DNREC Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program

DNREC Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program Information, research, education, status, and health. Discover the value of Delaware’s wetlands!

DNREC's Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program (WMAP) provides quality reports on the status, health and function of Delaware’s wetlands. We collaborate with other government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and universities to further wetland research. We use this information to inform the citizens of Delaware and to improve upon existing education, restoration, protection, and land use planning efforts.

Hey Siri, play "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.
08/28/2026

Hey Siri, play "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.

Oh snap — look who we found during our nekton survey along the Indian River. Common snapping turtles are fascinating rep...
08/24/2026

Oh snap — look who we found during our nekton survey along the Indian River. Common snapping turtles are fascinating reptiles that pop up in a variety of waterways throughout Delaware. From slow moving streams and rivers to salt marshes and ponds, they are the state's largest turtle species reaching up to 35 pounds. With their pointy snouts, long tails, and webbed feet, they really stand out. If you do encounter snappers, enjoy the sight from a safe distance — they can be pretty spicy if they feel threatened!

Welcome Michaela, our newest team member!Michaela was born and raised in southern Delaware, where spending time at the b...
08/20/2026

Welcome Michaela, our newest team member!

Michaela was born and raised in southern Delaware, where spending time at the beach and bays sparked her passion for the environment. That passion led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in coastal environmental science from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.

Michaela is excited to continue her career with our program after working with DNREC's Wetlands and Waterways Section last summer. She says having the opportunity to work in the state that inspired her to pursue this field is an honor.

Over the coming months, Michaela will support the Inland Bays Beneficial Use Pilot Study by assisting with fieldwork, desktop analysis and protocol development.

Outside of work, Michaela enjoys collecting shark teeth, reading psychological thrillers, making jewelry and spending time on the water.

Wetlands in bloom. Swamp rose is a member of the Rosaceae family, or rose family, which includes a large range of roughl...
08/16/2026

Wetlands in bloom. Swamp rose is a member of the Rosaceae family, or rose family, which includes a large range of roughly 2,000 species worldwide. In Delaware, this native can thrive in wetland riparian buffer zones and is usually found in non-tidal marshes, swamps, streambanks, and ditches. This deciduous plant grows quite hefty in size, reaching from 3 feet to 6 feet in both width and height. The flowers are light pink with 5 petals and can grow alone or in small clusters, most notably providing contrast against the green hues of the leaves and stems. Although the flowers are beautiful, be careful before getting too close — like many roses, the stems are very prickly.

Zoom in and take your best guess: Which wetland bird species was hanging out at our Slough's Gut project site?
08/12/2026

Zoom in and take your best guess: Which wetland bird species was hanging out at our Slough's Gut project site?

08/08/2026

Ahhhh. The sights and sounds of a wetland on a Saturday.

Well, are you?The Delaware Flood Planning Tool is an interactive, online map to help research flood risk for properties ...
08/04/2026

Well, are you?

The Delaware Flood Planning Tool is an interactive, online map to help research flood risk for properties in Delaware. It's designed to help professionals and citizens alike make informed decisions about the degree of flood risk for a specific area or property. Become familiar with your risk of floods and flood-related hazards before they occur to ensure your safety for when they do.

https://floodplanning.dnrec.delaware.gov/

A marsh bird in the making. Clapper rails are secretive marsh birds that rely exclusively on wetlands for their survival...
07/31/2026

A marsh bird in the making. Clapper rails are secretive marsh birds that rely exclusively on wetlands for their survival. This elusive group, which includes rails, bitterns, and grebes, is rarely seen or heard due to their infrequent vocalizations and preference for staying hidden in their wetland homes. They mostly stay concealed and nest in dense vegetation, making it even more rare to spot them in flight. Highly sensitive to habitat changes, these species face threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns and saltwater intrusion. Discovering a nest with an egg was an incredible sight.

Say hello to the juvenile black sea bass we met during our nekton survey in Indian River Bay. These tasty fish are plent...
07/28/2026

Say hello to the juvenile black sea bass we met during our nekton survey in Indian River Bay. These tasty fish are plentiful and can be spotted in tidal waters all the way from the Gulf of Mexico up through the Mid-Atlantic. They migrate seasonally - hanging out offshore or further south in the fall, then making their way back to our coastal areas to spawn through July. Their sweet, flaky fillets are a real treat for anglers (and cooks!). This little one was too small to keep, so after snapping a quick photo, we sent it safely back home.

This time of year you'll see vibrant colors across our coast. Though Eastern prickly-pear is not a wetland species, we o...
07/23/2026

This time of year you'll see vibrant colors across our coast. Though Eastern prickly-pear is not a wetland species, we often see it nearby tidal wetlands in dunes or swales furthest from the shore. From May to July this low, eye-catching cactus is in bloom with wide yellow flowers that attract a variety of bee species. After blooming, prickly pear produces fleshy, red, cone-shaped fruit capsules that contain seeds. As the only native cactus present across the eastern United States, this plant is very adaptable and makes a good addition to rock gardens or well-drained soils in sunny locations.

Address

285 Beiser Boulevard, Suite 102
Dover, DE
19904

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+13027399939

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