Merriken is Delaware’s 2017 “Tree Farmer of the Year”
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | Sussex County | Date Posted: Friday, March 24, 2017
Leslie Merriken received Delaware’s 2017 “Tree Farmer of the Year” award for her extensive work in forestry conservation and education at the Delaware Forestry Association’s annual meeting in Bridgeville. The honor recognizes landowners who practice exceptional management and promote sustainable forestry.
The American Tree Farm System was established in 1941 and is one of the oldest forest landowner organizations. Delaware’s first Tree Farm was certified in 1959; today there are more than 200 Tree Farms covering over 20,000 acres.
Grants available for education, marketing, and research of specialty crops
Department of Agriculture | Date Posted: Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Nearly $300,000 in federal grant funding is now available for projects to help increase the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops. The Delaware Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through May 15, 2017.
Delaware announces new state apiarist
Department of Agriculture | Date Posted: Monday, March 20, 2017
The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that they have hired a new State Apiarist, Meghan McConnell, a native of Millville, NJ. In her position, Meghan will be inspecting bee colonies, conducting surveys for the presence of honey bee parasites, and is responsible for securing samples of suspect colonies to determine suitable measures to control and/or eradicate disease.
Eighteen Delaware sites awarded grants for urban agriculture and community gardens
Department of Agriculture | Date Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Eighteen Delaware urban agriculture and community garden projects are receiving support through a second round of funding designed to strengthen communities and improve nutrition.
The partnerships that have developed at the local and state around urban agriculture and community gardening have really helped to transform Delaware communities. The grants awarded this year totaled $27,671.74, with $17,671.74 from Delaware Department of Agriculture. New Castle Conservation District pledged the additional $10,000 match for New Castle County sites.
Delaware Forestry Association holds annual meeting on March 23 in Bridgeville; offers $1,000 forestry scholarship
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Sussex County | Date Posted: Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Delaware Forestry Association (DFA) will present its 2017 “Tree Farmer of the Year” award on Thursday, March 23 at its annual banquet and meeting at the Bridgeville Fire Hall, 311 Market Street, Bridgeville, Delaware 19933, (302) 337-7272. Tickets are $27 for adults and free for children under 12. Reservations are kindly requested by March 17. Forms are available at delawareforest.com
