Gov. John Carney, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens along with DNREC Chief Communications Officer Nikki Lavoie and her son Christopher enjoy the new Heronry Overlook at Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island.

Gov. John Carney joined Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin Friday to celebrate and tour the largest capital investments made to Fort Delaware State Park.

Visitors to Fort Delaware State Park now have a smoother ride from the Pea Patch Island pier to the fort after the tram path was reconstructed. They will also experience more durable trails and a revamped ADA-accessible heronry observation platform, known as the Heronry Overlook, in the Pea Patch Island Nature Preserve. The new screened pavilion provides an inviting space for groups to have lunch during their visits or for family reunions and other celebratory events.

“The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has done a great job preserving this historic site and bringing it to life for the public. Today we celebrate improvements made around the fort that enhance that user experience,” said Gov. John Carney. “These improvements mean that the public can enjoy the fort for years to come. A visit to Pea Patch Island is a great experience and I encourage all Delawareans to see this unique park.”

The ride along the newly resurfaced tram path is a defining Fort Delaware experience. Once guests arrive to the island via the Delafort ferry, they are transported via covered tram along the path and enjoy scenic views of the island’s salt marsh and wildlife as they approach the historic fort.

The previous Heronry Overlook needed to be rebuilt to improve safety. The new structure is strong, safe and inviting, and includes a ramp to make it accessible for all visitors. Getting to the Heronry Overlook to see some of these incredible sights is a more pleasant experience now with trails resurfaced with stone.

The island is also home to the Pea Patch Nature Preserve and one of the most popular wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast. It supports nine species of herons, egrets and ibis, with an estimated 1,200 nesting pairs.

“The improved visitor access and amenities on this island were among our highest priorities at the state park,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Our Division of Parks and Recreation is the largest keeper of historic buildings in the state. Our work today expands on generations of preservation efforts by park stewards and ensures Fort Delaware will remain a historical destination for generations of visitors to come. These projects enhance the exclusive educational opportunities Fort Delaware gives its visitors, and I hope many Delawareans take advantage of this unique learning experience on Pea Patch Island.”

Also included in the project was a new maintenance building to keep equipment out of the weather, which can be brutal on the island. As stewards of the fort’s history, the division employees a historic mason who can remedy any damage to the fort’s brick from normal aging. The mason completed more than 2,000 hours of work at the fort over the last two years.

Design and construction for the project cost just more than $4 million and was provided by a matching grant from the U.S. National Parks Service Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Delaware Community Foundation Pea Patch Island Endowment and Parks Facility Rehabilitation Funds from the state’s capital budget.

Fort Delaware is a living history museum where visitors can experience life during the Civil War with first-person interpreters dressed in period clothing. Visitors can step back into the 1860s and experience the improved park amenities Wednesdays through Sundays from April 30 to Sept. 25.

Fort Delaware is operated in partnership with the Delaware River in Bay Authority, which operates the Delafort ferry that transports passengers between Delaware City, Fort Delaware and Fort Mott, N.J.

Fort Delaware is open on weekends only through June 11, and from Wednesday through Sunday starting June 14. Reservations are required to visit the fort. Go to destateparks.com/History/FortDelaware to reserve tickets and for information. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 877-987-2757 until 9 a.m. on the departure date.

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 Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov

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DNREC is incentivizing landowners who implement Best Management Practices in Delaware’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed. These BMPs can help resolve issues including erosion, poor drainage or lack of native vegetation while improving water quality and providing habitat for wildlife in Delaware./DNREC graphic

Homeowners to be Incentivized for Implementing Best Practices in Watershed to Improve Water Quality and Create Wildlife Habitat

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control recently introduced two new conservation incentive programs to improve water quality and create wildlife habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Both programs – the Delaware Community Conservation Assistance Program (DeCAP) and the Forest Buffer Incentive Program – will pay homeowners and landowners for conservation management practices to support those goals.

Dr. Holly Walker, DNREC’s Chesapeake Bay Program Coordinator within the Division of Watershed Stewardship, said both programs are crucial to Delaware meeting water quality and pollution reduction goals in the 64,000-square-mile watershed which spans six states, including the western third of Delaware.

“These practices help reduce stormwater runoff, an important factor when it comes to improving water quality. At the same time, participants in the community conservation assistance program also get the benefit of a more beautiful, eco-friendly landscape that will attract songbirds, butterflies and other beneficial insects,” Dr. Walker said.

“The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and home to 18 million people – any protection we can provide for it, any continued upgrading of its condition is crucial for the bay’s unique ecosystem and its inhabitants,” Dr. Walker added. “These programs will improve the health of Delaware’s portion of the watershed.”

Through DeCAP, homeowners who implement best management practices (BMPs) can qualify for partial reimbursement of their installation expenses for following: constructed wetlands; conservation landscaping; urban nutrient management; bioretention areas; rain gardens; and tree planting. BMPs are designed to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff from residential properties. They also offer the added benefit of solving common backyard issues like erosion, poor drainage, and lack of vegetation because of compacted soil and other hindrances to having fertile ground.

The new Forest Buffer Incentive Program provides tree plantings for qualified landowners free of charge with an additional one-time incentive payment. Forest buffers are linear strips of wooded areas that filter sediment, and nutrient pollutants such as phosphorous from water runoff, which improves the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Forest buffers are a part of Phase III of Delaware’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to help reduce nutrient and sediment loads entering the Chesapeake Bay. Delaware’s WIP goal is to create an additional 65 acres of forest buffers by 2025. The Delaware Riparian Forest Buffer Action Strategy, which outlines the state’s plan for meeting its goals, includes the creation of an incentive program for planting forest buffers.

For landowners to qualify for either of the new programs, their property must be within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Delaware and the BMPs must remain in place for at least five years. Landowners who are not sure if they are in the Chesapeake Bay watershed can go to Find Your Watershed at delawarewatersheds.org to find out if they qualify.

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

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DOVER, Del. (May 2, 2023) – On the morning of Saturday, April 29, the Delaware Forest Service celebrated Arbor Day with an extensive tree planting surrounding the Peters Scout Camp/Peters Tract at Blackbird State Forest, along with our 2023 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners and their families. With support from the Forest Initiative Fund (FIF), this tree planting is part of a reforestation project that encompasses the Delaware Forest Service’s goals of sustainable forestry. The 2023 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners, their families, Governor John C. Carney, Jr., State cabinet members, and community volunteers planted over 1,400 seedlings. Tree seedling species included:

• Baldcypress
• Black cherry
• Black walnut
• Possomhaw
• Redbud
• Red cedar
• Serviceberry
• Shagbark hickory
• Silky Dogwood
• Spice bush
• Yellow poplar
• North red oak
• White oak

Reforestation allows for accelerated development of forested ecosystems following natural disturbance events, such as wildfire, wind events, and insect and disease infestations, or planned timber harvests. This practice allows trained foresters to use silviculture practices to help develop forest structure and species composition to provide for wildlife habitat, clean and abundant water, forest wood products, soil stabilization, and recreational opportunities. Reforestation also addresses emerging issues dealing with climate change by conserving and managing tree genetic diversity and sequestering carbon to counter greenhouse emissions. The goal of the FIF program is to provide sustainability to forests through afforestation and reforestation efforts that are managed by professionals through partnerships with landowners and agencies.

Odessa High School FFA planting tree seedlings alongside several community volunteers

Governor John Carney provided remarks on the importance of forestry stewardship, that all Delawareans “respect the right of future generations, and to share the rich, historic and natural heritage of Delaware.” Governor Carney issued an Arbor Day Proclamation, making the event the 151st Arbor Day Celebration. Other featured speakers included Education Secretary Dr. Mark Holodick, Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse, DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, and Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd. Assistant Director of Transportation Engineering Brian Urbanek was also present to represent DelDOT. With the recent retirement of Dr. Michael Valenti, the Arbor Day celebration also presented the opportunity for Kyle Hoyd to be formally sworn in as the Delaware Forest Service’s ninth Forestry Administrator.

Special acknowledgement is also given to community volunteers and numerous student groups, including Odessa High School FFA, Polytech High School Environmental Science Class, Boy Scouts of America Troop 239, Cub Scout Pack 239 and Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay Troop 778. The Delaware Forest Service also provided support throughout the event, from gathering and sorting the tree seedlings to directing volunteers.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 239 and Cub Scout Pack 239 with (L to R) Governor John Carney,
DDA Secretary Michael Scuse, DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, and DDOE Secretary Dr. Mark Holodick

The theme of this year’s Arbor Day Poster Contest is “Trees are Terrific…In All Shapes and Sizes!” The theme highlights the importance of tree diversity in our community forests, which attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating. Lyla Jones, a second-grader from Brandywine Springs Elementary School in Wilmington, is the 2023 Overall State Winner. To view all the 2023 winners and complete gallery, visit: https://de.gov/arbordaypostercontest

View more event photos on Flicker: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjABXvC

2023 Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners with (L to R) DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, DDA Secretary Michael Scuse,
Governor John Carney, DDOE Secretary Dr. Mark Holodick, and Forestry Trainer-Educator Ashley Melvin
(photo credit: Errol Ebanks/DNREC)

State Rebate and Federal Tax Credit Can Save Buyers Thousands of Dollars

Delawareans purchasing new electric vehicles will continue to get state rebates on qualifying makes and models with the extension of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

“Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with many manufacturers committing to transition their fleets to zero emission vehicles.” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Additionally, electric vehicle adoption is a key strategy for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our state, our country and the world.”

Since the program began in July 2015, it has provided more than $9 million in rebates to more than 4,000 electric vehicle purchasers. Since January 2023, the program has issued 391 rebates for a combined $923,500.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates for the lease or purchase of qualifying electric vehicles. The program extension runs through April 30, 2024. In addition, there are a few enhancements to the program for vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 1, 2023:

• A new application portal will make it easier for car shoppers to redeem the rebate at the dealership or up to 90 days after their purchase.
• New price limits are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), instead of total price, to ensure additions like trailer hitches won’t affect rebate eligibility.
• A regularly updated list provides car shoppers a quick reference to the 30+ Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) eligible for the rebate.

The program includes:

• $2,500 for BEVs with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.
• $1,000 for PHEVs with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.

DNREC’s rebate program is in addition to federal tax credits that are available for many models of electric vehicles. With a cash rebate from the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, purchasers can save up to $10,000 on qualifying electric vehicles.

DNREC will also continue to offer rebates for Level 2 charging stations through the Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate program. The program provides rebates for electric vehicle charging stations for public access, workplaces and for fleets. Enhanced rebate amounts are now available to incentivize the installation of charging stations at multi-family dwellings.

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 Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@Delaware.gov

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Charter School of Wilmington Team A won the school’s 21st straight Delaware Envirothon championship today at DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center on the Delaware Bayshore near Smyrna. Left to right are team members Mukta Kantak, Tiffany Situ, Zavior Brown, Dhriti Tattari and Amber Wong. DNREC photo

Charter’s Team A Claims School’s 21st Straight Victory
in Statewide High School Environmental Competition

Charter School of Wilmington Team A is the winner of the 2023 Delaware Envirothon competition held today at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Aquatic Resources Education Center on the Delaware Bayshore near Smyrna. The latest state Envirothon championship marks Charter School of Wilmington’s school’s 21st win in the event’s 28-year history, highlighted by an unbroken winning streak in the Envirothon competition since 2002. Newark Charter High School The Thneed for Speed came in second place, while Odessa High School FFA placed third in the Envirothon competition.

A program of the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts and sponsored by DNREC, the annual environmental education competition is open to high school students statewide.

“Our high school students are today’s environmental leaders. This is helping to show their knowledge and continue to learn,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Congratulations to all the competing team members who applied their environmental knowledge to planning and presenting their inventive solutions to present-day environmental situations.”

The 16 competing Envirothon teams representing nine high schools and one 4-H club statewide – Calvary Christian Academy, Charter School of Wilmington, Middletown High School FFA, Newark Charter School, Odessa High School FFA, Polytech High School, Smyrna High School FFA, Sussex Central High School FFA, Sussex Tech High School FFA and Peach Blossom 4-H Club/Lake Forest FFA – worked hard all school year to prepare for the 2023 event held at the Aquatic Resources Education Center managed by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Each team answered questions, reviewed specimens, and took measurements in topics dealing with aquatic ecology, soils/land use, wildlife, forestry, air quality and the current environmental issue of “Adapting to a Changing Climate.” Teams also had to give a 7-to-10-minute oral presentation of a scenario based on the current issue. After more than three hours of testing, Charter School of Wilmington Team A was crowned the 2023 state champion. The first-place team will represent Delaware at the 2023 National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon to be held at Mount Allison University in Tantramar (Sacksville), New Brunswick, Canada from July 23 to 29.

Each member of the winning team earned a $500 scholarship from the Delaware Envirothon and other prizes. The winning team will also receive an award plaque for their school. The second through seventh place teams received more than $1,300 in special team awards and cash prizes.

Prizes in the form of gift cards and ribbons were awarded to the top seven teams. The official results are as follows:

• First place – The Charter School of Wilmington Team A: Mukta Kantak, Tiffany Situ, Zavior Brown, Dhriti Tattari and Amber Wong
• Second place – Newark Charter High School Thneed for Speed: Noah Ali, Samita Bomasamudram, Andre Gill, Anna Gliwa and Sidrisha Sarbajna
• Third place – Odessa High School FFA: Zach Binnie, Joseph Delaney, Kalena Diaz, Marco Lucia, and Nate Sutton
• Fourth place – Peach Blossom 4-H/Lake Forest FFA: Ava Gallo, Aidan Garey, Brenna Geidel, Mason Hay, and Justus Moritz
• Fifth place – Polytech High School Dirt Diggers: Zoe Goodbred, Julianna Korup, Eve-Alexa Mobely, Chloe Smith, and Sadie Vaughn
• Sixth place – Odessa High School The Under Ducks: Kaelin Desrosiers, Natalie Holdren, Bruce Macolley, Taylor Mahoney, and Ella Vandervort
• Seventh place – Calvary Christian Academy Climate Heroes: Carolyn Laskey, Tiara Nichols, Dawson Shahan, John Thomas, and Michelle Thomas

Since its inception, the Delaware Envirothon has awarded $64,000 in scholarships to 135 students. The event is hosted by the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts (DACD), a voluntary, non-profit association that coordinates conservation efforts statewide to focus on natural resource issues identified by Delaware’s three local districts.

In addition to DNREC, the Delaware Envirothon is also sponsored by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority, the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Delaware Department of Agriculture – Pesticide Management Section, FMC Corporation, and the New Castle Conservation District.

More information about the annual event can be found at delawareenvirothon.org.

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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