Delaware’s DNREC Celebrates Earth Month with Family-Friendly Events and Beach Cleanup

Slaughter Beach

DOVER, DE — This April, as the world turns its attention to the preservation and appreciation of our planet, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is inviting families and volunteers to join in on a series of engaging and impactful Earth Month activities. With a focus on education, conservation, and community involvement, the DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is set to host two public events aimed at fostering a deeper connection between Delawareans and their natural surroundings.

In an enchanting blend of creativity and environmental stewardship, the DuPont Nature Center will open its doors for the “Earth Day Kids Crafts” event on Saturday, April 20. Located at 2992 Lighthouse Road, Milford, DE, this family-friendly gathering invites children and their guardians to drop in any time between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own Earth Day-themed creations using recycled materials, all while absorbing valuable lessons on the importance of taking care of our planet. Registration is not required, making it an accessible and spontaneous way for families to engage with Earth Month festivities.

Continuing the Earth Month celebration, the DNREC is also calling on volunteers to roll up their sleeves for the “Slaughter Beach Cleanup” on Earth Day, Monday, April 22. Aspiring conservationists will meet at the Slaughter Beach Pavilion, located at 359 Bay Avenue, Milford, DE. The cleanup effort, which will be presented in two sessions—from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 1 to 2 p.m.—encourages participants to assist DuPont Nature Center naturalists in scouring the beach for trash and debris, thereby protecting the local marine ecosystem. In addition to tidying the shoreline, volunteers will also have the chance to discover fascinating aquatic creatures that call the Delaware Bay home. With trash bags and pickers provided, the event promises a hands-on way to contribute to the health and beauty of one of Delaware’s cherished natural landscapes.

Situated east of Milford near the scenic Slaughter Beach, the DuPont Nature Center serves as a gateway to the Mispillion Harbor, a vital estuary where the Mispillion River and Cedar Creek converge before flowing into the Delaware Bay. The center, which is operational from April through September, is renowned for its educational programs, tours, and field trips that cater to schools, community groups, families, and the general public. The surrounding estuary habitat is a haven for more than 130 species of birds, fish, shellfish, and other wildlife, including the iconic horseshoe crabs and shorebirds, making it a vital area for conservation efforts.

These Earth Month activities underscore the DNREC’s commitment to environmental education and stewardship. By inviting the community to actively participate in conservation efforts, the DNREC hopes to instill a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for protecting our natural world. As Delawareans come together to craft, clean, and learn, these events not only celebrate the beauty of our planet but also highlight the collective action needed to ensure its preservation for generations to come.

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