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Celebrate Earth Day with Delaware State Parks!

 
Earth Day is Thursday, April 22, so come out to your favorite state park and celebrate Earth with us! Read a special story about the trails at Alapocas Run State Park or go for a forest hike at Cape Henlopen State Park. There will always be opportunities to appreciate Delaware’s unique natural resources.

If you are at home, you can still get involved by cleaning up litter in your neighborhood, planting native plants in your garden, or pulling up an online program. Check out the Brandywine Zoo’s Virtual Party for the Planet or tune in to Brandywine Creek’s Facebook page for a special Terrific Toddlers. As always, visit the Parks Programs page.
Find a Park Near You
Earth Day Video Contest
 
DNREC is hosting a video contest to educate and engage youth about the importance of environmental protection and inspire them to be part of the solution to address climate change.
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Outdoor Activities to do this Spring

Spring is an exciting time at Delaware State Parks! The weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. We know that finding activities to take part in during this pandemic can be challenging.  Here are some outdoor activities to do this spring during COVID-19.
Learn more »
Find COVID-19 Updates and Safety Information

Earth Month at the Brandywine Zoo
 

The Brandywine Zoo is gearing up for one of our biggest Earth Month celebrations ever!

We’ve recently expanded into live virtual events and virtual programming and we’re taking that to the max this April. On April 22, we’ll be celebrating Earth Day around the world as we lead you on a virtual adventure through the habitats and ecosystems our animals occupy in their home countries. Join us for these exciting events to celebrate the diversity of wildlife and nature around the globe!

We are also offering free content all month long on our social media! Our fantastic Earth Month Sustainability Series will air episodes every Monday and Friday in April on environmental problems facing our planet and ways you can help. If you’re a teacher tuning into this free series, you can purchase research activities for your students to accompany all nine episodes for just $10. We hope everyone joins us for this dive into our planet’s amazing biodiversity and how we can all come together to make sure we preserve our planet Earth!

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70 Years of Delaware State Parks
 

Since 1951, Delaware State Parks have grown to include seventeen parks, five campgrounds, 150+ miles of trails, historic sites, a zoo, and much more.

To celebrate our 70th anniversary, we want to hear YOUR stories of the meaningful experiences you have had in Delaware State Parks. We will be sharing your stories throughout the year and everyone who submits a story will be entered to win a special anniversary giveaway.


Learn more» 

Making a Bustle Dress for a Victorian Picnic
 

Rachel Sheffield, one of First State Heritage Park’s historical interpreters and historic clothing coordinator, has spent the last few months researching, designing, and sewing gowns from the 1880s for FSHP’s planned Victorian Picnic special event this summer on June 12. The picnic will be set in 1885 and take place on the historic Dover Green, complete with boxed lunches, lawn games, and a live brass band. To add to the ambiance of the event, Rachel has been tasked with creating historically-accurate reproduction clothing for herself and her coworkers.

The 1880s were an extravagant time in the history of fashion. Bodices were tight, skirts included “shelf-like protrusions” over the backside, and accessories abounded. To recreate such a look, extensive research was done, with photographs and illustrated fashion plates being used as reference points. While the designs she drafted aren’t exact recreations, Rachel says that “By using patterns drafted from extant garments [garments made in the 1880s] and taking inspiration from fashion plates, we can create a gown that could have existed in 1885.”

Above is the fashion plate that most inspired the gown for Madi, one of FSHP’s interpreters. It’s from the fashion magazine Journal des Demoiselles in 1885. Next to it is Rachel’s interpretation of the gown using patterns from the company Truly Victorian.

Follow First State Heritage Park on Facebook >>

Sign Up for Summer Camps

Delaware State Parks’ camps provide opportunities for children ages 4 to 15 to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, learn more about their favorite subjects and practice recreational skills such as rock climbing, paddling and fishing. With camps offered throughout the state and a variety of activities, your child is sure to have a great experience no matter which park you pick! Full camps are noted at the bottom of the webpage. View full details and download a registration packet to get registered today.

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Hiking Trails at Bellevue State Park

Located in Northern Delaware, just outside of downtown Wilmington, Bellevue State Park is a 328 acre, former DuPont estate. This urban oasis offers more than four miles of easy hiking trails, suitable for all ages, that provide a glimpse into living like royalty. Check out these trails on your next outdoor adventure to Bellevue State Park!

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Intern with DE State Parks

Looking to jumpstart your career? If yes, then apply now for an Internship with Delaware State Parks! The Internship Program provides opportunities for qualified students and career-focused graduates to apply learned theory and experience to practical situations and to observe an organization first-hand. Interns in the program engage in education, management, administration, and environmental stewardship activities to increase and promote the environmental awareness of our visitors.

Learn more»

We're recruiting for our 2021 Beach Patrol! 
 

The Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol is an elite group of men and women responsible for ocean rescue and beach safety at Delaware's award-winning state park beaches. Our beach patrol members receive advanced, nationally certified training, work in some of the most beautiful locations in the state, meet lifelong friends, compete in lifeguard competitions, and serve the people of Delaware, all while getting paid and having fun! All training is provided. 

If you (or someone you know) are interested in joining the beach patrol, the first step is to sign up for one of our scheduled tryouts.

Learn more >>

Work With Parks this Summer

Do you enjoy working with people in your favorite places? If so, a job with Delaware State Parks might be just what you’re looking for! Gain hands-on experience in animal care, historical interpretation, conservation, children’s activities, or even camp counseling.

To view all our open positions, click here.
 

Share Your Feedback on Programs
 

Have you participated in any of our interpretive programs? We have a new digital form that allows you to share your feedback on our programs in a safe, easy way. You can tell us what you liked, how we can improve and what you would like to see offered in the future.

Fill out the program feedback form» 

How to Mindfully Experience DE State Parks and Practice Social Distancing Outdoors 
 

Delaware State Parks understands our natural resources are a vital means for the public to exercise and source for food. In order to keep our parks open for all members of the public to enjoy, we ask that our visitors be mindful during their visits to Delaware State Parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All visitors to Delaware State Parks must bring a mask or face covering with them and wear it in the event social distancing cannot be maintained. If you're hiking, biking or participating in any other activity, make sure you bring a mask!

Remember to Explore Safely when visiting Delaware State Parks!

Find the latest COVID-19 Updates for Delaware State Parks
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