Students brought home honors from the 51^st annual Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) State Leadership Conference at University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall last week. Bringing together more than 800 students, educators, and industry professionals from across the state, this year’s conference was a celebration of innovation, leadership, and excellence in technology and engineering education, all under the theme “Evolution of Excellence.”

Fun-Filled Highlights of the 51st Annual SLC:

• Awards for Competitive Events: With more than 60 exciting competitive events covering robotics, coding, engineering, fashion design technology, digital video production, multimedia production, and more. Delaware’s students displayed their talents and expertise for all to see!
• Empowering Leadership Workshops: Attendees were inspired by engaging workshops and seminars led by professionals from the University of Delaware’s College of Engineering, helping them gain valuable skills and knowledge for their future adventures in technology and STEM.
• Connect and Learn: The conference provided a platform for students to make friends, meet educators, and connect with representatives from the University of Delaware’s College of Engineering, sparking new friendships and inspiring teamwork within the technology and STEM community.
• Special Shoutouts: Outstanding chapters like Indian River School District’s Sussex Central High School and MOT Charter School were recognized, as well as exceptional student leaders such as Lillian Sharp and Jessica Liu, for their contributions.
• Celebrating State Officers: Outstanding senior student leaders Anaum Allimulla, Kate Li, and Sanjana Gontu were recognized for their contributions along with their fellow standout peers of Chuiyee Kong, Arnav Taduvayi, and Mason LeNoir for their fantastic leadership skills.
• Passing the Torch: DETSA welcomed new visionary student leaders from Odyssey Charter School, Caesar Rodney School District’s Caesar Rodney High School, and Newark Charter High School, who are ready to lead DETSA into a future full of excitement and innovation.

Alongside these highlights, the conference celebrated the achievements of Delaware Technology Student Association members through thrilling competitive events. DETSA’s 2024 awards represent how our youth are dedicated to applying innovation and creativity to solve technological problems.

For more information about the Delaware Technology Student Association and upcoming events, please visit www.detsa.org.

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

DOVER, Del. (December 13, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is holding its 15th Annual Conference with a focus on “Nature Access for All!” on February 24, 2024, at Fred Fifer III Middle School in Camden. The keynote speaker will be Dr. McKay Jenkins, noted author and University of Delaware professor.

Todd Klawinski, DAEE Chairman of the Board, states, “DAEE’s mission is to promote environmental education and meaningful outdoor experiences to create positive community impacts that lead to the conservation and sustainability of Delaware’s natural resources. The Annual Conference, now in its 15th year, highlights the innovative work of Delaware’s diverse Network of statewide partners committed to collaboratively increasing environmental literacy for ALL Delawareans. Our conference brings together classroom teachers, environmental educators, resource professionals, and community partners for a day of networking and unique learning experiences aimed at increasing equitable access to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions critical for communities to be well-prepared to address current and future environmental challenges.”

The conference is an opportunity for formal and non-formal educators to join community leaders and advocates to help Delaware’s diverse communities increase environmental literacy. The event features networking, professional learning, hands-on experiences, and community education for both adults and youth. It also highlights environmental education opportunities, initiatives, resources, best practices, and local issues to help foster impactful environmental stewardship.

Call for Presentations
DAEE invites professionals, thought leaders and experts in education or environmental issues to submit presentation proposals on innovative topics, best practices, and emerging trends. Successful presenters will be able to showcase their expertise and contribute to the knowledge exchange at this year’s workshop.

Delaware Forest Service’s Trainer-Educator Ashley Melvin, who is also the DAEE Conference planning committee chair, remarked, “The Delaware Forest Service has been a strong partner with the DAEE for 15 years because we recognize the impact that DAEE has on environmental education through highlighting the success stories of educators throughout Delaware. It is always exciting to see how conference participants implement what they learn in their programs.”

Proposals should include a brief abstract, speaker bio, and contact information, and should address one of the following conference subjects:

1. Connecting People with Nature
   2. Engaging Professionals in Environmental Education
   3. Cultivating Environmental Leaders
   4. Innovative and Inclusive environmental education

Interested speakers can submit proposals by December 29 at: https://bit.ly/daee2024

“Awards of Excellence” Nominations
DAEE is proud to announce the opening of nominations for its 2023 “Awards for Excellence,” which aim to recognize outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership in environmental education in Delaware. This recognition was established in 2017 by the Delaware Communities in Nature in partnership with DAEE. The selection committee is encouraging individuals and organizations to nominate themselves for worthwhile activities and projects for the calendar year 2023.

Award Categories

• Exemplary Partnership: This award is presented to a group working in Delaware that demonstrates an outstanding partnership in the environmental field that serves as a model and inspiration to others.

• Meaningful Impact: This award recognizes accomplishments toward facilitating positive community impacts on conservation, sustainability, and/or career advancement in the environmental field in Delaware.
• Healthy Innovation: This award recognizes new approaches to connecting children, individuals, and/or families with the outdoors and healthy lifestyles in Delaware.
• Outstanding Field Educator: This award is presented to an individual and/or organization working in Delaware who demonstrates outstanding local, regional, and/or global environmental education efforts.

Award Nomination Process
Nominations must be submitted online by January 5 at https://bit.ly/daee2023awards

Applicants need to provide up to three photographs of the project, work, or of the nominee relating to the work for which they are nominated. Additional materials can be submitted to DAEEonline@gmail.com with the words DAEE Award in the subject line. Please note all submitted materials, nomination text/details, photographs and supporting documents may be shared at the annual DAEE conference, on the DAEE website, virtual conferencing platforms, and on social media platforms hosted by DAEE and CIN. By submitting the form and emailing supporting documents, you agree that DAEE can use these materials in the manner listed above for this year and in the future.

Nominations/Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of DAEE’s Board of Directors. The committee will review applications and select award winners for each category. Nominees may be considered for multiple categories, including categories they may have not been nominated for; however, they will only be eligible to receive one award. Winners will be notified by email and recognized at the Annual Conference. Individual award winners will receive one free ticket to the annual conference. Organization or group winners will receive two free tickets.

For any questions and more information, please visit daeeonline.org, or contact Ashley Melvin at 302-698-4551 or Ashley.Melvin@delaware.gov.

The 10th Delaware Wetlands Conference will be held Feb. 6 and 7, 2024 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. Registration for the biennial conference presented by DNREC is now open, with discounted early bird fees good through Nov. 29. /DNREC photo

Registration is now open for the 10th Delaware Wetlands Conference to be held Feb. 6 and 7, 2024 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The biennial conference is presented by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and organized by the DNREC Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program. 

Early-bird registration – with discounted admission fees – can be submitted online and by the United States Postal Service through Nov. 29. Registration closes Jan. 19, 2024. Opportunities are available to sponsor and exhibit at the conference – not only to support wetland science and education in the Mid-Atlantic region, but also as an opportunity to gain visibility with important leaders in the field of wetlands science.

“Wetlands play a vital role in our everyday lives by reducing climate risks and protecting our communities by increasing resiliency to flood and storm impacts, as well as providing nurseries for critical juvenile species. Wetlands also help boost our economy by supporting commercial fisheries, generating green jobs and encouraging eco-tourism,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “It is important that we continue to foster an atmosphere that supports the exploration and dissemination of wetlands science. This conference brings together a broad group of people to share the latest information about our wetlands and to plan for the future of these important natural resources.”

The two-day event showcases the importance of wetlands in Delaware and across the Mid-Atlantic region. The conference brings together scientists, educators, natural resource managers, planners, county, state and federal representatives, and community leaders. As has been the conference’s calling card since it was initially held in 2001, attendees will gain insight into current research on tidal and non-tidal wetlands, the value of the region’s wetlands, and the impact that managing them for environmental benefits has on the community. More than 400 experts and enthusiasts from the region and beyond are expected to gather at the biennial conference.

The conference agenda for both days will include invited speakers, networking time, and presentations during concurrent sessions. Attendees including undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit oral and poster presentations that cover wetland topics related to coastal resilience, soils, beneficial use, monitoring and assessment, remediation, stream and wetland restoration, wildlife, policy/legal considerations, green technology, mitigation and hydrodynamics.

Online registration and information about the event, including sponsorships and the preliminary agenda is available at de.gov/dewetlandsconference. 

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, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

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

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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!

DOVER, Del. (April 19, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is hosting 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” will showcase a full day of sessions intended to connect people with nature, integrate environmental education into the school day, and cultivate environmental leaders. Throughout the day, the Conference will explore 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. Conference registration is open.

Keynote speakers:

Morning Session – Dr. Doug Tallamy, New York Times Best Selling author
Afternoon Session – Dr. Katara Moore, Environmental Justice Coordinator for DNREC

The conference will include sessions from:

• Earth Force
• Mt. Cuba Center
• Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
• Hagley Museum
• Nanticoke Watershed Alliance
• Delaware Department of Agriculture
• Caesar Rodney School District
• Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs
• DNREC Watershed Stewardship
• UD SeaGrant
• Delaware Nature Society
• Delaware State Parks
• Delaware Native Species Commission
• Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids
• Brandywine Springs Elementary School

This year’s conference includes 18 sessions, various partner exhibitors, networking time, conference giveaways, morning refreshments and lunch.

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!