DNREC Asks Public to Report Sightings of Wild Turkeys

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is again counting on Delawareans to help with the state’s annual productivity survey for wild turkeys. Volunteers assist the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife by collecting information on the continuing distribution and reproductive success of the state’s turkey population, which enables wildlife biologists to efficiently monitor and continue tracking the wild turkey’s ultra-successful reintroduction to the state in the late 20^th century.

The simple method, used by many states across the Northeast, asks survey volunteers, while going about their daily activities, to record and report sightings of turkeys during the survey period, which runs from July 1 through Aug. 31. Upon sighting turkeys, survey volunteers are to record the date, location and number of adult hens (females), gobblers (males) and poults (young of the year) that they have observed.

This year, for the first time, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will be using an online survey form that volunteers will find easier for recording wild turkey sightings. The survey form – found on the de.gov/turkeysurvey webpage – should be submitted by volunteers immediately after new turkey sightings.

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SHERRILL ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $16 MILLION IN ANNUAL GRANTS TO SUPPORT RECYCLING

The Sherrill Administration is awarding $16.2 million in annual grants to help community recycling programs improve their waste reduction and recycling practices, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak announced today.

The award amounts are based on the amount of recycling each community reported during 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. Local recycling programs use grant funds to make improvements to recycling centers, set up household hazardous waste collection events, deploy more public recycling receptacles, maintain leaf composting operations and run recycling education programs. The grants are funded through a $3 per-ton surcharge on trash disposed statewide at solid waste facilities, per the state’s Recycling Enhancement Act.

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DNREC Offers Expanded Assistance for Farmers

n response to increased complaints from Delaware farmers about significant crop damage and anticipated losses from deer, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has expanded its deer damage assistance programs this year and is now offering expedited, direct enrollment in the Extreme Deer Damage Assistance Program (EDDAP). For additional information and how to enroll in these programs, farmers should visit the Department’s Deer Damage Assistance webpage, de.gov/deerdamage.

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TEDI Surpasses 500,000 Trees Planted

TEDI – the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative – recently surpassed the 500,000 trees planted mark or halfway
to the goal of having one million trees planted in Delaware between 2020 and 2030. /Delaware DNREC photo

The state’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) has surpassed 500,000 plantings toward a goal of reaching 1 million by 2030, and has opened the application period for groups and organizations seeking funding for spring 2027 projects.

Eligible applicants include state agencies, conservation districts, counties, non-governmental organizations having 501(c)(3) status, municipalities, public school districts, private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, business entities responsible for corporate campuses and tribal governments.

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Sherrill Administration Invites Public To Battle Of Monmouth Reenactment

In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Sherrill Administration welcomes residents and visitors to attend the annual reenactment of the pivotal Battle of Monmouth at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Monmouth County. The two-day living history event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21.

Family-friendly activities throughout the weekend will include military encampments, cannon and musket-firing demonstrations, children’s musket drills, Colonial-era music, a program about Molly Pitcher and a memorial service hosted by the Sons of the American Revolution. The weekend’s featured event, the Battle of Monmouth reenactment, will take place on both days, recreating one of the largest and longest battles of the Revolutionary War. A full schedule of events is available on the New Jersey State Parks website. “The story of our nation cannot be told without reflecting on the central role our great state played in its formation,” said Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “This year’s reenactment takes on even greater meaning as we celebrate this milestone birthday of America. We encourage the public to come to Monmouth Battlefield this weekend to appreciate the courage and determination of the brave soldiers who fought and died to gain our freedom, as well as the liberty and prosperity that have come to define New Jersey.” “Living history events like the Battle of Monmouth reenactment transform history from words on a page into something people can truly see, hear and experience,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Events like this underscore the importance of preserving New Jersey’s historic sites and passing the stories that unfolded here on to future generations.” A donation of $15 per vehicle is suggested. The annual reenactment is made possible through a partnership with the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield State Park, a New Jersey State Parks Officially Recognized Friends Organization.

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NJDEP FORMALLY ADOPTS SITE REMEDIATION STANDARDS

Affirming the Sherrill Administration’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment from PFAS contamination, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today formally adopted regulations that set site remediation standards for four PFAS compounds – PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. The adoption formalizes interim standards that have been in place since 2022 and 2023.

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PNJ Annual Meeting & Event Notice

We are pleased to invite you to the Preservation New Jersey (PNJ) meeting, July 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

A gathering of members, partners, and preservation advocates from across the state.

This year’s meeting will be held in Somerset County at the historic Hageman Barns, a remarkable 19th-century agricultural complex that stands as a testament to New Jersey’s rural heritage and enduring sense of place. The setting offers a fitting backdrop for reflection on our shared accomplishments and the work still ahead in protecting New Jersey’s irreplaceable historic resources.

During the annual meeting, we will review the organization’s progress over the past year, share updates on key preservation initiatives, and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities facing historic places across the Garden State. Members will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow advocates, partners, and community leaders who are working every day to preserve New Jersey’s history.

For more information and how to register for the meeting, visit our website. (Register Here)

Delaware Brownfield Conference, Hosted by DNREC

Environmental professionals, developers, municipal leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders are invited to register now for the Delaware Brownfield Conference to take place Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. Registration and conference details are available on the de.gov/brownfields webpage.

Hosted by the DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, the conference offers a full day of practical learning, networking and collaboration focused on redevelopment outcomes.

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Mosquito Spraying Throughout Camden County

Early Friday morning, the Mosquito Control Commission will be in the community spraying and surveilling areas throughout Camden County.

“It’s important for residents to be cognizant of any standing water on their property,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission. “Mosquitos need standing water to breed, so you can help keep them off your property by removing water from places like flowerpots and containers. Being proactive has a major impact on the mosquito population and helps the hardworking people at the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission in their efforts.”

Camden County Mosquito Commission will be conducting ULV “spraying” operations on Friday, June 12, 2026, between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the following locations, weather permitting:

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Senate Enviro Cmt. Unanimously Releases Green Acres Bill

Today, the Senate Environment Committee unanimously released S3254 (Mukherji/Greenstein), which prohibits the expenditure of Green Acres funds for the purchase, use, installation, or replacement of artificial turf fields. In recent years, the Green Acres Program has spent millions in public funding on artificial fields, including $10 million in 2023 and another $4 million in 2025. This legislation is essential for protecting our environment and public health, and for ensuring that Green Acres funds are strictly dedicated to conservation and safe recreation.