The piping plover has been categorized as a federally threatened species. (Photo from DNREC)

‘Nomad’ Piping Plover returns to Delaware Shore after rehabilitation efforts

Jarek RutzHeadlines

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 …

The new accessibility features will be available at five state parks. (Photo courtesy of Delaware DNREC)

Delaware expands off-road wheelchair access in state parks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

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 …

Smith's record-breaking Golden Tilefish was 42.5 inches long and weighed 56 pounds.

Dover angler lands record-breaking Golden Tilefish off Delaware coast

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

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 …

The study found that Sussex County's privately owned property is the most suitable for marsh migration.

Delaware study maps most suitable areas for marsh migration amid rising seas

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

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 …

The sand testing will affect the Indian River Inlet starting July 14. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Beachgoers urged to avoid Indian River Inlet as sand bypass system testing starts

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

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 — …

The new surf fishing rules with drive-on beaches take effect Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware eases surf fishing reservation rules at most state beaches

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

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 …

The guide comes leading up to this year's hunting season, which begins in September. (Photo by mj0007/Getty Images iStockphoto)

Delaware releases ’25/’26 hunting and trapping guide as license sales begin

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

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 …

More than 350,000 trees have been planted as part of the TEDI program. (Photo by lovelyday12/Getty Images iStockphoto)

Tree grant of $10k-$40k open for applications with goal of 1M trees by 2030

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

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 …

The first Life in the Bay session is Wednesday, June 18.

DNREC offers free family-friendly bay exploration program this summer

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

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 will be required starting Saturday.

Surf fishing reservations required starting May 24 at Delaware state parks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

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 …

The open burning ban is in effect until September 30. (Photo by Liudmila Chernetska/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware’s annual open burning ban begins May 1 to protect air quality

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

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. …

The air quality has improved over the past decade, but there is still room to improve, the report shows. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware reports steady progress in air quality despite wildfire setbacks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Health

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 …