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Estuary Community Events
2009
January
Jan 12-14 - Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit
The Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit is scheduled for January 12-14, 2009 at the Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey. This is the third biennial conference convened by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
Building on the themes of the 2005 science conference ("Linking Science and Management") and the 2007 science conference and environmental summit ("Setting Achievable Environmental Goals"), the theme for the 2009 meeting is "Planning Tomorrow's Delaware Estuary."
Jan 19 - Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Learn about Clear into the Future and enjoy games and information about the Delaware River Estuary during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day of celebration. The celebration explores the theme of ONE DREAM, ONE WORLD, ONE COMMUNITY and will concentrate on "Breaking Barriers, Building our Community." Aside from learning about the estuary from Clear into the Future, the event includes area sponsors as well as keynote speaker Christopher Gardner, subject of the motion picture "Pursuit of Happyness."
Join an expected 4,000 visitors for the celebration on Monday, January 19, 2009 from 12:30p to 5p at the Chase Center on Wilmington's Riverfront. Learn more here.
February
February - Fun things to do in February
Looking for a fun activity for your children on a cold day? Try one of our activities and games on thesciencesquad.com!
You Can:
Don't forget to visit all of Professor G's website - sciencesquad.com - to learn about the Delaware River Estuary!
Sunday, February 15 - Hike the Sea Hawk Trail
Join us at the Holts Landing State Park parking lot starting at 10 a.m. to hike this 1.7-mile trail. Along the way, learn the history of this unique park, and find out about the Indian River Bay and the Assawoman Canal. Look for birds and sea life that has washed ashore, and search for wildlife. No fee.
Learn more here.
February 23-25 - 1st Symposium on Atlantic Sturgeon
The Seaboard Fisheries Institute presents the 1st Symposium on Atlantic Sturgeon, A Regional Approach to Atlantic Sturgeon Recovery. Symposium will be held at the University of Delaware, Clayton Hall Conference Center, Newark, Delaware. This event will focus attention on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing an understanding of Atlantic Sturgeon and for developing effective strategies for its restoration and recovery. The goal of the symposium is to foster collaborative regional approaches to restoring and protecting Atlantic Sturgeon populations and their associated essential habitats.
Learn more here.
February 23-25 - 1st Symposium on Atlantic Sturgeon
The Seaboard Fisheries Institute presents the 1st Symposium on Atlantic Sturgeon, A Regional Approach to Atlantic Sturgeon Recovery. Symposium will be held at the University of Delaware, Clayton Hall Conference Center, Newark, Delaware. This event will focus attention on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing an understanding of Atlantic Sturgeon and for developing effective strategies for its restoration and recovery. The goal of the symposium is to foster collaborative regional approaches to restoring and protecting Atlantic Sturgeon populations and their associated essential habitats.
Learn more here.
March
March - Fun things to know in March
Do you know the difference between an estuary and a wetland? What is the largest tributary to the Delaware River? What is the average depth of the Delaware Bay?
Get the answers to these questions and more by downloading the Clear into the Future Estuary Terminology poster at thesciencesquad.com
March 2 - Seminar Series/How Climate Change Could Transform Mid-Atlantic Estuaries
The DuPont Clear Into the Future Seminar Series in collaboration with Rutgers University Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and Cumberland County College, proudly presents Dr. Raymond Najjar, Penn State University. Monday, March 2, 2009 from 7PM - 8PM. Come at 6PM for refreshments and to meet the speaker. Luciano Conference Center of Cumberland County College.
For more information contact Dr. Eric Powell director of Rutgers Haskin Research Lab (856-785-0074 ext 4300- elaine@hsrl.rutgers.edu or Mrs. Mary Ann Westerfield, Cumberland County College's Division Chair of Health and Science. Or, visit the event schedule.
Saturday, March 28 - Hike the Sea Hawk Trail
Join us at the Holts Landing State Park parking lot starting at 10 a.m. to hike this 1.7-mile trail. Along the way, learn the history of this unique park, and find out about the Indian River Bay and the Assawoman Canal. Look for birds and sea life that has washed ashore, and search for wildlife. Starts 10 a.m. No fee. Learn more
April
April 4-5 - The Nature Conservancy Tree Planting
Join Clear Into the Future as we support the Nature Conservancy's tree planting!
Volunteers from Clear into the Future will plant trees in Wilmington area locations at part of The Nature Conservancy's tree planting program from 9am - 2pm on April 4 and 5. To join us, please contact clearintothefuture@dupont.com For more information on the tree planting, visit here.
April 6 - Seminar Series/Glacial Margin to Coastal Margin: The Changing Water Resources of Cumberland and Cape May Counties
The DuPont Clear Into the Future Seminar Series in collaboration with Rutgers University Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and Cumberland County College, proudly presents Dr. Raymond Najjar, Penn State University. Monday, March 2, 2009 from 7PM - 8PM. Come at 6PM for refreshments and to meet the speaker. Luciano Conference Center of Cumberland County College.
For more information contact Dr. Eric Powell director of Rutgers Haskin Research Lab (856-785-0074 ext 4300- elaine@hsrl.rutgers.edu or Mrs. Mary Ann Westerfield, Cumberland County College's Division Chair of Health and Science. Or, visit the event schedule.
April 7 - Seminar Series/Dr. William J. Mitsch - Creating and Restoring Wetlands in the Mississippi River Basin: Nutrient Retention Benefits and Climate Change Implications
University of Delaware's College of Marine and Earth Studies presents a lecture by Dr. William Mitsch, Distinguished Professor of Environment and Natural Resources and Director at the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park of Ohio State University as part of the DuPont Clear into the Future Seminar Series.
The lecture is from 4PM - 5PM in Cannon 202 and Robinson 206 at the Lewes, Delaware campus.
April 15 - 21 - National Volunteer Week
Do your part to make a difference in the Delaware Estuary...become a volunteer!
Clear into the Future thanks all the volunteers that have spent their time and energy to improve the Delaware River Estuary. Now it's your turn. Click here to learn how you can sign up to make a difference in the estuary.
April 18 - Volunteer Event: Christina River Watershed Clean-up
Join Clear Into the Future - and nearly 1,000 other volunteers - on Saturday, April 18th as we help clean up the Christina River. The clean-up starts at 8AM, and facilities, t-shirts and supplies will be provided to volunteers. For more information on how you can participate and to choose your site, visit www.christinarivercleanup.org.
April 25 - 4th Annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup
Celebrate Earth Day by participating in the Fenwick Island State Park's Earth Day Beach Cleanup! The clean-up is from 11AM - 3PM on Saturday, April 25. Supplies will be provided. Learn more.
May
May - Delaware Shorebird Project - Come to the bay!
Volunteers needed for this important project. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds converge on the shores of the Delaware Bay. The Delaware Shorebird Project is a dedicated team of scientists, local volunteers, researchers and birders working to mitigate the threat to our shorebirds. You can be a part of this important work, helping to preserve this awe-inspiring natural cycle. Find out more about the Delaware Shorebird Project and how you can get involved.
For more information contact Kevin Kalasz, Delaware Shorebird Project Coordinator, at:
Before May 1 at Kevin.kalasz@state.de.us or (302) 653-2880
After May 1 at deshorebirds@gmail.com or (302) 535-5032
May - The Nature Conservancy Horseshoe Crab Counts
Join us! Volunteers from Clear into the Future will count horseshoe crabs as part of The Nature Conservancy's tree planting program in May. To join us, please contact clearintothefuture@dupont.com. For more information on The Nature Conservancy's volunteer opportunities, click here.
May 2-10 - 3rd Annual Delaware Bird-A-Thon
Join the Delmarva Ornithological Society for its 3rd annual Bird-a-Thon!
The Delmarva Ornithological Society (DOS) will hold its 3rd Annual Delaware Bird-A-Thon from May 2 through May 10, 2009. A Bird-A-Thon is a fundraiser, much like a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon, where individuals or teams count the number of different bird species seen or heard in a 24-hour period. Each participant collects pledges from family, friends, relatives, neighbors or businesses for each species found.
DOS plans to raise over $45,000 to help purchase vital migratory bird habitat along the Delaware Bay, along with funding migratory raptor research and other similar conservation causes.
Interested parties can download the 2009 Delaware Bird-A-Thon brochure at the Delmarva Ornithological Society website
May 3 - Tri State Bird Rescue Open House
Visit the Tri-State Bird Rescue Open House on Sunday, May 3rd.
Every year, Tri-State Bird Rescue opens their doors to share their activities with the community. Talk to experts, tour the facility and check out birds in the nursery. To learn more, visit www.tristatebird.org.
The open house will be held Sunday, May 3rd from 11AM - 3M at 110 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, Delaware 19711.
May 5: Seminar Series/Dr. Richard Lathrop - Assessing the Impact of Land Use Change and Sea-level Rise on New Jersey's Southern Coasts
Rutgers Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and Cumberland County College present a lecture by Dr. Richard Lathrop of Rutgers University, Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis as part of the DuPont Clear into the Future Seminar Series.
Join us! The lecture is from 7PM - 8PM, but come at 6PM to enjoy refreshments and meet the speaker.
Lectures are held in the Luciano Conference Center on the campus of Cumberland County College.
May 23 - Happy Birthday to the DuPont Nature CenterMay 23 - Happy Birthday to the DuPont Nature Center
On May 23rd, 2009 the DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve will celebrate its 2nd birthday.
Now is a great time to visit the DuPont Nature Center! In May, you can spot the red knot bird, which flies up from South America to feast on horseshoe crab eggs along the Delaware shores before flying to the Arctic for the summer.
The DuPont Nature Center offers one of the best viewing areas for spawning horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds during the peak season. Inside, learn about the area through educational exhibits and children's activities. In May and June, the DuPont Nature Center will be open from 8AM - 4PM Wednesday through Sunday. The center is located off Route 1 near Milford, Delaware.
Learn more and get directions at dupontnaturecenter.org
May 23-24 - Milton/Prime Hook Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival
Join 1,600 plus visitors at the annual Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival that takes place in Milton, Delaware. Enjoy environmental and art exhibits, various children's activities, and outdoor adventures! Visit www.HistoricMilton.com or www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/events to learn more.
May 26 - Seminar Series/Ms. Carol Collier - Integrated Water Management: Connecting the Dots Between the Upstream and the Estuary in the Delaware Basin
Join us! Rutgers Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and Cumberland County College present a lecture by Ms. Carol Collier, Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission as part of the DuPont Clear into the Future Seminar Series.
The lecture is from 7PM - 8PM, but come at 6PM to enjoy refreshments and meet the speaker. Lectures are held in the Luciano Conference Center on the campus of Cumberland County College.
June
June - Download To Find Fun Things To Do
Looking for something fun to do this summer? Why not enjoy the Delaware River Estuary? Click here to download a poster outlining lots of fun things to do along the estuary!
The lecture is from 7PM - 8PM, but come at 6PM to enjoy refreshments and meet the speaker. Lectures are held in the Luciano Conference Center on the campus of Cumberland County College.
June - Download To Find Out
Do you know the difference between an estuary and a wetland? What is the largest tributary to the Delaware River? What is the average depth of the Delaware Bay?
Get answers to these questions and more by download the Clear into the Future Estuary Terminology poster at thesciencesquad.com.
June - DuPont Nature Center
Heading to the Delaware Beaches? Take a break and visit the DuPont Nature Center, conveniently located off Route 1 near Milford!
The DuPont Nature Center offers one of the best viewing areas for spawning horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds during the peak season. Inside, learn about the area through educational exhibits and weekly children's activities. In July and August, the DuPont Nature Center is open from 8AM - 4PM Monday through Friday.
Learn more and get directions at dupontnaturecenter.org
June 13-14 - Delaware Bay Days
Enjoy the scenery and events along the Maurice River in the historic New Jersey fishing villages of Bivalve, Port Norris and Shellpile at the Delaware Bay Days - the largest free festival in the tri-state region. East Point Lighthouse, located in Heislerville, will also be a satellite site for this event.
Delaware Bay Days is hosted by the Bayshore Discovery Project . It is a fun-filled family day celebrating the rich maritime history, vibrant culture and phenomenal natural resources of the Delaware Bay. Go here for more event information.
June 21 - 2009 Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tours
Explore the many facets of the salt marshes around the Mispillion River by joining the DuPont Nature Center Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tours.
You'll enjoy native wildlife along with the sights and sounds that make the bay so beautiful. A brief lesson will be given on paddle strokes. There is a fee for this course and kayaks are available for rent. "Return to Nature" is conducting these paddles and will donate $5 per boat back to the nature center. Please dress accordingly. Bring your own beverages, sunscreen and insect repellent. Boat rental is limited; please pre-register even if you bring your own kayak. Visit dupontnaturecenter.org for more information.
2009 Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tour dates:
Sunday, June 21 at 5:00PM
Saturday, September 5 at 9:00AM
Sunday, October 4 at 9:00AM
June 24 - Urban Birding Event
Did you know a family of Peregrine Falcons lives atop the Brandywine Building in downtown Wilmington? Wilmington's parking garages provide optimal viewing locations for observing these phenomenal creatures and many others that you never thought you'd see in an urban setting!
Come experience this and other fascinating creatures for yourself during a free and exciting urban birding event. Professional viewing equipment will be supplied and light refreshments will be provided from 3:30 - 6:30 pm at Colonial Parking Garage, Top Floor -11th & West Streets in Downtown Wilmington.
July
July - Learn something new this Summer!
Looking for an alternative to summer beach reading and school reading lists? Check out our online species books to learn about species in the estuary!
Go here to choose from:
- fish
- shellfish
- birds
- amphibians
- mammals
- plants
July 20-24 - 2009 Delaware Estuary Watershed Workshop for Teachers
The Bucks County Conservation District, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, and Pennsylvania DCNR's Bureau of State Parks invite you to attend a week-long summer workshop to explore the Delaware River watershed on July 20-24.
August
August 8-12 - Delmarva Blue Crab Festival
The 32nd annual Delmarva Blue Crab Festival will be taking place Milton, DE with a central goal of ensuring the availability of blue crabs now and in the future. The event promises lots of education, entertainment, and delicious food. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has been chosen as a beneficiary to receive a portion of the proceeds from the event. The Foundation is a nonprofit environmental stewardship organizatio committed to improving bay and ocean water quality, as well as improving the environment overall.
September
September 5 - 2009 Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tours
Join us! Saturday, September 5 at 9AM. Explore the many facets of the salt marshes around the Mispillion River by joining the DuPont Nature Center Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tours.
You'll enjoy native wildlife along with the sights and sounds that make the bay so beautiful. A brief lesson will be given on paddle strokes. There is a fee for this course and kayaks are available for rent. "Return to Nature" is conducting these paddles and will donate $5 per boat back to the nature center. Please dress accordingly. Bring your own beverages, sunscreen and insect repellent. Boat rental is limited; please pre-register even if you bring your own kayak. Visit dupontnaturecenter.org for more information.
September 19 - International Coastal Clean-Up Day
Coastal Clean-Up Day is the world's largest one-day effort on behalf of the marine environment. Be a part of the international effort to clean up America's coastlines!
Clear into the Future will be teaming up with the rest of the world on International Coastal Clean-Up Day! Thousands of people will descend on beaches, lakes, and streams all over the world to remove trash and debris from land and under water. Volunteers of all ages from every continent will form the largest one-day volunteer event on behalf of clean oceans and waterways. The event focuses on pollution prevention and educating and empowering people to become a part of the marine debris solution. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in the clean-up with Clear into the Future, with location options in Delaware and New Jersey. For more information or to sign up, please visit http://www.clearintothefuture.com/events-and-activities/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/index.html and click the sign up link to send an email with your request.
September 20 - Southeastern Pennsylvania Coast Day
Been a while since you enjoyed the beauty of the Pennsylvania coastline? Enjoy some family-oriented fun at Pennsylvania Coast Day! Come to Penn's Landing to learn more about the Delaware Estuary and enjoy free music and entertainment, children's activities hosted by many of the region's most influential environmental organizations, and freshly roasted Delaware Bay oysters!
September 26 - Woodstown, New Jersey Fall Festival
Visit Clear into the Future at the annual Woodstown Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26.
The annual Woodstown Fall Festival is a celebration of this South Jersey town and includes contests, live music and a special Kid Zone. Antique cars will be lined up along Main Street along with the venders, crafters and community group booths. At this event, Clear into the Future is joined by volunteers from the Chambers Works site - a 90-year old site with more than 1000 employees today. Come join some local DuPont employees and find out more about Clear into the Future at this fun annual event!
Visit http://www.woodstownfallfestival.org for more information about the event.
September 26 - National Estuaries Day
Today is National Estuaries Day! Did you know...?
1. An estuary is the place where fresh water from a river empties into and mixes with the salt water from an ocean.
2. Estuaries are among the most productive natural systems on earth due to the mixing of nutrients from land and sea
3. There are 102 significant estuaries in the U.S according to the EPA
4. Our coastal regions are currently home to 110 million people, a number that is expected to increase to 127 million by the year 2010.
5. Fishing, tourism, and recreational boating that take place on our estuaries provide more than 28 million jobs for our nation.
Click here for a history of the Delaware Estuary
Clear into the Future celebrates the importance of our country's estuaries. To learn more about how you can volunteer to help protect your estuary, visit here
September 27 - 4th Annual Dogfish Dash for The Nature Conservancy
Be part of the 3rd annual 5K/10K out-and-back road race to benefit the Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The Sunday, September 27 8am race starts and finishes at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
October
October 4 - 2009 Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tours
Join us! Sunday, October 4 at 9AM. Explore the many facets of the salt marshes around the Mispillion River by joining the DuPont Nature Center Wildlife Kayak Paddle Tours.
You'll enjoy native wildlife along with the sights and sounds that make the bay so beautiful. A brief lesson will be given on paddle strokes. There is a fee for this course and kayaks are available for rent. "Return to Nature" is conducting these paddles and will donate $5 per boat back to the nature center. Please dress accordingly. Bring your own beverages, sunscreen and insect repellent. Boat rental is limited; please pre-register even if you bring your own kayak. Visit dupontnaturecenter.org for more information.
October 4 - Delaware Coast Day
Clear into the Future will be at Delaware's Coast Day, will you?
Help us make a Coastal Connection! Hosted by the University of Delaware's College of Marine and Earth Studies and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, Delaware Coast Day introduces thousands of people each year to the wonders of the sea and the importance of Delaware's marine and coastal resources. The event is located at the University's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Del. and offers hands-on exhibits, lectures on popular science topics, ship and laboratory tours, crab races, a crab cake cook-off, seafood cooking demonstrations, a boat show, and much more. For more information about the event, please call (302) 831-8083 or visit http://www.ocean.udel.edu/coastday.
October 8 - Experience the Estuary Celebration
Clear into the Future will be at Delaware's Coast Day, will you?
October 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Camden, NJ
Dine beside sharks and other marine animals during the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary's annual fundraiser, the Experience the Estuary Celebration, inside the Adventure Aquarium, where this year's theme will be "Dive Into the Delaware." Silent and live auctions, dinner, drinks, live music, and the chance to network with hundreds of other supporters. Every dollar raised will be used to help protect and enhance the tidal Delaware River Watershed. Call Elizabeth Horsey at (800) 445-4935, extension 101, for details or to sign on as a sponsor.
http://www.delawareestuary.org/news_dinner_reception.asp
October 11 - Coast Day NJ
Come join in a celebration of the sea! The New Jersey Marine Science Consortium and its partners will showcase New Jersey's fishing and aquaculture industries and its maritime heritage. Come out with your family and enjoy eco-tours, nature walks, crab races, touch tanks, dock tours, children's activities and much, much more. Free admission all day! Event is Sunday, October 11, 11am - 4pm. For more information, visit here
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