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Families Flock to Blackbird Creek Fall Festival for a Day of Nature, Music, and Marshland Magic

Staff WriterArts & Entertainment, Headlines

Looking for something outdoors this weekend? Check out the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve By Jamie Kleman, Contributing Journalist, Delaware Live  If you’re looking for a place where kids can paint pumpkins, parents can browse local crafts, and everyone can take in a little nature before winter sets in, mark your calendar for Saturday, October …

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 Ommelanden Hunter Education and Training Center will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, July 14, to allow for a lead recovery project. (Photo credit: DNREC)

Ommelanden shooting ranges to temporarily close starting July 14

Claudia EstradaSports, Environment, Government, Headlines, Summer

New Castle— The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced Thursday that several shooting ranges at the Ommelanden Hunter Education and Training Center will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, July 14, to allow for a lead recovery project. The closures will affect the trap, skeet, and 5-stand shooting fields while DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife carries …

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 …

The Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant would increase air emissions due to a proposed switch to propane-fired pilot flames.(Photo: wilmingtondewater.gov)

Wilmington Wastewater Plant seeks approval for flare replacement

Claudia EstradaGovernment, Delaware State Government, Environment, Government & Politics, Headlines

WILMINGTON — A planned replacement of gas flares at the Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant would increase air emissions due to a proposed switch to propane-fired pilot flames. The plant, located at 12th Street and Hay Road, uses flares to burn off digester gas, a byproduct of sewage treatment. The proposed upgrade includes two elevated flares that will feature continuous pilot …

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 …

This year's deer and turkey hunting season yielded record harvests.(Photo by MELISSA STEELE)

Delaware hunters set records for deer and turkey harvests

Jarek RutzCulture, Headlines

Delaware hunters achieved a historic milestone during the 2024-25 hunting season, setting new state records for both wild turkey and white-tailed deer harvests, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced Tuesday. This marks the first time in state history that record harvests for both species have been recorded in the same season — a reflection, officials say, …