Are you looking to rid your house of excess products that are corrosive, explosive, hazardous, or flammable? The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) will gladly take these items off your hands.

Through out the year, DSWA holds household hazardous waste collection events, where citizens can drop off their products to be disposed of properly.

Some items that are accepted include: nail polish, aerosol cans, bleach, fluorescent light bulbs, paint thinners, solvents, pesticides, and pool chemicals.

DSWA asks that you keep the materials in their original packaging and don’t mix products in one container. Also, pack your items separately in absorbent material or triple bag them to prevent spills. Bring rags with you, just in case of an accident.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

Saturday, September 5, 2009
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Curtis Paper Mill site
Paper Mill Road
Newark, DE
New Castle County

Saturday, October 3, 2009
8 a.m. – 4 p.m
Cheswold Collection Station
54 Fork Branch Road
Cheswold, DE
Kent County

Saturday, November 7, 2009
8 a.m. – 4 p.m
Frawley Stadium Parking Lot (Blue Rocks)
801 South Madison Street
Wilmington, DE
New Castle County

All events are held rain or shine.

For a complete list of acceptable items, go to DSWA’s website.

Filed: Events, Green Delaware, Natural Resources, Public Health | Tagged: corrosive, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DSWA, explosive, fluorescent light bulbs, hazardous, hazardous household waste collection | No Comments »

The Delaware Museum of Natural History (DMNH) is seeking high school volunteers to participate in their new Discovery Corps program.

Discovery Corps is an initiative for students between the 10th – 12th grades to earn community service credit, while learning about nature and science.

Students who volunteer for the program are expected to participate in 20 to 40 hours per school year, which include 6 special event shifts and short monthly meetings.

Activities like live animal handling, demonstrations at the “Science in Action Lab”, natural history instruction, and assisting at craft stations during special events are some opportunities which Discovery Corps students will participate.

The experience attained at the museum can be used to fulfill schools’ community service requirements and students can also request a letter of recommendation for their future endeavors.

For more information, visit DMNH’s website. An application can be found in the Volunteer section of the About Us tab.

Applications are also available by contacting Terri Reed, Director of Human Resources and Visitor Services, Delaware Museum of Natural History, P.O. Box 3937, Wilmington, DE 19807 or by calling 302-658-9111 ext. 324.

Submission deadline is September 30, 2009.

Filed: Volunteering Opportunity | Tagged: Delaware Museum of Natural History, Discovery Corps, high school, volunteering | No Comments »

Most of us enjoy spending time at the beach during the summer, so why not volunteer to help keep it clean?

The 24th Annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup, organized by DNREC, will be held on Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, with September 26 as the rain date.

The cleanup is part of the Ocean Conservatory’s International Coastal Cleanup, a global effort to rid waterways of trash, identify sources of pollution and work to reduce or eliminate the problem for the future.

In a 5-year study, the Ocean Conservatory reported that general-source marine debris, trash from both land and ocean-based activities, as increased across the U.S. by more than 5% each year.

In an effort to reduce these numbers, volunteers will record the type and quantity of trash collected during the cleanup. This information, which will be compiled by the Ocean Conservatory, will help identify the sources of pollution and hopefully lead to ways to reduce or eliminate it.

Last year, about 1,700 volunteers pulled over 20,000 lbs of trash from 38 sites across Delaware.

Cleanup efforts will be held in over 40 sites in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties, scattered along the state’s 97-mile coastline. Sites will be located at river and ocean shorelines, wetlands, and other watershed areas.

Volunteers are asked to pre-register online, so they may receive a complimentary t-shirt for their effort provided by Delmarva Power.

The Ocean Conservatory will provide trash bags, data cards, and pencils, while Playtex will supply volunteers with gloves.

Check out more information about the event, sites, and online registration.

Filed: Events, Global, Volunteering Opportunity | Tagged: beach cleanup, DE 24th Annual Coastal Cleanup, Ocean Conservatory, volunteers | No Comments »

The cool, crisp air of autumn is right around the corner, and camping in Delaware’s state parks is a great way to celebrate the season. Along with several programs, the parks are offering a discount for anyone who books three consecutive nights at Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, Trap Pond, or at the cottages at the Indian River Marina.

All you need to do is call the Campground Reservation System (1-877-987-2757) before August 21, 2009, and mention their special promotion code: WEBCAMP89. Schedule your three-night camping trip between September 15 – November 30, 2009, and you will get 33% off your stay.

Keep in mind, if your stay exceeds three nights, you’ll be charged the regular amount for each additional night. The offer excludes reservations made prior to July 21, 2009 or for holiday weeks. You must call in your reservation to be eligible for the discount.

While you’re enjoying the great outdoors, the parks are offering programs that make peak your interest.

Candlelight Ghost Tours of Fort Delaware
September 11, 12, 25, 26
Fort Delaware State Park tour
Camp at Lums Pond State Park

Introduction to Surf Fishing
September 13
October 8, 12
Delaware Seashore State Park

Forest Colors Hayride
October 11, 18
Trap Pond State Park

Killens Pond 4th Annual Fall Festival
October 17
Killens Pond State Park

Scarecrow Stuffing Contest
October 17
Cape Henlopen State Park

21st Children’s Fantasy Trail
October 23, 24, 25
Cape Henlopen State Park

Halloween Camping Weekend
October 30, 31
Lums Pond State Park

For more information about camping at Delaware state parks or the programs they offer, check out their website.

Filed: DE Parks and Recreation, Events, Recreation-Other | Tagged: autumn, camping, Cape Henlopen State Park, DE State Parks, Delaware Seashore State Park, discount, fall, Indian River Marina, Killens Pond State Park, Lums Pond State Park, programs, Trap Pond State Park | No Comments »

Do you enjoy bringing your family to museums, but the cost is a bit much for your wallet? To ease this financial strain, the Delaware Museum of Natural History has dropped their admission fee to $1 for all Tuesdays in August.

With the help of Artisans’ Bank, the Delaware Museum of Natural History encourages guests to check out all their exhibits, including the current special exhibit, Deep Sea Treasures, for a mere buck.

Of course, members of the museum still get in for free.

Mark your calendar, because Dollar Tuesdays are only for the month of August!

Dates: August 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2009

For more information about the museum, check out their website.

Filed: Events | Tagged: $1 admission, 2009, Artisans' Bank, August, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Dollar Tuesdays | No Comments »

If you are looking to commune with nature for free, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) has you in mind. This summer, several free programs will be offered at the St. Jones Reserve in Dover and Blackbird Creek Reserve near Townsend.

Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as you can.

For more information, call 302-739-3436, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Programs (as described by DNERR)

Canoe the St. Jones River

Monday, July 27
12 noon - 2 p.m.

Join a biologist and journey the St. Jones River by canoe to observe the various habitats and wildlife of this fascinating ecosystem. Please wear comfortable clothing. Life jackets will be provided and are required to be worn. Canoeing experience is recommended. Participants must be at least 16 years of age to paddle.

The trip will meet at Scotton Landing off of Irish Hill Road in Dover. Space is limited.

Whose Scat Is That?

Friday, August 7
2 - 3 p.m.

Become a nature sleuth and learn more about how wildlife biologists gather clues and evidence about animal behavior as they examine animal scat, tracks and other signs that animals leave behind. Meet at the St. Jones Reserve. Open to all ages.

Boat Trip on the St. Jones River

Monday, August 24
12 noon - 2 p.m.

Discover the history of the St. Jones River and the St. Jones sub-estuary aboard a 24-foot skiff boat. A naturalist will point out the abundant wildlife - birds, waterfowl, fish, amphibians and reptiles - that will make this expedition an adventure for all ages. The trip will meet at Scotton Landing off of Irish Hill Road in Dover. Space is limited.

Cross Country Habitat Hike along Blackbird Creek

Friday, September 25
9 -11 a.m.

Join a naturalist and hike through wooded areas, meadow habitats, and shrub areas of one of the most ecologically-pristine areas in the state. Bring your binoculars to view the beautiful birds and waterfowl that inhabit the Blackbird Creek Reserve.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Please, no strollers. The hike will meet at the Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road near Townsend.

Filed: Events, Interesting and Unique, Recreation-Other | Tagged: Blackbird Creek Reserve, boat, canoe, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, DNERR, free programs, habitat hike, scat, St. Jones Reserve, St. Jones River | No Comments »

Doggin' Delaware by Doug Gelbert

“The dog days of summer” have a whole new meaning with a guide of the 40 best places to hike with your dog in Delaware.

Doggin’ Delaware: The 40 Best Places to Hike With Your Dog in the First State by University of Delaware alum, Doug Gelbert, is a one-stop read for outdoorsy dog-lovers who are looking for Fido-friendly places to visit.

The parks and natural areas listed in the book can be found throughout the state, from Brandywine Creek State Park up north all the way to Trap Pond State Park down south. Gelbert offers information about each park, conditions to expect, and its dog-friendly traits.

A section dedicated to bringing your dog to the beach explores which beaches allow dogs and when they are permitted. There are tips about how to make the beach experience for you and your furry friend safe and fun.

Along with park specifics, Doggin’ Delaware guides novices on health and hiking issues for their pets while venturing into the great outdoors.

Looking to bring Rex out of Delaware? There are many other Doggin’ books for locations across the country, so there will probably be a guide for your next adventure.

Visit Cruden Bay Books’ website for more information and titles.

Filed: DE Parks and Recreation, Interesting and Unique, Recreation-Other | Tagged: dog, Doggin' Delaware, Doug Gelbert, guide, hiking | No Comments »

According to a survey by The New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica was named the happiest country that’s also uber eco-friendly.

According to the story published by Agence France Presse, “The New Economics Foundation looked at 143 countries that are home to 99 percent of the world’s population and devised an equation that weighed life expectancy and people’s happiness against their environmental impact.”

Although I was warned by a statistics professor that figures can be easily manipulated to present what you want other people to see, it’s a nice thought that a country gives its citizens the “tools” for happiness and considers the environment.

Click here for the full story.

Filed: Global, Interesting and Unique | Tagged: Agence France Presse, Costa Rica, Eco-friendly, Happy, The New Economics Foundation | No Comments »

Previous participants seine the Delaware Bay and get a closer look at all of the Estuarine critters found in the Bay. (Photo courtesy of Partnership for the Delaware Estuary)

Teachers and other educators, get ready to clock over 35 hours of continuing professional education or professional development hours during the 13th Annual Delaware Estuary Watershed Teacher Workshop.

Offered by the Bucks County Conservation District, the Partnership for the Delaware Watershed, and Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks, the workshop will be held from July 20 – 24. Participants will get the opportunity to learn more about the Delaware Watershed through classroom and field experiences.

Attendees will literally get to experience the watershed from its upper portions to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, as they spend three days in Bucks County, one day exploring Philadelphia and New Jersey, and finishing the program with an overnight stay in Lewes, Delaware with free accommodations.

Some of the topics covered include but are not limited to the following:
• Learning the differences between rural and urban watersheds
• Getting up close and personal with horseshoe crabs
• Exploring wetlands and their functions
• Seining for creatures in the bay
• Learning how everyday activities affect the watershed

Eligible participants must either be a K-12 classroom teacher, or an environmental instructor in a school or an organization within the Delaware River Watershed.

Participants are required to pay a fee of $50.

Space is limited to 25 people.

On July 16 from 8:00am-4:00pm at Tyler State Park in Newtown, PA, Teacher Workshop attendees are invited to take a free course titled, Watersheds 101. Anyone who completes Watershed 101 along with the 5-day workshop will receive additional professional hours, a curriculum manual, and access to the Watershed Program.

For more information, please contact Cheryl Jackson at (800) 445-4935, extension 112, or e-mail her at CJackson@DelawareEstuary.org.

A link to the registration form can be found on the website of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.

Filed: Events, Interesting and Unique, Natural Resources | Tagged: 2009 Teacher workshop, Bucks County Conservation District, Delaware Estuary Watershed Teacher Workshop, Delaware River Watershed, PA DCNR Bureau of State Parks, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary | No Comments »

Iron Hill Brewery in Newark, DE (Photo Courtesy of Iron Hill Brewery)

Feeling a bit peckish? Why not go to Iron Hill Brewery in Newark on June 22 and support Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research?

If you present a “Give 20” coupon to your server, Iron Hill will donate 20% of your food bill to Tri-State to help with their rehabilitation, education, and research efforts.

The coupon is only good on June 22 from 5-10 p.m. at the Newark location.

Print out our coupons here, and be sure to pass them out to your friends.

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research was founded over 30 years ago to rehabilitate injured, orphaned, or oiled native birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild when healthy.

Check out their websites for more information:

Iron Hill Brewery

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research

Give 20 Coupon

Filed: Birding, Events, Interesting and Unique, Wildlife Management | Tagged: 2009, Give 20 Coupon, Iron Hill Brewery, June 22, Newark, Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research | No Comments »