NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Oct. 22, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 426

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

                        St. Jones Reserve Open House Set for Nov. 7
                        Event includes the Delaware Native Plant Society’s Annual Plant Sale

The St. Jones Reserve will host a free Open House and the Delaware Native Plant Society’s 9th Annual Native Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 7. The Open House and plant sale will be held rain or shine at the Reserve located at 818 Kitts Hummock Road near Dover.

Held every year on the grounds of the St. Jones Reserve, the Delaware Native Plant Society’s Annual Plant Sale is a much anticipated event that offers beautiful native plants for sale for home landscapes. Native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants, including ferns, cardinal flower, pawpaw, and other difficult-to- find plants, will be available to purchase at exceptionally low prices. For the best selection, buyers are encouraged to arrive early.

According to Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve manager Kimberly Cole, new this year, the Reserve will hold an Open House and invite the public to tour the buildings and grounds and enjoy autumn’s splendor on the estuary. “We added the Open House to introduce the community to the many opportunities that the St. Jones Reserve has to offer.” said Cole. “We welcome families and people of all ages to our view our coastal stewardship exhibits, see science in action and experience the natural beauty of the Reserve,” said Cole.

With activities planned for all ages, visitors can:

- Tour the St. Jones Center for Estuarine Studies, a building dedicated to understanding Delaware’s coastal areas, including its research laboratory, exhibits and classrooms;

- watch as real-time weather and wave conditions are reported to the internet from sensors at the Reserve and in the Delaware Bay;

- explore the amazing creatures that live in our estuaries;

- hear about the many ways that you can enjoy getting involved;

- watch the video, Delaware’s Undiscovered Treasure, that features the Blackbird Creek Watershed near Townsend – one of the most beautiful and ecologically important areas in the state;

- talk with researchers who explore our bays and learn about the Thank You Delaware Bay initiative;

- test your Coastal IQ with the help of Google Earth;

- take part in kids activities, walk the boardwalk trail, and more.

"The Delaware Native Plant Society and the St. Jones Reserve share the same goals of protecting and conserving our native plants, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for us to work together to promote stewardship,” said Eric Zuelke, nursery manager for the Delaware Native Plant Society.

Organized in 1998, the Delaware Native Plant Society, a non-profit organization, has a statewide membership and encourages the use of and works to preserve, conserve, restore, and propagate native plants and native plant communities in Delaware.

Plants are grown in the Delaware Native Plant Society’s nursery from locally collected seed, have been donated by members, or have been rescued from sites scheduled for clearing and development. This is one of only a handful of sources for plants collected and grown in the Delmarva region. The sale is the society’s only fundraising event; all proceeds go back into nursery operations. For more information, visit www.delawarenativeplants.org.
 
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) was established in 1993 to promote the stewardship and understanding of Delaware’s coastal areas through science and education.  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. It is one of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country. For more information, visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/swc/coastal/dnerr.