During a stop at the Delaware Agriculture Education & Commodities Building at the Delaware State Fair, Governor John Carney announced an additional 3,827 acres on 54 farms are now permanently preserved for future generations.

TOWNSEND, Del. (September 7, 2022) – Volunteers are needed to plant 2,000 hardwood seedlings along the Cypress Branch at Blackbird State Forest on Saturday, September 17 to provide scenic beauty, enhance wildlife habitat, fight invasive species, and improve water quality in the critical Chesapeake Bay Watershed. State Forester Michael Valenti said, “Planting trees is a […]

DOVER, Del. (October 4, 2022) – The Delaware Forest Service has detected approximately 825 acres of defoliation around the Cypress Swamp, Gumboro, and the Nanticoke Wildlife Area due to gypsy moths, as compared to 2021 with only about 12 acres impacted by this invasive pest. Trees most threatened from defoliation by the gypsy moth, also […]

DOVER, Del. (November 4, 2022) – Delaware’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is now accepting applications for up to $5,000 in matching grants for tree planting and management projects on public land and community open space. Urban and community grants are open to all Delaware municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits, including schools and churches. […]

Five projects will receive a combined $60,000 in grant funding for tree plantings as part of Delaware’s Tree For Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI), the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and initiative partners announced today.

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values, civic pride, and reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.

During the first day of Delaware Ag Week, the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program Administrator Chris Brosch presented three honorees with the 2022 Delaware Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is accepting proposals for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The federal Farm Bill is allotting approximately $340,000 through a competitive grant process to fund innovative projects supporting specialty crops and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. DDA will accept applications through March 24, 2023.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is accepting applications through May 1, 2023, for a new Poultry House Demolition Assistance Program announced today. The program provides cost-share assistance to remove old poultry houses past their useful life.

DOVER, Del. (April 19, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is hosting the Fourteenth Annual DAEE Environmental Education Conference on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Brandywine Springs Elementary, Wilmington, DE. This year’s conference theme, “Nature’s Best Hope, Our Role as Educators” will showcase a full day of sessions intended to connect people with nature, integrate […]

DOVER, Del. (May 2, 2023) – On the morning of Saturday, April 29, the Delaware Forest Service celebrated Arbor Day with an extensive tree planting surrounding the Peters Scout Camp/Peters Tract at Blackbird State Forest, along with our 2023 Arbor Day Poster Contest winners and their families. With support from the Forest Initiative Fund (FIF), […]

DOVER, Del. (May 11, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is partnering with the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service (DFS) to plant over 12,100 trees in support of the Forest Initiative Fund (FIF). FIF was created by the DFS to help address water quality, air quality, and overall life for all […]

DOVER, Del. (May 19, 2023) – The Delaware Tree Stewards, housed under the Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Program, is offering a four-session training, geared toward participants living in both New Castle County and Sussex County, Delaware. Participants will be equipped with skills to be able to work with neighbors, organizations and local public […]

On June 1, a new regulation was published in the Delaware Register of Regulations (Volume 26, Issue 12) listing potbellied pigs and feral swine of any kind as invasive. The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is providing a 30-day grace period for potbellied pig owners to apply for an Invasive Animal Permit. Owners have until August 12 to submit an application and comply with 3 DE Admin. Code 906 Possession, Sale, or Exhibition of Non-Native and Invasive Animal Species.

More than 40 Delaware potbellied pig owners have applied for an Invasive Animal Permit since the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) notified residents last week of the new regulation, 3 DE Admin. Code 906 Possession, Sale, or Exhibition of Non-Native and Invasive Animal Species, listing potbellied pigs and feral swine of any kind as invasive. One of the biggest concerns for these owners is the visible identification ear tag their animals must have to comply with the regulation.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) today announced it is awarding $665,872 in funding to 12 projects through the First State Food System Program. The program, managed by the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy, strengthens the local food system by supporting the broad food supply chain spectrum.

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware the first time for 2023 in a sentinel chicken, DNREC announced today.

The Delaware Forest Service has launched a new online portal for reserving campsites and other venues on state forestland. Applicants can make reservations for primitive tent camping, rent the Lodge at Redden State Forest and reserve the pavilions. Additional campsites at Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest are also now open to the public.

With the announcement of the 27th round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, Delaware has reached a new milestone, permanently preserving 151,257 acres of farmland.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is issuing an alert regarding green iguanas that the public may have won as a prize at the Apple Scrapple Festival this year. Anyone who is not prepared to keep these reptiles, are asked to contact the Department so the iguanas can be placed in the care of one of the many reptile rescue and rehabilitation centers within the state.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture reminds any farmers who have yet to enroll their property as a farmland preservation district that October 31, 2023, is the deadline to be eligible for 2024 preservation funding.

The Office of the State Veterinarian announced Delaware has had five confirmed cases and one suspected case of West Nile Virus (WNV) recently reported in Delaware horses. These are the first Delaware cases of WNV in horses in 2023, with the cases occurring between September 9 and October 16, 2023.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry owners, including commercial producers and backyard flock owners, to take precautions to protect their flocks from disease after a commercial broiler flock in Caroline County, Maryland, was preliminarily confirmed to have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Further confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending.

Following an extensive application and interview process, LEADelaware has seated 12 fellows representing Delaware’s agriculture industry, who will begin a 2-year journey to develop leadership skills within the food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The program offers unique learning opportunities where fellows will do site visits, attend seminars and expert panels, and participate in team activities and workshops. At the end of the program, the cohort will go on an international agriculture study trip to be determined in 2025.

DOVER, Del. (December 13, 2023) – The Delaware Association for Environmental Education (DAEE) is holding its 15th Annual Conference with a focus on “Nature Access for All!” on February 24, 2024, at Fred Fifer III Middle School in Camden. The keynote speaker will be Dr. McKay Jenkins, noted author and University of Delaware professor. Todd […]

Delaware’s agricultural industry looks forward to attending the annual Delaware Ag Week at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington from January 8 – 11, 2024. “Ag Week is the largest venue where Delaware farmers, agribusinesses, and subject matter experts can network and learn about the latest innovations and research that will impact them in the upcoming growing season,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse.

The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to execute a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park in February or March. This prescribed burn will help manage nearly 30 acres of meadowland near the park’s nature center.

The Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) is making significant progress toward the goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030. The initiative has awarded funding to seven new projects, which will push the total count beyond 200,000 trees this year.

DOVER, Del. (April 22, 2024) – The Delaware Forest Service hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Col. John Haslet Chapter in Dover, and other volunteers to establish a memorial plot dedicated to former State Forester Walter F. Gabel, who served in this role from 1974 to 1991. “We are excited about this DAR […]

Surrounded by family members, teachers, legislators, and cabinet officials, a dozen school-aged children from across Delaware were honored during the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day celebration held on April 26 at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center for their artistic abilities, depicting this year’s theme of “Trees are Terrific…For Outdoor Adventures!”

Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware state flag at State facilities be lowered to half staff on Monday, August 31 in observance of Overdose Awareness Day. The Governor’s order only applies to State facilities, however local governments, businesses and Delawareans flying the Delaware state flag are encouraged to participate as well. The Delaware state […]

By a joint resolution approved by Congress on 12/18/2001, (Public Law 107-89) September 11th of each year has been designated as “Patriot Day”. This law also directs flags be lowered to half-staff on September 11th. In concurrence with this joint resolution, Governor Carney has ordered the U. S. and Delaware flags be flown at half-staff […]

In accordance with 29 Del. C. §6332, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will hold virtual public hearings from November 9, 2020 through November 20, 2020 to review and take public comment on each state agency’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget request. A complete calendar of these virtual public hearings can be found here Notification […]

In accordance with 29 Del. C. §6332, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will hold virtual public hearings from November 9, 2020 through November 20, 2020 to review and take public comment on each state agency’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget request. A complete calendar of these virtual public hearings can be found here Notification […]

Fourth annual report highlights State accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the fourth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February of 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, and provide […]

President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on February 26, 2021 in memory of the more than 500,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state buildings and […]

President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 22, 2021 in honor and remembrance of the victims of the shooting in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware flags at state […]

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on March 27, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both […]

As sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol on Friday, April 2, 2021, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on April 6, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney […]

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on April 20, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both […]

As a mark of respect for Vice President Walter F. Mondale and his life of service to our Nation, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.  In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. […]

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on May 26, 2021, in San Jose, California, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on May 30, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney has ordered […]

Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared through his signing of SJR4. We encourage local governments, businesses and Delawareans to do the same to promote awareness of overdose prevention and acknowledge all who have suffered the […]

By a joint resolution approved by Congress on 12/18/2001, (Public Law 107-89) September 11th of each year has been designated as “Patriot Day.” This law also directs flags be lowered to half-staff on September 11th. In concurrence with this joint resolution, Governor Carney has ordered the U. S. and Delaware flags be flown at half-staff […]

In observance of the 40th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and in accordance with Public Law 107-51, Governor Carney has ordered both the American and Delaware flags be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from sunrise to sunset.

In observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a time to honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world, Governor Carney in conjunction with President Biden, has ordered both […]

Fifth annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney released the fifth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, […]

In conjunction with President Biden, Governor Carney has extended the order lowering both the American and Delaware flags to half-staff at all State buildings and facilities until sunset on Saturday, December 11, 2021 as a mark of respect for the passing of former U.S. Senator Robert Joseph Dole.

In recognition of the passing of former State Senator Robert “Bob” L. Venables, Sr. and former State Senator and Representative Winifred Theodora “Winnie” Spence, Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff through Sunday, January 2 as a mark of respect for their service to the State […]