DELAWARE CITY – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers rescued a 61-year-old Newark man on Oct. 7, after he was swept into a large culvert pipe under Port Penn Road while crabbing from a kayak near Delaware City.

A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer on routine patrol was alerted that someone was struggling in the pipe running under the roadway. The kayak had overturned in a strong outgoing tide as the kayaker was paddling near the pipe while trying to recover a crab trap.

The officer climbed down to the kayaker, who had been holding onto the culvert structure after having been in the water for several minutes. The officer held onto the kayaker’s arm and belt until another DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer arrived on scene and lowered a rescue rope. The two officers, with help from members of the public, lifted the man from the pipe to safety.

The kayaker, who was wearing a life jacket, was treated on scene for exhaustion and minor hypothermia.

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Contact: Sgt. Brooke Mitchell, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-382-7167; or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 48, No. 276

DEWEY BEACH – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Delaware Seashore State Park will host “Paddlefest” for the second year in a row, beginning 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 at Delaware Seashore State Park.

“Paddlefest” was created to celebrate the park’s wildlife-rich salt marshes, as well as the park’s 50th anniversary last year. Due to its success, both participants and staff agreed that it would become an annual event due to popular demand. Last year, 200 paddlers participated.

The event is specifically geared toward the experienced kayaker. The course meanders through four miles of salt marsh creeks where heat, wind, and tide are all factors that can make it a challenge, even for the experienced paddler. Park staff will be stationed throughout the course to discuss wildlife and local history, as well as to provide water and snacks to participants.

At the end of the course, kayakers will be presented a certificate of completion, and photo opportunities will be available. A food truck will also be on hand with food for purchase. A state parks shuttle bus also will be circulating to take participants back to their cars since “Paddlefest” is a one-way course.

Advance reservations are required. Participants may bring their own kayaks, or they may rent from Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island. For more information or to register, call the Indian River Life-Saving Station at 302-227-6991.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 219

LAUREL – DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship, the National Parks Conservation Association, Delaware Nature Society, Abbotts Mill Nature Center, and Nanticoke Watershed Alliance invite kayakers and canoeists to Roger C. Fisher Laurel River Park for the third annual Eco Paddle from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 23. The event is part of the Reclaim Our River (ROR) Nanticoke Series, a program offering monthly events, workshops, and recreational activities designed to raise water quality awareness in the Nanticoke Watershed.

Experienced paddlers and first-timers alike are welcome to bring the family and learn about wildlife, water quality, and the river’s history while floating on the water and exploring a portion of Broad Creek. After the paddle, lunch will be provided, with ROR partnership exhibits on display. A $5 registration fee (plus a credit card transaction fee) includes food and beverages, along with kayak or canoe rental, if needed. Attendees should dress appropriately for the weather, wear clothes that can get wet, and bring water to stay hydrated while paddling. Space is limited. Register here to reserve a spot in a canoe or kayak.

The Eco Paddle is a family-friendly event, with children welcome. However, all participants younger than 18 years old must have a waiver signed onsite by an adult, and participants younger than 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. A refund of the registration fee will be offered for cancellations up to 72 hours before the paddle. In the event of severe weather, the otherwise rain-or-shine event will be held Sunday, June 24.

One of the most iconic and scenic rivers in Delaware’s part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the Nanticoke River Water Trail spans a 26-mile segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail through Delaware and Maryland. In 1608, Smith explored the river, and named it the Nanticoke after the Native Americans who lived along its banks. Today, the 725,000-acre watershed supports a diverse range of wildlife and more rare plants than any other landscape in the Chesapeake. The event will educate residents on techniques used to improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution entering Delaware’s waterways.

The Reclaim Our River Nanticoke Series offers participants fun opportunities to connect with the state’s waterways and provides important information on water quality to help protect aquatic resources. The Reclaim Our River Partnership includes Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware Nature Society, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, and National Parks Conservation Association. For more information on the Reclaim Our River Program, visit http://delawarewatersheds.org/.

Vol. 48, No. 164

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