For more information, contact Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Explore Delaware’s habitats and native plants at free programs offered by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

DOVER (Feb. 3, 2011) – Nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to explore Delaware’s natural habitats and native plants at free programs 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. Space is limited, so registration is required.  For information, directions and registration, call 302-739-3436, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

 Habitat Hike along Blackbird Creek                              Friday, March 4     9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

 Join a naturalist and hike through wooded areas, meadow habitats, and shrub areas of one of the most ecologically-pristine areas in the state.  Bring your binoculars to view the beautiful birds and waterfowl that inhabit the Blackbird Creek Reserve. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.  Please, no strollers. The hike will meet at the Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road near Townsend.

 Growing Native Plants from Seed – A Workshop                  Saturday, March 5    2 – 4 p.m.

Start your wildflower gardening early! Learn how to successfully start native wildflowers from seed in this hands-on workshop conducted by Quentin Schlieder.  This is a reprise of the popular workshop he conducted in Smyrna for the Native Plant Society in 2007.  He will discuss interesting seed germination processes while you plant a variety of wildflower seeds in class. All materials and seed will be provided.  There is no fee for the program, but space is limited and registration is required. This workshop will meet at the St. Jones Reserve at 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Delaware.

 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, contact Jennifer Holmes, 302-739-3436.           

Vol. 41, No. 43