DOVER, Del. (April 19, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is hosting the Fourteenth Annual DAEE Environmental Education Conference on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Brandywine Springs Elementary, Wilmington, DE. This year’s conference theme, “Nature’s Best Hope, Our Role as Educators” will showcase a full day of sessions intended to connect people with nature, integrate environmental education into the school day, and cultivate environmental leaders. Throughout the day, the Conference will explore environmental education opportunities, resources, and best practices to help increase our connection with nature for this and future generations. This conference is geared towards classroom teachers, environmental education providers, community organizations and members of the general public. Conference registration is open.

Keynote speakers:

Morning Session – Dr. Doug Tallamy, New York Times Best Selling author
Afternoon Session – Dr. Katara Moore, Environmental Justice Coordinator for DNREC

The conference will include sessions from:

• Earth Force
• Mt. Cuba Center
• Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
• Hagley Museum
• Nanticoke Watershed Alliance
• Delaware Department of Agriculture
• Caesar Rodney School District
• Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs
• DNREC Watershed Stewardship
• UD SeaGrant
• Delaware Nature Society
• Delaware State Parks
• Delaware Native Species Commission
• Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids
• Brandywine Springs Elementary School

This year’s conference includes 18 sessions, various partner exhibitors, networking time, conference giveaways, morning refreshments and lunch.

DAEE’s Annual Conference provides insight for community leaders, educators, and citizens on how to learn about the environment, conservation methods, best practices in environmental education, sustainability initiatives, and opportunities for individuals to make a difference in their communities.

The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is a volunteer led and run organization focusing on two main areas: engaging professionals in environmental education and engaging communities in nature. DAEE helps to ensure that every citizen in Delaware has the opportunity to become involved in meaningful outdoor experiences. DAEE provides resources for administrators, formal and non-formal educators, and concerned citizens on how and where to introduce students of all ages, to safe, educational, and life-changing outdoor experiences that will connect them to nature and instill the importance of conservation. Visit www.daeeonline.org to find out how you can get involved!

Photo: Lyla Jones, a second-grader from Brandywine Springs Elementary School in Wilmington, is the winner of the Arbor Day School Poster Contest.

DOVER, Del. (April 13, 2023) – Lyla Jones, a second-grader from Brandywine Springs Elementary School in Wilmington, is the overall winner of the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest. This year’s competition attracted almost 7,600 entries from more than 70 schools. The theme – “Trees Are Terrific…In All Shapes and Sizes!” – highlights how a diverse community forest is a healthier forest that attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating. The complete gallery of winners is at de.gov/arbordaypostercontest

Since 1872, Arbor Day has been observed as a special day to plant trees and celebrate their many benefits!  

The poster contest is designed to increase knowledge about trees and forests while helping students learn about the direct impact of trees on community health and well-being. Trees not only provide beauty but help shade streets and schoolyards while also creating habitat and food for wildlife. Awareness of the difference between tree species helps in selecting the proper tree to plant in a given location based on site conditions, temperature and soil.

The poster contest was open to all K-5 public, private, homeschool, after-school, and other organized youth groups.  Posters are 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 are 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!

The 12 winners are invited to the annual State Arbor Day Celebration, hosted by Governor John Carney and scheduled for April 29.

For questions and more information, contact: Ashley Melvin, Trainer-Educator  ashley.melvin@delaware.gov

New Castle County

Kindergarten: Susanna Sanford, Brandywine Springs Elementary, Wilmington 

Grades 1 to 2:  Lyla Jones, Brandywine Springs Elementary, Wilmington 

Grades 3 to 4: Hillary Shen, North Star Elementary, Hockessin 

Grade 5: Easton Parker, Heritage Elementary, Wilmington 

Kent County

Kindergarten: Zadriyan Marshall, Booker T. Washington Elementary, Dover 

Grades 1 to 2: Kylie Clark, Smyrna Elementary, Smyrna 

Grades 3 to 4: Eliana Oberdick, W. B. Simpson Elementary, Wyoming 

Grade 5: Audriana Friday, W. B. Simpson Elementary, Wyoming 

Sussex County

Kindergarten: Henry Hearn, St. John’s Preschool, Seaford 

Grades 1 to 2: Julian Spitzer, Lord Baltimore Elementary, Ocean View 

Grades 3 to 4: Evelyn Maloney, Epworth Christian, Laurel 

Grade 5: Sage McMahon, Rehoboth Elementary, Rehoboth Beach 

Gallery of Winners  **** (click on image to view high-resolution file)

New Castle County

Kent County

Sussex County

DNREC and the Department of Agriculture celebrated World Wetlands Day by signing a cooperative agreement to manage and protect unique wetland communities that occur on state-owned forest, park and wildlife lands, such as depicted above at Blackbird State Forest. /DNREC photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Agriculture (DDA) Forest Service are to celebrate World Wetlands Day today, Thursday, Feb. 2, by signing a cooperative agreement to manage and protect unique wetland communities that occur on state-owned forest, park and wildlife lands.

Wetlands are extremely important ecosystems that contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation, water availability, world economies and commerce, cultural and recreational values, and global biodiversity. The unique wetland communities memorialized by DNREC and DDA are wetland types that provide critical habitat for Delaware’s rarest plants and animals, including endangered species, some of which also are globally rare.

“We are charged with great responsibilities as stewards of public lands for enjoyment by Delawareans and our out-of-state visitors, while also acting as stewards for the thriving existence of the plant and animal populations that inhabit these unique wetland communities,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The agreement signed today between DNREC and DDA shows that both agencies recognize the value of these lands and their wetlands habitats as unique wetland communities and that we are committed to conserving and protecting them for the future. Wetlands play an important role in climate change resilience by protecting us from flooding and can offset changes in precipitation by storing water and reducing the effects of drought and severe storms.”

“State Forest lands harbor a rich diversity of plant and animal species thriving in healthy forests and wetlands that are essential for their continued existence. Our foresters often engage in cooperative land management activities with DNREC in the best interest of both agencies and the public to preserve a healthy environment,” said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “When we readily share sound management strategies and techniques, especially when it comes to protecting rare or unique habitats on state-owned lands, we all benefit from those collaborative efforts.”

Unique wetland communities make up nearly 18,000 acres of Delaware’s land surface. Delaware’s unique wetland communities include Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds, Bald Cyprus Swamps, Atlantic White Cedar Swamps, Peat-land Fens, Black Ash Seepage Swamps, Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands, and Inner-dune Depression Meadows. Recently, DNREC released the 54-minute documentary film “Wetlands of Wonder: The Hidden World of Vernal Pools” (also known as Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds or Delmarva bays), which spotlights the unique character of these wetland types.

The new agreement provides guidance for land managers at DNREC and DDA to consider for taking on protection, conservation, restoration and management responsibilities for these wetland communities. Recognizing the varied landscapes throughout Delaware, these guidelines can be used for future agency efforts and the management actions prescribed for state-owned lands. Both DNREC – through wildlife areas managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and state parks overseen by the Division of Parks and Recreation) and DDA, through its Forest Service, manage these state-owned lands in the public interest so that residents and visitors can enjoy the natural habitats they represent through various low-impact recreational activities. The agreement fosters collaboration and coordination between the agencies and their individual and diverse management expertise.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally to raise awareness about wetlands and reaffirm the importance of protecting these critical ecosystems. More information on how to celebrate World Wetlands Day, including events and educational resources, can be found at worldwetlandsday.org. More information about Delaware’s Unique Wetland Communities, is available at de.gov/delawarewetlands.

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. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: DNREC – Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; DDA Forest Service – Sophia Curran, sophia.curran@delaware.gov

DOVER, Del. (January 9, 2023) – Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is still 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 areas within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values, civic pride, and reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.

Complete guidelines on all grant programs are at de.gov/treegrants. The deadline is March 3, 2023, and all submissions must be via online application.

“The Urban and Community Forestry Program’s primary goal is to increase tree canopy throughout the First State,” said Kesha Braunskill, Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator. “We want to provide funding to assist communities with tree planting and tree inventory projects. This year our program is hoping to receive applications that meet the requirements, and new communities are encouraged to apply.”

In 2022, the UCF program awarded $140,451 for 31 community tree projects.

Source: Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program

Urban and Community Grants

Requests must be a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 in only one of two project categories: tree planting or tree management (i.e., professional tree inventory). Grants require a 50-50 match in either cash (non-federal funds) or in-kind services, including volunteer or staff time, equipment rental, or supplies.

Applications are evaluated after the deadline by the Delaware Community Forestry Council committee. Eligible projects must be performed on public lands within the community. Priority will be given to first-time applicants, Tree City USA and Tree Friendly Communities, and projects that focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Apply online for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant here: https://tinyurl.com/bddyh74k

• Applicants must set up a site visit with the Urban and Community Forestry Program before submitting their application to review the project and answer any questions.
• Site visits must be scheduled a minimum of a week in advance.
• No site visits will be done after February 17, 2023.
• Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Final day to make an appointment will be February 10, 2023.
• A EIN Number is required – no payment to individuals
• Deadline to apply online is March 3, 2023, by 4:30 p.m.

PHOTO: Lilly Bartlett of Allen Frear Elementary (at right) was the State winner for the 2022 poster contest.

Contact:
Ashley Melvin, Delaware Forest Service

(302) 698-4551  ashley.melvin@delaware.gov 

DOVER, Del. (January 6, 2023) — 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.  Designed to increase student knowledge about trees and forest resources, the contest is a great way for students to learn about the role trees play in our communities and their direct impact on Delawareans’ health and well-being.

This year’s theme, “Trees are Terrific…In All Shapes and Sizes!” highlights the importance of tree diversity in our community forests, which attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating.

Arbor Day is Friday, April 28.

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 will receive free loblolly pine seedlings delivered to their school.

The 12 winners will be invited to the annual Statewide Arbor Day Celebration hosted by Governor Carney. A tree planting ceremony will also be scheduled at each winner’s school to celebrate Arbor Day. The deadline to register is March 9, with entries submitted by April 1.

Register to Participate and Receive Seedlings:

2023arbordaypostercontest.eventbrite.com

Contest Guidelines and Teacher Resources

tinyurl.com/rzzagf6  (Shared Google Drive)

Planting a tree is a fun activity we can enjoy today, knowing that the tree will continue to improve our lives over time. Trees planted throughout our communities not only provide beauty but help shade our streets and schoolyards and create habitat and food for wildlife. Trees planted today will also be terrific “tomorrow” as they improve air quality, muffle noise, moderate air temperatures, filter run-off into streams and rivers, and reduce energy consumption.

For more information, contact: ashley.melvin@delaware.gov