DOVER, Del. (April 22, 2024) – The Delaware Forest Service hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Col. John Haslet Chapter in Dover, and other volunteers to establish a memorial plot dedicated to former State Forester Walter F. Gabel, who served in this role from 1974 to 1991.

“We are excited about this DAR tree planting, not only because it is dedicated to Walt Gabel, but because the work by the Daughters of the American Revolution highlights the importance of the positive impacts of conservation efforts here in Delaware and throughout the United States,” said Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd. “This planting is a historical representation of penny pine plantings by DAR on the Headquarters Tract in the early 1900s. The same loblolly pine seedlings that we are planting today, only 85 years after those initial penny plantings, now cost a quarter each.”

One of DAR’s ‘service’ elements includes a conservation program devoted to improving the environment and educating the public on conservation issues. On June 3, 1939, members of the Delaware DAR (led by the Colonel John Haslet Chapter) planted the first DAR Forest of 10,800 “Penny Pines” in an area now the Redden State Forest’s Headquarters Tract. This National “Penny Pine” program initiative ($.01/tree) charged states across our Nation to establish at least an acre memorial forest by the 1941 National DAR 50th Anniversary. Donations of $5 secured 500 pine seedlings to be planted on that acre. The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) was empowered to do the planting, although volunteers joined State Forest staff and CCC employees in Delaware to plant the site.

The Delaware Forest Service manages three state forests, including Redden, Blackbird, and Taber, covering more than 21,290 acres.

“I am thrilled Delaware Daughters helped make this event possible,” said Barbara Seningen, Regent-Delaware State Society, NSDAR. We recognize and support the planting of trees as they help reduce carbon dioxide and produce oxygen through photosynthesis, a process critical to mitigating climate-threatening forces.”

According to Dorothy Abbott, Conservation Chair of the DAR-Colonel John Haslet Chapter, “Walter F. Gabel dedicated most of his life to conserving and managing forest lands while pursuing his desire for American patriotism. Both his grandmothers and his three daughters are also DAR members.”

Establishing this memorial forest as a united effort celebrates Mr. Gabel’s passion for conservation and history. The memorial planting site on the Otis-Webb Tract was selected because the existing area is a prime location as an open field to convert back to trees, a process known as afforestation. Once the seedlings grow, this plot will help create forest diversity, including food plots for wildlife.

Former state foresters Bob Tjaden (1992-1994), E. Austin Short III (1995-2010) and Michael Valenti (2011-2022) were also invited for the tree planting.

The volunteers planted loblolly pine tree seedlings on an acre parcel within the 101-acre Otis-Webb Tract, south of Redden Road. This land was added to the Redden State Forest Complex in 2015. Funds for the purchase came from Delaware’s Open Space Program. Approximately one-half of the Otis-Webb Tract already supports a growing mixed hardwood/pine forest.

About the Daughters of the American Revolution
DAR was founded in 1890 as a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education. Today, DAR consists of over 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters worldwide. DAR members can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution and are dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism, via commemorative events, service to veterans, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, and community service. For more information, visit www.dar.org.

About Delaware Forest Service
The mission of the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is to conserve, protect, and enhance Delaware forests and their resources for the public through education, management, demonstration, promotion, and providing technical services in a timely and efficient manner. DFS offers a wide range of services to help Delawareans manage and improve their forest resources. These services are divided into three categories: conservation, protection, and education. For more information, visit the website de.gov/forestry and connect with DFS on Facebook, Twitter/X, or Instagram.

DOVER, Del. (January 3, 2024) – From January 1 through November 28, 2024, the United States Forest Service and state library systems across the country are celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday by participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. The challenge is designed to complement the 2024 National Summer Library Reading Program theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” which will run from June through August.

“Delaware Libraries are excited to partner with the Delaware Forest Service and Smokey Bear to bring adventure and nature education to Delaware library users in 2024. Smokey Bear’s Reading Challenge means that Delaware’s children of all ages can learn about wildfire prevention, connect with nature, and have adventures at their library!” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is partnering with all 33 Delaware libraries to encourage children to take up the challenge. Each library will receive a package of forestry-themed books to add to their lending library, Smokey Bear signage, and prizes for those completing the challenge, to better help children and families connect with this iconic forest legend.

The Delaware Forest Service is coordinating a statewide Smokey Bear Library Tour in 2024 to promote the Reading Challenge and deliver programming on wildfire prevention and nature education to Delaware communities. During the tour, Smokey will be visiting local Delaware libraries. Ashley Melvin, the lead trainer/educator for the Delaware Forest Service, will provide educational opportunities for children using their traveling nature center. In addition, Smokey Bear will appear at community events throughout 2024, including the Delaware State Fair and holiday parades.

“We encourage families to spend time outdoors, and Delaware’s State Forests present ample opportunities to make meaningful connections with nature. Wherever your adventure takes you, Smokey’s timeless message reminds us that we all share the responsibility of keeping Delaware’s outdoor spaces safe from wildfire. Wildfire prevention and nature education are local initiatives, and a partnership with Delaware Libraries will continue to benefit Delawareans long after the Reading Challenge ends,” remarked Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd.

With the help of the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, participants will have the opportunity to learn about topics, including:

• Smokey Bear history
• Campfire safety
• Nature exploration
• Careers in forestry and natural resources
• Wildfire science

“Smokey Bear is a national icon, and the Delaware Forest Service is excited to help communities celebrate his 80th birthday. The timing is perfect as a statewide initiative exists to connect Delawareans to nature to increase environmental literacy,” said Ashley Melvin, DFS Trainer/Educator. “A big component of becoming environmentally literate is adopting environmentally responsible behaviors. Since 1944, Smokey Bear’s campaign has actively engaged the public to help prevent wildfires. I anticipate 2024 to be a very busy year for Smokey Bear!”

Families interested in participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge should visit their Delaware public library or sign-up online delawarelibraries.org/beanstack. Visit Delawarelibraries.org/list-of-libraries for a Delaware Libraries locations & hours. Visit the Delaware Forest Service’s Facebook page periodically for highlights and tips for earning badges. For information on requesting a Smokey Bear appearance, contact Ashley Melvin at ashley.melvin@delaware.gov. To learn more about the Communities in Nature Initiative, visit daeeonline.org.

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.

As families and friends get together to celebrate the holiday season, it is important that Delawareans consider fire safety as they decorate their homes and entertain guests. During the holidays, residential fires generally increase. Following a few simple tips will help ensure your family has a happy, fire-safe holiday season.

HOLIDAY DECORATING

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Do not use real candles in decorations.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check for proper use.
• Inspect strings of lights for exposed or frayed wires, and loose bulb connections.
• Do not overload extension cords. Never place cords under a rug.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

• Check your smoke alarms. Discuss your home fire escape plan with any overnight guests.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top. Keep children 3 feet away to prevent spills and burns.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

PICKING THE TREE

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREE

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand.  Be sure to add water daily.

LIGHTING THE TREE

• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Please refer to our fact sheet on holiday safety,  DSFM Holiday Safety

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!