DOVER, Del. (May 17, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) hosted 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” showcased a full day of sessions intended to connect people with nature, integrate environmental education into the school day, and cultivate environmental leaders. The Conference explored 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.

DAEE recognized the 2021 & 2022 Awards for Excellence recipients:

• Exemplary Partnership:
  • 2021: David Pragoff, Delaware Nature Society
  • 2022: Delaware State Parks & Nemours Estate
• Meaningful Impact Award:
  • 2021: Dee Durham, Plastic Free Delaware
  • 2022: Delaware Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry Program
• Healthy Innovation Award:
  • 2021: Del-Mar-Va Council, BSA
  • 2022: SNAC Garden Foundation
• Outstanding Field Educator:
  • 2021: Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay, Delaware State University
  • 2022: Sonia Saunders, Brandywine Springs School
• Lifetime Achievement:
  • 2023: Dr. Doug Tallamy
  • 2023: Jennifer Holmes (Exemplary Achievement in Environmental Education)

Sponsors of the DAEE Conference include:

• Canopy Champion:
  • Delaware Department of Agriculture: Delaware Forest Service & Pesticides
• Friend of the Forest:
  • Caesar Rodney School District
  • Carl Laron & Peter Compo
• Sprout Supporter:
  • New Castle County Conservation District
  • UD Master Naturalist Program
  • Melvin Family
• Acorn Advocate:
  • Delaware Interfaith Power & Light
  • DNREC Watershed Stewardship Program
  • Delaware State Parks
  • Brandywine Red Clay Alliance
  • Delaware Sea Grant
  • Gore & Associates

About 140 participants attended the Conference. Also present at the Conference were Senator Stephanie Hansen, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, and Brandywine Springs Elementary Principal Curtis Bedford.

Ashley Melvin, Delaware Forest Service Trainer/Educator and DAEE Chair said, “Our Membership has not assembled in person since February 2020. In-person networking is an essential component for this type of work. As I walked down Exhibitor Hall and passed tables at lunch, the conversations reminded me of an active beehive. The DAEE Annual Conference is a special time when people who share a passion for environmental education come together to learn and share new ideas and return to their corner of our great first state, recharged and inspired. I would like to thank the DAEE Conference Sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and Conference Committee for making the 14th Annual DAEE Conference a smashing success.”

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!

James Milano of North Babylon, Long Island, N.Y., landed a state record 34-inch, 22-pound, 14.4-ounce tautog May 6 fishing east of the Indian River Inlet. /Submitted photo

 

Second Record of Year, Following Musky Caught Earlier

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has confirmed a new state record tautog, caught off the Indian River Inlet, as the second state record of 2023 for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament – after a record musky caught in January in the Brandywine River had raised the bar for freshwater anglers.

The 34-inch, 22-pound 14.4-ounce tautog was caught May 6 off a wreck east of the Inlet by James Milano of North Babylon, N.Y., while fishing on the No Limit, a charter boat captained by Jon Azato.

The record ‘tog catch was certified by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife at Hook ‘em and Cook ‘em Bait & Tackle at Indian River Inlet. The new state record tautog weighed 1 pound, 6.7 ounces more than the previous state record, caught in May 2022 by Brent Wiest.

The record 43.25-inch, 22-pound, 3.2-ounce musky was caught Jan. 11 in the Brandywine River by Stephen Rutkowski of Wilmington. The record catch, landed while fishing from the bank of the Brandywine, was certified by the Division of Fish and Wildlife at Master Baiter’s Bait & Tackle in New Castle. The new state record musky was 1 lb., 11.2 oz. heavier than the previous state record, caught in 2013 by Thomas Sutton.

A list of all Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament state records can be found at de.gov/recfishing. More information on the tournament and state record fish can be found on the DNREC website and in the 2023 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide is also available in printed form from license agents throughout the state or by calling the DNREC Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914 to request a copy.

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 Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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Investments totaling over $65 million focused on communities hardest hit during the pandemic

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney, U.S. Senators Carper and Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester announced Monday more than $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) capital projects funding to be distributed to community centers and other nonprofit organizations throughout all three counties to benefit those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Learn more about the Capital Project Fund investments in Delaware at de.gov/cpf

 

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.

 

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ARPA capital funds to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “The capital projects announced today aim to expand economic opportunities for Delaware families, dedicate resources to make sure children have access to the education they deserve, and large investments in our communities – especially those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank the Congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”

 

“I was proud to work on provisions in the American Rescue Plan that helps those working on the front lines with Delawareans that need help the most,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “From my time as Governor, I’ve worked on strengthening families, and these funds are going to improve the organizations that help uplift so many families in our state. These organizations often invest so much of their resources into their missions – whether it’s providing shelter, services for our veterans, substance abuse treatment, job training or after-school activities for children – and these funds will help them improve their facilities so they can better serve our communities.”

“It’s great to see funds from the American Rescue Plan that Democrats and President Biden enacted coming to Delaware in all three counties,” said U.S Senator Chris Coons. “From job skills workshops to community programs to addressing nutritional insecurity, this announcement is making a difference in the lives of Delawareans up and down the state. I can’t wait to see all of these visions for each one of these dozens of projects become reality in the coming months and years.”

“Today is a prime example of how we’re continuing to see historic investments being made in Delaware because of the American Rescue Plan Act,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The impact from these capital projects won’t just ensure that these organizations are able to fulfill their missions to provide critical services – from health care and mental health to job training and entrepreneurship – but will help us improve the quality of life for Delawareans in every part of our state.”

“These projects will help unlock the potential of every Delawarean and bring long-awaited support to families across our state. It will mean more slots for parents seeking affordable childcare, new air conditioning systems and playgrounds for our community centers, and upgraded health care centers serving low-income Delawareans and seniors. It will mean expanded education and job training opportunities for our young people, people struggling with homelessness and substance use disorder, survivors of domestic violence, and more,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I am grateful to our Congressional delegation for helping turn our communities’ vision into a reality, and I urge every Delawarean to learn more about the projects coming to your neighborhood.”

The funding announced on Monday will provide:

 

FOCUS ON OUR CHILDREN

 

• $1.57 million to Boys and Girls Clubs statewide to make capital upgrades to 9 facilities to meet COVID-19 needs, including improving HVAC systems, and upgrading outdoor playgrounds
• $20 million to Community Education Center South, to redevelop the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center in Seaford
• $150,000 to Child Inc. to upgrade three emergency shelters
• $4.5 million to the Christina Cultural Arts Center to purchase and develop a new headquarters to serve children and families
• $1.8 million to the Hockessin Police Athletic League (PAL) of Delaware for a new HVAC system in the gymnasium to provide STEM and fitness activities to the community, and provide year-round educational courses
• $4 million to the Claymont Community Center to upgrade outdoor community facilities, upgrade the HVAC, and provide client transport vehicles
• $4 million to Kingswood Community Center for multi-purpose community space in Wilmington to enable work, education, and health monitoring
• $500,000 to First State Community Action Agency in Bridgeville for HVAC repairs, purchase of vehicles to transport youth from underserved communities for programming, case management for community service employment and reentry programs
• $7 million to Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering (FAME) for a new headquarters to enhance FAME’s skills training, job placement, education programs, workforce development programs, and health awareness
• $700,000 to the Gaudenzia Foundation to combat and prevent child abuse by treating parents with substance abuse disorders
• $150,000 to Our Youth Inc. to help renovate the youth center to use as a community hub and community service facility
• $6.4 million to the Mary Campbell Center to renovate medical facilities, filtration, and other COVID-19 upgrades to their existing building and to support children and youth programming
• $300,000 to the Junior Achievement of Delaware to support the Junior Achievement Innovation hub

 

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES

 

• $150,000 to the Claymore Senior Center to replace the HVAC system and remodel the kitchen to meet pandemic response needs serving more seniors in a safe environment
• $431,000 to the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware to renovate the headquarters to offer employment opportunities, educational programs and health supports to families with children that have Down Syndrome
• $64,866 for Endless Possibilities in the Community to purchase handicap accessible equipment to help people with physical, mental, and other disabilities
• $89,890 for Kent-Sussex Industries to expand and open a new location in Georgetown to enable work, education, and health monitoring
• $350,000 for the Mid-County Center to renovate the center to establish early memory loss programs for seniors
• $350,000 for NeighborGood Partners (formerly NCALL) to acquire and develop a building in Dover to cultivate and invest in entrepreneurs in partnership with Delaware State University
• $67,703 for People’s Community Center to renovate their facility to provide assistance and services to the homeless
• $600,000 for the St. Patrick’s Center for improvements to the food distribution site serving the Eastside of Wilmington to meet pandemic response needs
• $2.78 million for the West End Neighborhood House, Inc. to expand operations and provide workforce and healthcare services to the community
• $35,000 for the Teach a Person to Fish Society to expand meal delivery services and provide educational and job training services
• $290,000 for the Community Christian Worship Center to purchase technology to enable education, work, and health monitoring for youth programming
• $144,110 for The Challenge Program to renovate their facility to provide training more young adults for construction jobs in hard hit areas
• $1.3 million for Kappa Mainstream Leadership, Inc. for improvements to the center focused on crime prevention and increasing academic performance of youth
• $5.5 million for the Food Bank of Delaware to build a new Milford Food Bank location
• $1.9 million to the Food Bank of Delaware to expand the existing Newark facility

 

SAFER HOUSING, STRONGER ECONOMY

 

• $550,000 to Code Purple Kent County to expand and renovate the center for housing for homeless individuals, people experiencing mental health crisis, escape victims from human trafficking and domestic violence as well as individuals recovering from addiction
• $183,516 to Salvation Army of Dover for HVAC renovations

 

Delaware submitted its plan to the U.S. Treasury on January 14, 2022, and it was approved on May 1, 2023. Delaware’s Project Plan details $65 million in spending on Multi-Purpose Community Centers.

 

Governor Carney previously announced $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund (ARPA CPF) funding to be distributed to libraries throughout all three counties.

 

For those applications that meet the strict federal requirements, the criteria used to review the proposed projects included whether the projects are shovel ready, have financial support beyond the federal stimulus funding, and the projects are located in communities hardest hit by the pandemic, and each project enables education, work, and health monitoring.

 

To view the Treasury’s guidelines for ARPA allocations, click here.

 

For a full list of Delaware’s ARPA allocations, click here.

Order sends Delaware’s climate damage & deception lawsuit back to State court

WASHINGTON — Today, the Supreme Court of the United States DENIED the petition for a writ of certiorari submitted by fossil fuel companies appealing their failure to move Delaware’s climate damage and deception lawsuit out of state court and into federal court.  The question of state versus federal jurisdiction is now resolved, and the case will head back to the Superior Court of Delaware where it was originally filed in September 2020.

Today’s order also sends a similar case against fossil fuel companies filed by the City of Hoboken, NJ, back to New Jersey state court.  When a panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3^rd Circuit unanimously rejected the fossil fuel companies’ efforts to move these two cases to federal court last year, their opinion summed up a consistent string of decisions handed down by federal courts in dozens of similar cases across the country: “Our federal system trusts state courts to hear most cases—even big, important ones that raise federal defenses. Plaintiffs choose which claims to file, in which court, and under which law. Defendants may prefer federal court, but they may not remove their cases to federal court unless federal laws let them. Here, they do not.” 45 F.4th 699, 705–06 (3d Cir. 2022)

In response to today’s order, Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following statement:

“We appreciate and agree with the Court’s order denying the fossil fuel companies’ petition, which aligns with dozens of decisions in federal courts here in Delaware and across the country.  As we stated at the time of filing this case almost three years ago, “It didn’t have to be this way. The fossil fuel industry knew for decades that their products would lead to climate change with potentially “severe” and even “catastrophic” consequences — their words, not ours. But they didn’t clean up their practices or warn anyone to minimize the peril they were creating. Instead, they spent decades deliberately and systematically deceiving the nation about what they knew would happen if they carried on with business as usual.” Imagine how far along we might be in the transition to a low carbon economy today if not for their deception.  That’s why we filed our lawsuit, and today’s order moves Delawareans one step closer to the justice and economic relief that we deserve.”

President Biden issued a proclamation designating May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of Federal, State, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

In accordance with the President’s proclamation and federal law (36 U.S.C. 175), Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at government buildings and facilities be lowered to half-staff the morning of Monday, May 15, 2023 and returned to full staff at the end of the day.