NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
August 7, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 359
For more information contact Jennifer Holmes, Education Coordinator, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 302-739-3436, or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
Nature Programs Offered at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
DOVER, Del. – In conjunction with the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is offering free nature programs in August and September. The programs will be held at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, east of the John Dickinson Plantation near Dover and at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend.
Due to limited space, pre-registration is required for each program by calling (302) 739-3436, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
St. Jones River Boat Trip
Meet at Scotton Landing, Irish Hill Road, Dover
Monday, Aug. 18
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a relaxing late morning boat trip along the scenic St. Jones River on our 24-foot Carolina skiff. Life jackets will be provided and are mandatory. No open-toed shoes; please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring a lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of the Reserve after the journey.
Canoe the Blackbird - Blackbird Creek Reserve
801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend
Monday, Aug. 25
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Discover the sights and sounds of Blackbird Creek by canoe. The two-hour trip will feature wading birds, songbirds and birds of prey, along with the native plants and other wildlife that inhabit this unspoiled nature reserve. Children under 12 may ride in a canoe, but are not permitted to paddle. Life jackets will be provided and are mandatory. No open-toed shoes; please dress appropriately for the weather. No experience is required for the trip, but is recommended.
Pre-School Naturalist - St. Jones Reserve
Bats – “Stellaluna”
818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
Thursday, Aug. 28
10 – 11 a.m.
Bring your pre-school child to the St. Jones Reserve for “Stellaluna,” the story of bats. The program will jump-start their curious minds and includes a hands-on activity. Parents are encouraged to tag along, but older siblings should find a more age-appropriate activity.
Blackbird Habitat Hike - Blackbird Creek Reserve
801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend
Tuesday, Sept. 30
9 – 11 a.m.
Join a naturalist for a 2.5-mile guided hike of the Blackbird Creek Reserve. Explore a variety of habitats along Blackbird Creek and discover how restoration efforts benefit the reserve. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. No strollers, please.
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. For more information on DNERR, visit DNREC’s web site, www.dnrec.delaware.gov, click on “Division of Soil and Water Conservation” then “Coastal Management" on the SWC homepage.
For more information or to explore the many educational opportunities and workshops offered at DNREC’s Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, contact Jennifer Holmes at 302-739-3436 or visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on “Division of Soil and Water Conservation.
