Oct. 20, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 478

For more information contact Harvey Zendt, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, 302-739-3436 ext. 10, or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

                                                Volunteer at a Delaware Nature Reserve
                                                 Make a Difference – Help Protect and Preserve our Natural Resources

Two Delaware nature reserves – the St. Jones Reserve near Dover and the Blackbird Creek Reserve near Townsend – are looking for a few good volunteers. The two reserves, components of the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR), are state protected areas managed for conservation and research. DNERR provides extensive education and outreach programs for students and adults on Delaware’s estuarine and coastal areas and is seeking volunteers to help with its many programs and activities.

Several opportunities are available for volunteers at each location. Adults and high school students interested in volunteering can contact Harvey Zendt, volunteer coordinator, at 302-739-3436, ext. 10 or Harvey.Zendt@state.de.us.

The following volunteer opportunities are available:

Education Program Assistance – The reserve provides programs for all ages throughout the year. We welcome support of various kinds, some requiring training for volunteers who are not familiar with the activities.

Mounting Plants for the Herbarium – The reserve is expanding its displays and needs assistance in establishing the herbarium.

Major Events and Public Programs Assistance – The reserve sponsors a number of events during the year and welcomes assistance.

Marketing and Outreach – Assistance with marketing, promotion and outreach is needed. This work involves representing the reserve at public outreach events (Coast Day, Delaware State Fair, etc.) and providing administrative support. 

Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey – Each spring the reserve organizes this major ecological event along the beaches of the bay. Help is needed with survey planning, as well as the actual monitoring on the beaches.

Administrative Assistance – During office hours, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, administrative assistance is needed.

Bluebird Box Monitoring – Bluebird boxes need to be checked for activity at locations near the estuary. Training will be provided for this activity (no previous experience necessary).

Gardening and Outdoor Projects– Assistance with gardening and other outdoor projects is needed from May through November.

Tree Plantings – The Reserve plans these events a few times each year and welcomes assistance.

Photography – Photographs need to be taken at the various events. The Reserve also needs scenery and wildlife photos for all four seasons.

Newsletter – The reserve publishes a newsletter quarterly and welcomes assistance with writing and graphic design.

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. The DNERR consists of two main components, the Blackbird Creek and St. Jones Reserve. These sites include both brackish and freshwater estuaries, and represent the diverse estuarine ecosystems found throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

 For more information on DNERR, visit DNREC’s web site, www.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on “Division of Soil and Water Conservation” and click on “Coastal Management.”