Daniel J. Tartt, Jr. of Harrington is 2016 Tree Farmer of the Year
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Sussex County | Date Posted: Friday, March 18, 2016
Daniel J. Tartt, Jr. of Harrington was honored as Delaware’s 2016 Tree Farmer of the Year at the Delaware Forestry Association’s annual meeting in Felton. The Middletown FFA forestry team – comprised of students Alana Hodge, Lauren Berry, Brandon Dawson, Laura Melancon and their advisor Jeff Billings – was also recognized for representing Delaware and placing highly in the team and individual FFA forestry event at the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, KY.
Silver Anniversary Tree Farmers Carl Solberg, George & Gladys Kirk, and David Hastings were honored for celebrating 25 years in the American Tree Farm System. On hand to present awards were Rep. David L. Wilson and Rep. Harvey Kenton.
The event also celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the American Tree Farm System’s founding in 1941. Delaware’s first Tree Farm was certified in 1959 and today there are over 200 Tree Farms covering more than 20,000 acres.
Governor Markell delivered a video message (YouTube: https://youtu.be/7YIB5MqANbs ) to congratulate the Delaware Forestry Association and recognize the award winners for 2016.
New urban agriculture and community garden micro-grants available
Department of Agriculture | Date Posted: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Organizations wanting to launch or expand an urban agriculture or community garden project to benefit their neighborhood can apply for new micro-grants from the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
Arbor Day Poster Contest and Free Seedling Giveaway
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Date Posted: Friday, February 26, 2016
“Trees are Terrific…and Forests are Too!” That’s the theme of the Delaware Forest Service’s 2016 Arbor Day Poster Contest, which is open to all children in grades K to 5 in Delaware public, private, home, and charter schools. After-school programs and youth groups are also eligible. The deadline for poster submission is April 8, 2016. For more information, email contest coordinator Ashley Peebles at ashley.peebles@state.de.us or call 302-698-4551. Winners will receive a $25.00 gift card, a ceremonial tree planting held at the winner’s school, and an invitation to the State Arbor Day Ceremony (attended by the Governor).
Food safety certification course offered to potential on-farm food entrepreneurs
Department of Agriculture | Date Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2016
Agricultural entrepreneurs who want to produce certain foods in their on-farm kitchens can receive food safety training and become certified under Delaware law at an upcoming workshop.
Delaware Forest Service seeks trainees for wildfire classes
Department of Agriculture | Forest Service | Kent County | New Castle County | Sussex County | Date Posted: Thursday, January 28, 2016
The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is seeking trainees for its annual wildfire training classes at the Delaware State Fire School. No previous experience needed. Applicants should be over 18 years old, physically fit, motivated, and willing to travel for at least two weeks (usually during the summer) on out-of-state fire assignments. Interested candidates should contact Kyle Hoyd, DFS Wildland Fire Program Administrator at (302) 698-4548 or kyle.hoyd@state.de.us to register. The deadline to sign up is February 17, 2016.
