The endangered piping plover is making a comeback. A coordinated rescue and rehabilitation effort involving state and federal agencies has returned a vulnerable piping plover to the Delaware coast, offering hope for the endangered shorebird species. The adult male plover, known to researchers as “Nomad” due to his distinctive band, was discovered unable to fly or walk at Fowler Beach …
Delaware expands off-road wheelchair access in state parks
People with disabilities now have greater access to Delaware’s state parks, thanks to an expanded program offering all-terrain wheelchairs at five park locations. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that Action Trackchairs, motorized off-road wheelchairs, are now available at Cape Henlopen, Lums Pond, Killens Pond, Trap Pond, and White Clay Creek state parks. The initiative …
Dover angler lands record-breaking Golden Tilefish off Delaware coast
A fishing trip to offshore waters turned historic for Logan Smith of Dover, who landed a massive 56-pound, 3.2-ounce Golden Tilefish—setting a new Delaware state record. “When it bit, I had no idea what it was, because it was pulling drag like crazy,” Smith said. “When me and my buddies finally saw some color from the fish and brought it …
Delaware study maps most suitable areas for marsh migration amid rising seas
As sea level rise along Delaware’s coast, the state is preparing for the natural shift of its tidal wetlands. A new mapping study released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) outlines where these critical ecosystems are most likely—and most able—to move in the coming decades. The study, led by DNREC’s Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program and …
Beachgoers urged to avoid Indian River Inlet as sand bypass system testing starts
Visitors to Delaware Seashore State Park are being warned to steer clear of designated zones around the Indian River Inlet starting Monday as state officials begin testing an upgraded sand bypass system. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that the mechanical system — designed to mimic the natural flow of sand along the coast — …
Delaware eases surf fishing reservation rules at most state beaches
Anglers will no longer need reservations to surf fish at most of Delaware’s drive-on beaches starting Saturday, July 12, under a major change announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The new policy eliminates weekend and holiday reservation requirements at seven beaches that rarely reach full capacity during peak times. “As surf tag holders have gotten …
Delaware releases ’25/’26 hunting and trapping guide as license sales begin
Delaware hunters and trappers can now access the state’s official 2025/26 Hunting and Trapping Guide, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced Tuesday. The free guide is available online through the DNREC website and in print at the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife licensing office in Dover, as well as at recreational license agents across the …
Tree grant of $10k-$40k open for applications with goal of 1M trees by 2030
A state agency is attempting to get more trees in the First State, and is giving away money to do so. Through the state’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI), organizations can apply for a grant between $10,000 and $40,000 for Spring 2026 tree planting projects. “Planting trees increases carbon sequestration and storage, contributing toward Delaware’s climate goals,” said Delaware Department …
DNREC offers free family-friendly bay exploration program this summer
Families looking for outdoor adventure this summer can take part in a hands-on educational program at Woodland Beach, where kids and adults alike can get up close with the aquatic life of the Delaware Bay. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and its Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) are bringing back the popular “Life in the …
Surf fishing reservations required starting May 24 at Delaware state parks
Anglers planning to surf fish at Delaware State Parks over the summer will need a reservation on weekends and holidays starting Saturday, May 24, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced. The reservation requirement, which applies to the state’s seven multi-use drive-on beaches, is part of DNREC’s effort to manage demand and preserve beach access during …
Delaware’s annual open burning ban begins May 1 to protect air quality
Delaware’s annual open burning ban goes into effect today, May 1, and will remain in place through September 30, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality during the high-risk ozone season. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminds residents and visitors that most forms of outdoor burning are prohibited during this time. …
Delaware reports steady progress in air quality despite wildfire setbacks
Delaware continues to make gains in improving air quality, according to the 2023 Annual Air Quality Report released by the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The report, based on data from the DNREC Division of Air Quality’s statewide monitoring network, shows most pollutants remained below federal limits — though ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remain …













