Delaware DNREC

Delaware DNREC Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) We reserve the right to block posts from Facebook fans contributing to this site.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is a state government agency responsible for managing Delaware's natural resources, protecting public health and providing outdoor recreational opportunities. DNREC envisions a Delaware that offers a healthy environment where people embrace a commitment to the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the environment in

their daily lives; where Delawareans’ stewardship of natural resources ensures the sustainability of these resources for the appreciation and enjoyment of future generations; and where people recognize that a healthy environment and a strong economy support one another. DNREC's page is a family-friendly, open forum where people of any age with an interest in conservation, the environment and the outdoors can share information, ask advice or express responsible, respectful opinions. While we aren't able to respond to every question or comment, we do make an effort to provide pertinent, timely information. To ensure that this page remains a place where everyone feels welcome, we have a few rules. We will remove posts that contain the following:
-obscene, vulgar, profane, violent, hateful or racist language
-threats or defamatory statements
-advertisements or solicitations of any kind
-posts that suggest or encourage illegal activity
-off-topic or repetitive posts
-personal information, including, but not limited to addresses and telephone numbers
-support of or opposition to political campaigns
-content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party
-images that depict any of the above listed items

Posts are a reflection of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control or State of Delaware.

05/29/2026

This week’s brought Delaware’s natural world to the Harrington Public Library. 📚🦀

Staff from DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center joined Secretary Greg Patterson and Delaware Libraries to help young learners explore one of Delaware’s most fascinating natural resources: the horseshoe crab.

Children had the opportunity to meet a live horseshoe crab while learning about the important role Delaware’s beaches play for horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds each spring.

The event highlighted DNREC’s partnership with Delaware Libraries, including the Museum Pass Program that allows library patrons to check out Delaware State Parks passes.

Beyond educational programs, DNREC has worked with libraries across the state to install PurpleAir sensors, provide induction cook stoves and distribute thousands of energy-efficient light bulbs to Delaware communities.

05/27/2026

Sunrise to sunset. 17 parks. One epic adventure. 🌅

To celebrate 75 years of Delaware State Parks, Secretary Patterson has accepted the challenge of visiting all 17 of our award-winning state parks in a single day.

Can he make it? Tune into our Stories tomorrow to see!

As gas prices climb, many Delaware drivers are thinking about their long-term transportation costs.Fortunately, electric...
05/26/2026

As gas prices climb, many Delaware drivers are thinking about their long-term transportation costs.

Fortunately, electric vehicles offer a cleaner alternative — and making the switch might be more affordable than you think.

EVs run on electricity, which can offer lower and more predictable costs than gasoline. With fewer moving parts, they also require less routine maintenance and repair. Combined, these savings add up: driving a battery electric vehicle is estimated to save drivers up to $2,200 per year.

While EVs continue to become more affordable, many are still priced higher than their gas-powered counterparts. Most drivers will see that premium pay off within a few years, but incentives can help reduce the cost of going electric right now.

That's why the Delaware DNREC Climate, Coastal and Energy Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offers cash rebates to help make electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles more affordable for Delaware residents and businesses. Rebates are available for both new and used vehicles, with more than 70 eligible models.

This rebate is not a tax credit — it's a cash rebate that can help lower upfront costs. Residents can receive the rebate at the point of sale through participating Delaware dealerships or post-purchase. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of purchase or lease.

Worried about where to charge? Most EV drivers can meet their daily driving needs by conveniently charging at home. Incentives are also available to help offset the cost of residential charging equipment.

Energize Delaware's Residential EV Supply Equipment Rebate Program offers rebates of up to 50% of equipment and installation costs or up to 90% for income-eligible customers. Applicants must complete a Home Performance Audit through Energize Delaware prior to applying, and applications must be submitted within 60 days of installation.

Live in an apartment? DNREC's EV Charging Station Rebate Program is open to property owners and managers of multi-family dwellings, covering between 75 - 90% of equipment and installation costs. The program is also open to publicly accessible, fleet and workplace charging stations. A pre-approval application must be submitted before project inception. As this is a cash rebate, recipients are responsible for covering their own costs as they are incurred.

05/22/2026

For this week’s , DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson got a first look at the brand-new main pool at the Killens Pond Waterpark ahead of opening day. 💦

The new pool is nearly 48% larger than the previous one, with more space for families to cool off, relax and enjoy summer at Delaware State Parks. New features include zero-entry access, spray features, lily pads and improved accessibility.

As Delaware State Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, investments like this help ensure our parks continue creating safe, memorable outdoor experiences for generations to come.

When planning your visit, be sure to check Killens Pond State Park social media channels for current weather updates.

05/21/2026

We saw your questions on our last boating safety video about the new Engine Cut Off Switch (ECOS) law, so Captain Josh Hudson from Delaware Natural Resources Police is breaking down the basics. 🚤

The law applies to certain boats built after 2020 and is designed to help prevent runaway vessels if an operator falls overboard.

Whether it’s a physical lanyard or electronic switch, using an ECOS can help save lives and keep Delaware waterways safer for everyone.

Watch the video to learn more, and visit de.gov/boatsafety for additional information before heading out on the water this summer. 🌊

Did you know that rain showers, like the ones expected over the next few days, aren't always enough to reverse the impac...
05/20/2026

Did you know that rain showers, like the ones expected over the next few days, aren't always enough to reverse the impacts of prolonged dry conditions? 🌦️💧

That’s because drought conditions are determined using long-term trends, not just a few rainy days. Delaware has a structured system to monitor and respond to drought, guided by experts from across multiple sectors through the Water Supply Coordinating Council and the Governor's Drought Response Committee.

To assess drought conditions, experts evaluate key indicators including rainfall deficits over the past 6-12 months, stream flow in local creeks, water quality and reservoir capacity. A drought watch may begin when rainfall totals fall 6-9 inches below normal, stream flows begin to drop, and groundwater levels fall below expected ranges while more severe conditions can lead to drought warning or emergency declarations.

Read more on Outdoor Delaware. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

It's World Bee Day and here’s a fun fact: bees actually have knees. 🐝Worker bees have specialized joints on their legs t...
05/20/2026

It's World Bee Day and here’s a fun fact: bees actually have knees. 🐝

Worker bees have specialized joints on their legs that help them collect and carry pollen, sometimes forming the bright yellow “pollen baskets” you might see when they visit flowers across Delaware.

Bees and other pollinators help produce many of the foods we eat and support the native plants that keep Delaware’s ecosystems healthy.

We’re notifying the Delaware City community that our Route 9 air monitoring station recorded an elevated sulfur dioxide ...
05/19/2026

We’re notifying the Delaware City community that our Route 9 air monitoring station recorded an elevated sulfur dioxide reading of 95 parts per billion (ppb) for the hour between 1 and 2 p.m. today. That is above the federal 1-hour sulfur dioxide standard of 75 parts per billion and is in the orange AQI category, or “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

For the subsequent hours of 2-3 pm, 3-4 pm and 4-5 pm, the Route 9 station readings were 8 ppb, 4 ppb and 4 ppb respectively. After seeing the 1-2 pm increase, DNREC deployed portable air sensors to 3 locations near the refinery and all readings for sulfur dioxide were consistent with the lowered permanent station readings.

The Delaware City Refinery is currently operating with increased sulfur dioxide emissions during repairs, but refinery leadership told DNREC that there were no changes in the refinery operations today and that refinery operated sensors did not register a similar increase.

While the cause of the temporary increase is unclear at this time, DNREC will continue to monitor the readings as they come in. Updated air monitoring data are available at de.gov/airdata by selecting the Route 9 monitor (on the left-hand side) and SO2 (at the bottom).

DNREC continues to take action on PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” across Delaware, including investigating cont...
05/19/2026

DNREC continues to take action on PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” across Delaware, including investigating contamination, monitoring impacts and strengthening drinking water protections.

Learn more in a recent feature from Delaware Public Media, link in comments below. 📰

05/18/2026

It’s National Safe Boating Week, and a good time to revisit a few basic safety reminders before heading out on the water this summer.

🦺 Wear a life jacket
📚 Take your boating safety course
⚠️ Use your engine cut-off switch

Small precautions can make a big difference on Delaware’s waterways.

Follow along for more tips!

Address

89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE
19901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13027399000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Delaware DNREC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share