Contact: Kimberly Cole, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, 302-739-3436; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Explore nature at free programs offered this autumn by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
(DOVER, Oct. 4, 2011) Nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to free programs this autumn offered by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. The programs will be held at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road (east of the John Dickinson Plantation) near Dover or at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road near Townsend. Please register in advance by contacting Jennifer Holmes at Jennifer.holmes@state.de.us or 302-739-3436, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
October Programs
Autumn Boat Trip on the St. Jones River
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Explore the sights and sounds of autumn on the St. Jones River and learn a little history along the way. Get ready to board our 24-foot skiff boat as we take our historical expedition onto the River! This program will meet at Scotton Landing off of Irish Hill Road in Dover. Space is limited.
Tree Hike at Blackbird Creek
Thursday, October 13, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join a naturalist as we hike along the creek and journey through wooded areas, meadow habitats, and shrub areas. Be ready to use your keen detective skills to identify the trees that live in the Reserve. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. We will meet at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend.
Coastal Heritage Driving Tour
Monday, October 17, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join us as we discover the natural and historic resources of Delaware Bay communities. Leave the driving to us as you board our touring van. We will make a stop for lunch along the way. The tour will meet at the St. Jones Reserve at 818 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover. This program is designed for participants 16 years of age or older. Space is limited.
Blackbird Creek Fall Festival
Saturday, October 22, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled day for the entire family! Bring some chairs or a blanket and spend the day. Enjoy the sounds of live music; explore the Reserve by foot, by canoe, or by hayride; visit the numerous vendors and exhibitors; and take part in fun demonstrations. There will also be crafts and games for the kids! Admission is free! Rain or shine. The Festival will be held at the Blackbird Creek Reserve at 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend. Arrive early and join the Run for Our Rivers 5K at 9 am. Visit the website for program information: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/DNERR/Pages/DNERRBlackbirdCreekFallFestival.aspx
Canoe the Blackbird – Waterfowl Expedition
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Are you ready to get outside and explore the Blackbird Creek? Come and join us as we venture up Blackbird Creek in canoes to observe the various habitats and wildlife in and along the creek. Wear comfortable clothing. Life jackets will be provided and are required to be worn. Canoeing experience is preferred but not required. You must be at least 14 years old or older to paddle. The canoe trip will meet at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend, DE. Space is limited.
November Programs
St. Jones Reserve Open House and Native Plant Sale
Saturday, November 5, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Discover the St. Jones Reserve and support the Delaware Native Plant Society through their Delaware Native Plant Sale. Explore the reserve and enjoy a day full of activities including native pollination presentations, laboratory explorations, and videos about estuaries.
Coastal Heritage Driving Tour
Monday, November 14, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join us as we discover the natural and historic resources of Delaware Bay communities. Leave the driving to us as you board our touring van. We will make a stop for lunch along the way. The tour will meet at the St. Jones Reserve at 818 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover. This program is designed for participants 16 years of age or older. Space is limited.
Bayberry Candle Making
Saturday, November 19, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Discover the amazing uses of the bayberry shrub! A Reserve naturalist will discuss the ecology of the bayberry while staff and volunteers from the John Dickinson Plantation will give insight to the historical use of the plant as we enjoy the art of candle making. What a wonderful way to start off the holidays. This program meets at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Space is limited.
December Program
NEW! Reserve Book Club – Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson
Friday, December 16, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Estuaries provide great topics for amazing stories! Come and be a part of our new book club! This season we are reading Isaac’s Storm by Eric Larson. This national bestseller is an amazing suspenseful story about the devastating hurricane of 1900. Join us on Dec. 16th as we discuss the book and the importance of the estuary. Refreshments will be provided.
_____________________________________________________________
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve is a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The program is administered through DNREC’s Office of the Secretary, Delaware Coastal Programs Section.
For more information
Visit us on the web http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/DNERR
Join us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/DNERR/
Follow us on twitter http://www.twitter.com/DNERR
Read our blog!
