The First State's coastal cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 13.

Volunteers needed for coastal cleanup at 45+ sites

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has officially opened registration for the 38th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup, taking place on Saturday, September 13. This year, volunteers can participate at more than 45 locations across the state from 9 a.m. to noon. The event, one of the state’s largest environmental volunteer efforts, brings together thousands of residents …

Delaware's drought watch has been lifted.

Delaware Lifts Drought Watch After Nearly a Year of Dry Conditions

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has officially lifted the state’s drought watch, nearly 10 months after it was first declared in response to widespread dry conditions and below-average rainfall in 2024. The decision follows a recommendation from the state’s Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC) and the Governor’s Drought Response Committee, which confirmed that water conditions—including precipitation, soil moisture, streamflow, and groundwater …

The new accessibility features will be available at five state parks. (Photo courtesy of Delaware DNREC)

Delaware expands off-road wheelchair access in state parks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

People with disabilities now have greater access to Delaware’s state parks, thanks to an expanded program offering all-terrain wheelchairs at five park locations. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that Action Trackchairs, motorized off-road wheelchairs, are now available at Cape Henlopen, Lums Pond, Killens Pond, Trap Pond, and White Clay Creek state parks. The initiative …

The new surf fishing rules with drive-on beaches take effect Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware eases surf fishing reservation rules at most state beaches

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Sports

Anglers will no longer need reservations to surf fish at most of Delaware’s drive-on beaches starting Saturday, July 12, under a major change announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The new policy eliminates weekend and holiday reservation requirements at seven beaches that rarely reach full capacity during peak times. “As surf tag holders have gotten …

More than 350,000 trees have been planted as part of the TEDI program. (Photo by lovelyday12/Getty Images iStockphoto)

Tree grant of $10k-$40k open for applications with goal of 1M trees by 2030

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

A state agency is attempting to get more trees in the First State, and is giving away money to do so. Through the state’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI), organizations can apply for a grant between $10,000 and $40,000 for Spring 2026 tree planting projects. “Planting trees increases carbon sequestration and storage, contributing toward Delaware’s climate goals,” said Delaware Department …

The air quality has improved over the past decade, but there is still room to improve, the report shows. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware reports steady progress in air quality despite wildfire setbacks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Health

Delaware continues to make gains in improving air quality, according to the 2023 Annual Air Quality Report released by the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The report, based on data from the DNREC Division of Air Quality’s statewide monitoring network, shows most pollutants remained below federal limits — though ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remain …

The first place team from Holy Cross School, from left: Bryce Lewis, Makenzie Ford, Adaya Moore, and Nicholas Klaus.

Holy Cross students shine in 2025 Junior Solar Sprint at DSU

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Students from Holy Cross School in Dover raced to the top in this year’s Junior Solar Sprint, taking home first and second place in the statewide competition held at Delaware State University. The annual event, now in its 31st year, challenges students in grades 5 through 8 to design, build, and race model cars powered by solar panels. Eleven teams …