NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

April 24, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 183

For more information contact, Jennifer Holmes, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 302-739-3436; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902. 

   Celebrate American Wetlands Month on May 16
      by Geocaching at Wetlands in Kent County
                         Registration Required by May 13

Explore Delaware’s exceptional wetlands at a geocaching event from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at several wetland areas in Kent County. The event, which celebrates American Wetlands Month, is free to adults and families. Participants will meet at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road near Dover and start their geocaching adventure using a GPS, or global positioning system, to navigate for caches, or containers, at wetland locations throughout Kent County.

“Geocaching is a wonderful way to explore Delaware’s wetlands,” said Jennifer Holmes, education coordinator with the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. “Our geocaching adventure is a fun-filled, hands-on activity that helps people discover the benefits and value of wetlands to our quality of life. We encourage families to join our event at St. Jones Reserve and celebrate American Wetlands Month with us.”

Registration is required by May 13 by contacting Jennifer Holmes at 302-739-3436 or Jennifer.Holmes@state.de.us.  GPS units will be available for use during the event and instructions will be provided.

Wetlands are some of Delaware’s most valuable resources. They help improve water and air quality, protect property and lives from storms and flooding, provide food and shelter for wildlife species and nursery grounds for fish, and beautify our landscape. Delaware has lost approximately 50 percent of our wetland resources, primarily due to ditching and draining, direct conversion to agriculture and other human development efforts.

Delaware’s American Wetlands Month celebration is being held Saturday, May 16 to encourage more participation and raise public awareness. The event is a collaborative effort among DNREC’s Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Division of Water Resources Watershed Assessment Section, and Division of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Resources Education Center; and the Delaware Department of Transportation Environmental Studies Section.

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. DNERR consists of two main components, the Blackbird Creek and St. Jones Reserves. These sites include both brackish and freshwater estuaries and represent the diverse estuarine ecosystems found throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Estuaries are where freshwater from rivers and streams meet with saltwater from oceans and seas. For more information on DNERR and education programs offered, visit DNREC’s web site, www.dnrec.delaware.gov,  and click on “Division of Soil and Water Conservation” and click on “Estuary Research.”