NEWS FEED

DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pool Habitats
Date Posted: March 17, 2026

DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week March 16 to 20
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Public Advocate Names New Deputy and Key Staff to Strengthen Consumer Advocacy
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

DOJ secures convictions in the murder of Marell Lowe
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Controlled Burn to be Scheduled at Brandywine Creek State Park
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Governor Meyer Celebrates 125 Years of Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Bring Your Family History to Life at the Archives’ Community Digitization Days
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Registration Now Open for DNREC-Sponsored Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8m to strengthen classroom reading instruction
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day Set for April 4
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Delaware Division of the Arts Seeks Public Input in New Statewide Strategic Planning Process
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire Declared Under Control
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

DNREC Announces 2025-‘26 Deer Harvest Totals, Launches New Interactive Game Harvest Dashboard
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Property Reassessment & Your Insurance: What Really Drives Premium Costs
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Amid Hints of Spring, DNREC Reminds Delawareans of Yard Waste Options, Including Beneficial Reuse
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Returns from India Trade Mission with New Investment and Innovation Opportunities
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Two Cape Henlopen Trails to Close for Repairs
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

DelDOT Accepting Applications for TAP Community Projects
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

Delaware Officials Highlight DTRN360, Innovative Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to stop latest round of illegal tariffs
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Policy Leaders Take Aim at Primary Care Reform, Health Care Affordability
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware students attend U.S. premiere of Glory Ride
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Women and Tavern Keeping on the Dover Green at the Archives’ March First Saturday Program
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointment System Now Open
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Smyrna Building Fire
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Proclaims March 9-13, 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Week
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

The Mezzanine Gallery presents Tanya Bracey’s “Community”
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DSB Launches Online Form to Nominate New Opportunity Zone Census Tracts
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

Attention Ag Insurance Agents: Subsidy issues subject of Monday, March 9 virtual Q&A with USDA Risk Management Agency
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings intervenes in USPS case that would allow guns to be mailed with virtually no limits
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

Delaware Department of Education sets measurable targets to accelerate student achievement statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings blocks another Trump Admin attempt to defund SNAP, collect personal data
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

March 1-7 is Weights and Measures Week in Delaware
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware Entradas a las fiestas para ver los partidos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 saldrán
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

DE Tourism Announces Watch Party Ticket Sales Launch March 5
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware Lt. Gov Gay, Education Secretary Marten celebrate 302 Day with fourth graders
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

DOJ Recognizes National Consumer Protection Week
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Leipsic House Fire
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

DOJ obtains prison sentence for fatal 2022 shooting
Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Issues Statement on the Unanimous Upholding of Senate Bill 21 by the Delaware Supreme Court
Date Posted: February 27, 2026

DSHA announces participants in zoning and land use reform pilot program
Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Signs Executive Order Streamlining State Permitting Regulations
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

DSB Prepares to Deploy Next $20M in SSBCI Funding
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

DNREC Closes The Point at Cape Henlopen March 1 to Protect Nesting, Migrating Birds
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

Natalia Gatti Named 2026 Delaware State Champion for Poetry Out Loud
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

DHSS, DNREC Reopen PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grant Opportunity Through March 27
Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Diverse Histories Virtual Exhibit Launches, Expanding Delaware’s Story Beyond 1776
Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Governor Meyer Terminates Delaware State of Emergency
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Announces 302 Day Service Projects Statewide
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Emergency Shelters Closing
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

DOJ obtains dual prison sentences for 2019 shootings
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

AG Jennings, DOJ employee to accompany Rep. Sarah McBride and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester to State of the Union Address
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Now Open at Delaware State University
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Delaware 250 to Host “Celebrate Delaware” Black-Tie Celebration at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Fee Season to Begin March 1, Kicking off Year-Long 75th Anniversary Celebration at Delaware State Parks
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

State of Delaware Announces 10 a.m. Opening for Kent and Sussex Counties on February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Driving Restrictions Lifted Statewide Effective Immediately
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

State of Delaware Announces Office Operations for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 1 Driving Warning Lifted for New Castle County
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Kent and Sussex County Downgraded to Level 2 Driving Restriction, New Castle County Remains at Level 1 Driving Warning
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Driving Restrictions Update: New Castle County Downgraded to Level 1, Kent and Sussex Counties Remaining at Level 3
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent County, Level 2 Driving Restriction for New Castle County to remain in effect
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 3 Driving Ban Still in Effect for Sussex County
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent and Sussex Counties, Level 2 Driving Restrictions for New Castle County Starting at 10 pm
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

Level 2 Driving Restriction Issued for Kent and Sussex Counties Effective at 9pm.
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

State of Delaware Offices Will Be Closed on Monday, February 23, 2026
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

Level 1 Driving Warning in Effect Statewide
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

State of Emergency Declaration National Guard Activated for Winter Storm Response
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

Significant Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Snow, Strong Winds, and Coastal Flooding to Delaware
Date Posted: February 21, 2026

Downtown Development District Rebate Program opening application process for new District designations
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

DPH Reports Measles Exposure at Nemours Children’s Hospital Emergency Department in Wilmington
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Statement from AG Jennings and Gov. Meyer on victory over Trump tariffs at SCOTUS
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Wilmington DMV Operational Update
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Governor Meyer, DSHA, Apennine celebrate start of new housing in Georgetown
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Delaware Holds Career Fair to Expand Youth Pathways and State Employment Opportunities
Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Spring Pond Trout Season to Open With Youth-Only Day March 7, Followed by Regular Downstate Opener March 8
Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Charter School Accountability Committee recommends revocation of BASSE’s charter
Date Posted: February 18, 2026

Sponsors and meal sites sought for 2026 Summer Food Service Program
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

UPDATE – Dagsboro Explosion 09/30/25
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Join DOC’s Spring 2026 Citizens Academy for an insider’s look at Delaware’s correctional system
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Governor Meyer Orders the Lowering of Flags to Honor the Lives of George Bunting and John Viola; Rev. Jesse Jackson
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Presents Order of the First State to Five Delawareans
Date Posted: February 16, 2026

DOJ secures life sentence in fatal shooting of Dmajah Tickles
Date Posted: February 16, 2026

DPA Calls for Extension of PJM Capacity Price Cap to Protect Consumers
Date Posted: February 13, 2026

Delaware School Safety Center Hosts School Security Officer Training for Delaware School Constables
Date Posted: February 13, 2026

Delaware Tourism Announces World Cup 2026 Partnership & Plans
Date Posted: February 12, 2026

LEADelaware welcomes 11 new members for Class VIII, celebrates Class VII graduation
Date Posted: February 12, 2026

Hawkins selected as 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Recipient
Date Posted: February 12, 2026

Department of Correction launches enhanced community notification system
Date Posted: February 11, 2026

Delaware Announces Second Annual “Futures in the Arts” Celebration Announced
Date Posted: February 11, 2026

Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium to Create a Comprehensive State of the State of Perinatal Health Report
Date Posted: February 10, 2026

DPH to Host Summit on Building Healthy, Strong Communities in Delaware
Date Posted: February 10, 2026

DE Libraries Celebrate 2026 Blue Hen Book Award Winners
Date Posted: February 9, 2026

State of Delaware Opens Initial RFPS to Transform Rural Health Care
Date Posted: February 9, 2026

Delaware Department of Labor Marks Successful Paid Leave Launch in January
Date Posted: February 9, 2026

NEWS FEED

DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pool Habitats
Date Posted: March 17, 2026

DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week March 16 to 20
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Public Advocate Names New Deputy and Key Staff to Strengthen Consumer Advocacy
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

DOJ secures convictions in the murder of Marell Lowe
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Controlled Burn to be Scheduled at Brandywine Creek State Park
Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Governor Meyer Celebrates 125 Years of Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Bring Your Family History to Life at the Archives’ Community Digitization Days
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Registration Now Open for DNREC-Sponsored Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8m to strengthen classroom reading instruction
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day Set for April 4
Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Delaware Division of the Arts Seeks Public Input in New Statewide Strategic Planning Process
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire Declared Under Control
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

DNREC Announces 2025-‘26 Deer Harvest Totals, Launches New Interactive Game Harvest Dashboard
Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Property Reassessment & Your Insurance: What Really Drives Premium Costs
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Amid Hints of Spring, DNREC Reminds Delawareans of Yard Waste Options, Including Beneficial Reuse
Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Returns from India Trade Mission with New Investment and Innovation Opportunities
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals
Date Posted: March 9, 2026

Two Cape Henlopen Trails to Close for Repairs
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

DelDOT Accepting Applications for TAP Community Projects
Date Posted: March 6, 2026

Delaware Officials Highlight DTRN360, Innovative Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to stop latest round of illegal tariffs
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Policy Leaders Take Aim at Primary Care Reform, Health Care Affordability
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware students attend U.S. premiere of Glory Ride
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Women and Tavern Keeping on the Dover Green at the Archives’ March First Saturday Program
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointment System Now Open
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Smyrna Building Fire
Date Posted: March 5, 2026

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Proclaims March 9-13, 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Week
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

The Mezzanine Gallery presents Tanya Bracey’s “Community”
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

DSB Launches Online Form to Nominate New Opportunity Zone Census Tracts
Date Posted: March 4, 2026

Attention Ag Insurance Agents: Subsidy issues subject of Monday, March 9 virtual Q&A with USDA Risk Management Agency
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings intervenes in USPS case that would allow guns to be mailed with virtually no limits
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

Delaware Department of Education sets measurable targets to accelerate student achievement statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2026

AG Jennings blocks another Trump Admin attempt to defund SNAP, collect personal data
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

March 1-7 is Weights and Measures Week in Delaware
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware Entradas a las fiestas para ver los partidos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 saldrán
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

DE Tourism Announces Watch Party Ticket Sales Launch March 5
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Delaware Lt. Gov Gay, Education Secretary Marten celebrate 302 Day with fourth graders
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

DOJ Recognizes National Consumer Protection Week
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Leipsic House Fire
Date Posted: March 2, 2026

DOJ obtains prison sentence for fatal 2022 shooting
Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Issues Statement on the Unanimous Upholding of Senate Bill 21 by the Delaware Supreme Court
Date Posted: February 27, 2026

DSHA announces participants in zoning and land use reform pilot program
Date Posted: February 27, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Signs Executive Order Streamlining State Permitting Regulations
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

DSB Prepares to Deploy Next $20M in SSBCI Funding
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

DNREC Closes The Point at Cape Henlopen March 1 to Protect Nesting, Migrating Birds
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

Natalia Gatti Named 2026 Delaware State Champion for Poetry Out Loud
Date Posted: February 26, 2026

DHSS, DNREC Reopen PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grant Opportunity Through March 27
Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Diverse Histories Virtual Exhibit Launches, Expanding Delaware’s Story Beyond 1776
Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Governor Meyer Terminates Delaware State of Emergency
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Announces 302 Day Service Projects Statewide
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Emergency Shelters Closing
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

DOJ obtains dual prison sentences for 2019 shootings
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

AG Jennings, DOJ employee to accompany Rep. Sarah McBride and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester to State of the Union Address
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Now Open at Delaware State University
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Delaware 250 to Host “Celebrate Delaware” Black-Tie Celebration at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Fee Season to Begin March 1, Kicking off Year-Long 75th Anniversary Celebration at Delaware State Parks
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

State of Delaware Announces 10 a.m. Opening for Kent and Sussex Counties on February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

Driving Restrictions Lifted Statewide Effective Immediately
Date Posted: February 24, 2026

State of Delaware Announces Office Operations for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 1 Driving Warning Lifted for New Castle County
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Kent and Sussex County Downgraded to Level 2 Driving Restriction, New Castle County Remains at Level 1 Driving Warning
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Driving Restrictions Update: New Castle County Downgraded to Level 1, Kent and Sussex Counties Remaining at Level 3
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent County, Level 2 Driving Restriction for New Castle County to remain in effect
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 3 Driving Ban Still in Effect for Sussex County
Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent and Sussex Counties, Level 2 Driving Restrictions for New Castle County Starting at 10 pm
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

Level 2 Driving Restriction Issued for Kent and Sussex Counties Effective at 9pm.
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

State of Delaware Offices Will Be Closed on Monday, February 23, 2026
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

Level 1 Driving Warning in Effect Statewide
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

State of Emergency Declaration National Guard Activated for Winter Storm Response
Date Posted: February 22, 2026

Significant Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Snow, Strong Winds, and Coastal Flooding to Delaware
Date Posted: February 21, 2026

Downtown Development District Rebate Program opening application process for new District designations
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

DPH Reports Measles Exposure at Nemours Children’s Hospital Emergency Department in Wilmington
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Statement from AG Jennings and Gov. Meyer on victory over Trump tariffs at SCOTUS
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Wilmington DMV Operational Update
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Governor Meyer, DSHA, Apennine celebrate start of new housing in Georgetown
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Delaware Holds Career Fair to Expand Youth Pathways and State Employment Opportunities
Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Spring Pond Trout Season to Open With Youth-Only Day March 7, Followed by Regular Downstate Opener March 8
Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Charter School Accountability Committee recommends revocation of BASSE’s charter
Date Posted: February 18, 2026

Sponsors and meal sites sought for 2026 Summer Food Service Program
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

UPDATE – Dagsboro Explosion 09/30/25
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Join DOC’s Spring 2026 Citizens Academy for an insider’s look at Delaware’s correctional system
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Governor Meyer Orders the Lowering of Flags to Honor the Lives of George Bunting and John Viola; Rev. Jesse Jackson
Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer Presents Order of the First State to Five Delawareans
Date Posted: February 16, 2026

DOJ secures life sentence in fatal shooting of Dmajah Tickles
Date Posted: February 16, 2026

DPA Calls for Extension of PJM Capacity Price Cap to Protect Consumers
Date Posted: February 13, 2026

Delaware School Safety Center Hosts School Security Officer Training for Delaware School Constables
Date Posted: February 13, 2026

Delaware Tourism Announces World Cup 2026 Partnership & Plans
Date Posted: February 12, 2026

LEADelaware welcomes 11 new members for Class VIII, celebrates Class VII graduation
Date Posted: February 12, 2026

Hawkins selected as 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award Recipient
Date Posted: February 12, 2026

Department of Correction launches enhanced community notification system
Date Posted: February 11, 2026

Delaware Announces Second Annual “Futures in the Arts” Celebration Announced
Date Posted: February 11, 2026

Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium to Create a Comprehensive State of the State of Perinatal Health Report
Date Posted: February 10, 2026

DPH to Host Summit on Building Healthy, Strong Communities in Delaware
Date Posted: February 10, 2026

DE Libraries Celebrate 2026 Blue Hen Book Award Winners
Date Posted: February 9, 2026

State of Delaware Opens Initial RFPS to Transform Rural Health Care
Date Posted: February 9, 2026

Delaware Department of Labor Marks Successful Paid Leave Launch in January
Date Posted: February 9, 2026

Delaware News

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DNREC and the Delaware Department of Agriculture will conduct a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park to encourage the growth of native wildflowers and grasses and create nesting habitats for grassland birds and pollinators./ DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is partnering with the Delaware Department of Agriculture on a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park in March or April to manage 27 acres of meadows near the park entrance to encourage the growth of native plants and create suitable habitat for wildlife.

While much of the natural area managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation is forested, Brandywine Creek State Park is known for its vast meadow views divided by blue gneiss stone walls. The last controlled burn at the park was held in March 2024 near the nature center.

Prescribed burning is a meadow management technique which mimics natural fire and is used periodically in place of annual mowing to reset ecological succession of meadows before they become forest. Additionally, this controlled burn will encourage the growth of native wildflowers and warm season grasses and create nesting habitats for grassland birds like the eastern bluebird and common yellowthroat, native pollinators like the orange sulphur and monarch butterflies, and other grassland-dependent animals.

The Division of Parks and Recreation is coordinating with the DNREC Division of Air Quality and the DDA Forest Service to perform the burn on a single day, to be determined by weather, personnel availability and open burning approval. Brandywine Creek State Park will be closed to the public on the date of the burn. Once those details are known, they will be announced on the park’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

For more information on how DNREC and its partners use controlled and prescribed burns, see the Outdoor Delaware article, “ Prescribed Burns Help Delaware Manage Habitat and Prevent Wildfires.”

About DNREC
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. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina.  For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Celebrating A Milestone Year Delaware State Parks is celebrating 75 years of outdoor adventures and lasting memories. What began in 1951 with three parks has grown into a system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina — together protecting more than 27,000 acres. In 2026, the division will honor the people, parks and partners who built this legacy and invite visitors to join in inspiring exploration, discovery and a deeper connection to the outdoors for generations to come. ****

Media contact: Beth Kuhles-Heiney, elizabeth.kuhlesheiney@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

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DNREC and the Delaware Department of Agriculture will conduct a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park to encourage the growth of native wildflowers and grasses and create nesting habitats for grassland birds and pollinators./ DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation photo

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is partnering with the Delaware Department of Agriculture on a controlled burn at Brandywine Creek State Park in March or April to manage 27 acres of meadows near the park entrance to encourage the growth of native plants and create suitable habitat for wildlife.

While much of the natural area managed by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation is forested, Brandywine Creek State Park is known for its vast meadow views divided by blue gneiss stone walls. The last controlled burn at the park was held in March 2024 near the nature center.

Prescribed burning is a meadow management technique which mimics natural fire and is used periodically in place of annual mowing to reset ecological succession of meadows before they become forest. Additionally, this controlled burn will encourage the growth of native wildflowers and warm season grasses and create nesting habitats for grassland birds like the eastern bluebird and common yellowthroat, native pollinators like the orange sulphur and monarch butterflies, and other grassland-dependent animals.

The Division of Parks and Recreation is coordinating with the DNREC Division of Air Quality and the DDA Forest Service to perform the burn on a single day, to be determined by weather, personnel availability and open burning approval. Brandywine Creek State Park will be closed to the public on the date of the burn. Once those details are known, they will be announced on the park’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

For more information on how DNREC and its partners use controlled and prescribed burns, see the Outdoor Delaware article, “ Prescribed Burns Help Delaware Manage Habitat and Prevent Wildfires.”

About DNREC
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. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina.  For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Celebrating A Milestone Year Delaware State Parks is celebrating 75 years of outdoor adventures and lasting memories. What began in 1951 with three parks has grown into a system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo and the Indian River Marina — together protecting more than 27,000 acres. In 2026, the division will honor the people, parks and partners who built this legacy and invite visitors to join in inspiring exploration, discovery and a deeper connection to the outdoors for generations to come. ****

Media contact: Beth Kuhles-Heiney, elizabeth.kuhlesheiney@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

Print

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.