Aquatic Research Education Center Eco-explorers

 

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers a number of environmental education opportunities, with many of them related to Delaware’s water resources and wetlands. They include:

    The Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Research Education Center (AREC) offers extensive wetland education materials for teachers, a field trip based eco-explorer program, horseshoe crab and shorebird themed classroom visits, and nature retreats for urban and at-risk families, and youth fishing opportunities. Visit AREC Wetland Education Programs for materials.

    Parks and Recreation offers many natural resource and wetland related programs across the state in the state parks.

   The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is a cooperative program between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Delaware Coastal Programs and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The goal of the program is to establish, protect, and manage natural estuarine habitats for research and education. 

The Division of Soil & Water offers a wide variety of programs, classes and other resources designed

Delaware Bay horseshoe crabs

to inform and educate people of all ages about ways to help conserve, enhance and protect Delaware’s precious natural resources.

The Thank You Delaware Bay campaign was developed to showcase the beauty and amenities of the Delaware Bay and to encourage actions and activities that will help protect the bay's health and resources. The TYDB campaign sprang from a collaboration of DNREC's Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Delaware Coastal Programs, The Nature Conservancy, and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.

DNREC's DuPont Nature Center is owned and operated by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. This center offers one of the best viewing areas for spawning horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds during the peak season.

Visitors can learn about horseshoe crabs, migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and the Delaware Estuary. Interior exhibition includes history on Slaughter Beach and the famed Mispillion Lighthouse, educational information on horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, waterfowl and plant life of the Salt Marsh. A live-cam will allow the public an up close and personal view of shorebirds feeding and horseshoe crabs spawning during peak times.

 The Delaware Nature Society operates the DuPont Environmental Education Center on Wilmington’s Riverfront which is owned by the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware. DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is a partner in developing exhibit content for the Center and provides advisement on marsh projects related to the educational programming developed by DNS. The Center is on the edge of the 212-acre Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge that adjoins the tidal Christina River, which is home to many species of amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and native plants. The facility features indoor and outdoor exhibits on water related natural and cultural history topics and a boardwalk that extends into the marsh. Programs are offered for all ages, as well as courses for teachers.

Comprehensive List of Environmental Education Programs from DNREC and our Conservation Partners

List of Wetland Field Trip Opportunities provided by DNREC and our Conservation Partners