DNREC provides virtual environmental and educational content

As events and programs are canceled or postponed during Gov. Carney’s emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delawareans to take advantage of its robust collection of online resources.

Viewers can watch live virtual park programs multiple times a week, take a virtual boating course, explore parks and historical areas by video, and more.

Daily Delaware State Parks virtual content allows people to dive into Delaware State Parks from the comfort of home with videos and interactive blog posts shared with the public every day at 11 a.m. Park interpreters provide virtual programs through a new series of videos posted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Delaware State Parks’ Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts.

History lessons, scavenger hunts, virtual hikes and other activities are featured on the Delaware State Parks Adventure Blog every Tuesday and Thursday. In addition, each state park now has a designated day of the week to post special content on its individual Facebook page. All virtual content will remain online for the public to view at any time.

DNREC YouTube Channel allows viewers to explore the world of DNREC through video, from barn owls to snowy owls, Mirror Lake to Massey's Landing, recycling tips and environmental education. DNREC has lots of engaging content to share with kids and adults alike. One recent video is an overview of the Fort Miles area in Cape Henlopen State Park which offers a way to see and learn the history of Delaware’s critical World War II military installation even while tours are not taking place.

In the digital spring edition of Outdoor Delaware magazine, readers can learn about the red knots’ migration from South America to the Delaware Bay, cleaner alternatives to gas-powered cars, and how to create backyard habitats without breaking the bank.

Turkey Hunting Safety classes are available online. Delaware’s annual wild turkey hunting season runs Saturday, April 11, to Saturday, May 9. A special one-day hunt for youth and nonambulatory disabled hunters was offered April 4. Before hunting turkeys in Delaware for the first time, hunters must pass a turkey hunting course approved by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. An online class is now available until Sunday, May 17, on YouTube. After watching the full course, candidates should take a 20-question exam, available on DNREC’s Fish and Wildlife webpage.

Boating Safety Education in-person classes have been canceled. DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife offers four online options to complete the course required for boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1978. 

DNREC also provides online options for doing business with the department during the coronavirus period, including obtaining licenses and permits, attending virtual public hearings, and contacts for various regulatory programs.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Delaware, go to www.de.gov/coronavirus.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, go to www.dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.