DNREC Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program

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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.

Fall is here and the glasswort is turning red. Also known as pickleweed or marsh samphire, the leaves of this plant are ...
10/19/2026

Fall is here and the glasswort is turning red.

Also known as pickleweed or marsh samphire, the leaves of this plant are edible and have been harvested for centuries for culinary, industrial and medicinal uses.

Its physical characteristics are quite interesting, as it is a low-growing succulent with fleshy, branched stems that appear to be fused together. Enjoy them raw, cooked or pickled — the salty red leaves are especially delicious and pair perfectly with lemony fish, rich meats or a citrus-based salad. Embrace the season’s finest flavors!

Working with the Wetlands Stewardship Act: Wetlands Regulatory Advisory Committee (WRAC)The WRAC was created by the Dela...
10/15/2026

Working with the Wetlands Stewardship Act: Wetlands Regulatory Advisory Committee (WRAC)

The WRAC was created by the Delaware General Assembly to guide implementation of the Wetlands Stewardship Act which establishes Delaware’s first comprehensive state program to protect non-tidal, or freshwater, wetlands. The Committee is tasked with assisting DNREC in amending the existing regulations, reviewing the first three years of implementation of those regulations, and providing a final report with recommendations for legislative or regulatory improvements to the wetlands program. One of our team members is an integral part of the WRAC and provides key insight on wetlands in Delaware for the committee - we're excited to see what the future holds!

https://dnrec.delaware.gov/water/boards/wetlands-regulatory-advisory-committee/

Ever wonder why spot fish make that croaking sound? These little vertebrates use their swim bladder like a drum, creatin...
10/11/2026

Ever wonder why spot fish make that croaking sound? These little vertebrates use their swim bladder like a drum, creating sounds to communicate — especially during spawning season. Spot prefer our coastal waters and estuaries, where they play an important role in the food web. They're a favorite meal for larger fish, birds, and yes, anglers too. These small fish might not be flashy, but they're essential players in Delaware's aquatic ecosystems, helping to keep our waterways balanced and healthy.

10/07/2026

This muskrat was cruisin'! We spotted our favorite aquatic rodent swimming along a small creek in a tidal wetland. Though only seen for a few seconds, our team was pleased to snag a quick video along the way.

Throwback to our early field days - fashion may have changed, but the passion for exploring wetlands stays the same! Alw...
10/03/2026

Throwback to our early field days - fashion may have changed, but the passion for exploring wetlands stays the same! Always expect the unexpected in the great outdoors.

Just because summer is over doesn't mean the rules change. Be sure to obey all waterway regulations and practice respons...
09/29/2026

Just because summer is over doesn't mean the rules change. Be sure to obey all waterway regulations and practice responsible recreational activities when enjoying our natural resources. Delaware's wetlands will thank you!

Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower. This native perennial brightens up swamps, riverine wetlands and freshwater mar...
09/25/2026

Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower. This native perennial brightens up swamps, riverine wetlands and freshwater marshes across Delaware with its stunning red blooms from July to October.

Growing anywhere from three to six feet high, it was easy for us to spot this species against the green foliage while in the deep woods. It's a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a lovely addition to any garden with damp soil - perfect for spots near pond edges, wetlands or rain gardens.

We brake for terrapins, and so should you. When traversing any of our roadways, be sure to give turtles crossing the roa...
09/21/2026

We brake for terrapins, and so should you. When traversing any of our roadways, be sure to give turtles crossing the road a "brake". Keep an eye out for any turtle (or wildlife!) species attempting to make it across during these late warmer months.

That's a wrap! Our 2026 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) is officially complete. These intensive surveys hel...
09/17/2026

That's a wrap! Our 2026 National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) is officially complete. These intensive surveys help us understand the health of our wetlands while learning the key stressors impacting them at a national and regional scale. The NWCA sampling is conducted every five years and is designed as a network that provides estimates of ecological condition from random points in wetlands across the country. Our team got their boots muddy exploring tidal and non-tidal sites in all three counties - science in action! The complied results will be exciting, but for now we rest our bodies and look forward to 2031.

Click the link below to learn more about NWCA.
https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/what-national-wetland-condition-assessment

Sometimes the smallest things in life have the biggest impacts. Seeds often go under the radar in the natural world, but...
09/13/2026

Sometimes the smallest things in life have the biggest impacts. Seeds often go under the radar in the natural world, but are essential for reproduction, survival, and genetic diversity for most of the plant life on Earth. From agriculture to ecological balances, medicine to conservation and restoration - it all starts with a seed. Our Delaware DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship is researching how we can collect and store seeds, such as this softstem bulrush, for our various wetland-related projects.

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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