop the deep life-long appreciation for the natural world, our dependence on it, and its fragility. Outdoor learning places are often at schools but they can be at parks, churches, or even created in a backyard.” For information, go to http://daeeonline.org
Grants Can Help Volunteer Companies Fight Wildfires
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Newsroom | Sussex County | Date Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2021
The Delaware Forest Service’s 2021 VFA Grant program is open to all Delaware volunteer fire departments and can provide up to $4,500 in matching grants to acquire pumps, hoses, and equipment to respond to and suppress wildfires. More than $350,000 has been given to enhance wildfire response in the First State since the program’s inception. Applications must be received by the Delaware Forest Service office by regular mail no later than June 20, 2021. No email submissions will be accepted. Awards will be made within 7 business days so that awarded projects can begin. Details at de.gov/wildfire.
Gov. Carney celebrates Arbor Day in Rehoboth Beach
Department of Agriculture | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Forest Service | Former Governor John Carney (2017-2025) | Newsroom | Sussex County | Urban and Community Forestry | Date Posted: Friday, April 30, 2021
Governor John C. Carney, Jr. proclaimed Arbor Day in Delaware at a ceremony at Rehoboth Elementary School attended by 5th-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 30th 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.
2021 Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Newsroom | Sussex County | Date Posted: Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Grade 5 student Alyssa DeLuca of Brandywine Springs Elementary is the state winner of the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest.
This year’s contest attracted entries from 44 schools and 73 classrooms, with a total of 2,748 students participating. This year’s theme was “Trees Are Terrific…in Many Wonderful Ways!” Posters were 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 were selected from each county in four grade categories: kindergarten, grade 1 and 2, grade 3 and 4, and grade 5. The complete gallery of winners is at de.gov/arbordaypostercontest
Delaware Forest Service leads tree planting in Milton
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Newsroom | Sussex County | Urban and Community Forestry | Date Posted: Monday, April 26, 2021
The Delaware Forest Service and its new “Tree Stewards” program led more than 50 volunteers and town officials to plant 160 trees in Milton, Sussex County on Saturday, April 24. The trees will enhance the town’s hiking and biking trail near West Shore Drive, part of DelDOT’s “Rails to Trails” project in Sussex County. Delaware’s urban and community forestry program funded the cost of the trees and provided technical assistance.
