Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR)

10/17/2026

The Blackbird Creek Fall Festival is still on for today! Unfortunately, it is too wet to run the hayrides, but there is still plenty of family friendly fun to have. Stop by and complete our scavenger hunt, get your face painted, put together a kids craft, listen to music and more. Hope to see you in just a few hours!

10/10/2026

Our Blackbird Creek Fall Fest is one week away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food, educational and artisan vendors, face painting and kids' crafts, a hayride and much more! We hope to see you there! No admission fee!

10/09/2026

Check out the new John Dickinson Plantation visitor center tomorrow and check out Revolutionary Trades Day! When you’re done, stop next door to see us. We will be open from 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE!

The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) cordially invites you to the John Dickinson Plantation Visitor Center Opening and Ribbon Cutting.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Where: 250 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901

We are thrilled to open this new facility, which features dedicated community meeting space and exciting educational opportunities. The grand opening will mark the debut of our new exhibition, “One Land Many Voices.”

Following the ceremony, we invite you to stay and enjoy Revolutionary Trades Day, running from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to celebrating with you!

09/24/2026

While the white-tailed deer and the squirrel were both very interested as to what we had placed in their habitat, neither of them took the big bite. It also wasn't our researcher who was running late for lunch and needed a quick snack. It turned out to be the raccoon! Raccoons are known to be rather curious and like to investigate new things that they come across! Now our research team just has to figure out how to raccoon proof our soundscape boxes.

09/23/2026

We need your help solving a mystery! Our research team has been hard at work collecting soundscape data to tell us a little more about what our ecosystem sounds like. When they went out to collect the box, the microphone had been chomped! We've narrowed it down to a few culprits. Can you guess who took a bite out of our equipment?

09/20/2026

Volunteer with DNERR as we plant native trees in Blackbird Creek Reserve! As part of DNERR’s restoration efforts we are holding a tree planting event at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, Nov. 7 from 9-11 a.m. We ask that you bring a pair of gloves with you to this event. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult. For all questions or for more information, contact us at [email protected]. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

09/19/2026

Every September, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association joins with other organizations to celebrate National Estuaries Week. Here at the DNERR, we welcome anyone who wants to and visit, enjoy, learn about, and protect our amazing estuaries.

09/16/2026

Learn all about native trees and how to differentiate them in this tree workshop! Join our education team at Blackbird Creek Reserve on September 23, 5-6 p.m., as we take you through our native tree plot to explore the differences and similarities among the trees you may see around Delaware. An adult must accompany children under 18. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Please bring your own water bottle and wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Check the comments to register!

09/14/2026

Here’s a sneak peek at DNREC staff kicking off preparations for the Delaware Coastal Cleanup!

On Sept. 10, staff gathered at Blackbird Creek Reserve to pack supplies for each cleanup site ahead of the big day.

We’re looking forward to joining volunteers across the state on Saturday, Sept. 19, to help clean up Delaware’s beaches, waterways and natural areas.

09/11/2026

Looking for something new to do this weekend? Take a stroll, enjoy the wetlands scenery, learn something new, and discover what makes the St. Jones Reserve so special this Saturday, 8-4 p.m.