Air Quality Report Index for New Castle County 1999 2023

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 …

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Holy Cross students shine in 2025 Junior Solar Sprint at DSU

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Students from Holy Cross School in Dover raced to the top in this year’s Junior Solar Sprint, taking home first and second place in the statewide competition held at Delaware State University. The annual event, now in its 31st year, challenges students in grades 5 through 8 to design, build, and race model cars powered by solar panels. Eleven teams …

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Kids reel in summer fun with free ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ events

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

Young anglers across Delaware are in for a season full of fishing, fun, and fresh air, thanks to the return of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) popular “Take a Kid Fishing!” program. Geared toward children ages 6 to 15, the free fishing events run throughout the spring and summer, offering hands-on lessons in basic fishing techniques, …

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Delaware launches new website to track drought conditions, water supply

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Health

As Delaware continues to face ongoing drought conditions, the Delaware Climate Office has unveiled a new website designed to keep residents informed about the state’s water supply. This initiative, which has been in development since late last year, comes as the state has remained under a drought watch since October 2024. The site, developed by the University of Delaware’s Center …

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Learn more about state’s horseshoe crabs Thursday

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

The Delaware Bay is home to an estimated 30 million horseshoe crabs, making it the world’s largest breeding ground for this species, and a state agency wants to inform the public more on these critters. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), through its Division of Fish and Wildlife, will hold a public meeting on the Atlantic …

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Annual spring mosquito control campaign to combat mosquitoes begins

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is set to begin its annual spring mosquito control campaign next week, aiming to reduce the emergence of mosquitoes in the state. Starting as early as Tuesday, March 18, DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section will begin spraying woodland pools to target aquatic mosquito larvae before they develop into adult mosquitoes later …

The compost bins are available for pickup Saturday, April 5. (Photo by Media Lens King/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware offers discounted compost bins to encourage sustainable gardening

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

First Staters with a green thumb aren’t going to want to miss this deal. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is helping residents reduce waste while enhancing their gardens through a special online sale of compost bins, rain barrels, and other conservation accessories. Delaware residents can browse the available products and place orders online at delaware.compostersale.com …

Fees to visit Delaware State Parks will begin Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware State Parks entrance fees take effect March 1

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

For all nature-lovers and outdoorsmen: with the weather breaking, prepare to pony up a couple bucks to attend your favorite state parks. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminded visitors Wednesday that 2025 entrance fees for Delaware State Parks will be in effect starting Saturday, March 1. The fees will remain in place through Nov. 30, …

The number of permit applications for turkey hunting season hit an all-time high in 2025. (Photo by enterlinedesign/Adobe Stock)

2025 turkey hunting season draws record applicants, permits

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

It’s huntin’ season in Delaware.  And many – a record number – of First Staters want to partake. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced Monday that the 2025 lottery for State Wildlife Area Spring Turkey Season hunting permits held last month had drawn the largest applicant pool since the state’s first wild turkey lottery was held …

EPA, DNREC reach agreement on civil rights complaint

Peter OsborneGovernment, News Briefs

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of External Civil Rights Compliance (OECRC) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) have signed an Informal Resolution Agreement addressing a civil rights complaint related to permitting for a bioenergy project in Seaford. The resolution builds on steps DNREC had already taken to strengthen public engagement processes in communities impacted by permitting …