New online tool to assess community tree canopy in Delaware
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Sussex County | Date Posted: Wednesday, March 29, 2017
The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) has unveiled a new online tool that uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to help cities, towns, and neighborhoods to measure and increase their community tree canopy percentage. The link is: de.gov/treecanopy
Developed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s GIS specialist Jimmy Kroon, the tool covers the entire First State: municipalities as well as homeowner associations and neighborhoods can assess their current level of tree cover as a starting point to explore opportunities to plant new trees and maintain their existing ones.
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.
