RASCL AIMS FOR ACTION IN THE FACE OF A CHANGING CLIMATE
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This year’s theme was AIMing for Action: Adapting, Innovating, and Mitigating the Impacts of Delaware's Changing Climate.
hat will the coming years mean for Delaware with a changing climate?
That’s a question that the Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL) tackled at its 8th annual Summit in March in Dover.
Summit sessions touched on three main topics, including •What's in Sight for Delaware's Changing Climate
•Positioning Communities to be More Resilient and •Sustainable, and Local Success Stories.
Resilience practitioners, elected officials, government agencies, and community members from all over the First State listened to speakers and discussed issues that focused on the event’s theme, AIMing for Action: Adapting, Innovating, and Mitigating the Impacts of Delaware's Changing Climate.
COMMITTEES CONTACT LIST
Meetings conducted by the Delaware Estuary Program’s implementation and advisory committees occur on a regular basis and are open to the public. For meeting dates and times, please contact the individuals listed below:
Estuary Implementation Committee
Kathy Klein
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Executive Director (Chair) (302)354-0307 kklein@DelawareEstuary.org
Monitoring Advisory & Coordination Committee
Elaine Panuccio
Water Restoration
Scientist, Water Quality Assessment
Delaware River Basin Commission (609)883-9500, ext. 307 elaine.panuccio@drbc.gov
Toxics Advisory Committee
Jeremy Conkle Senior Toxicologist
Delaware River Basin Commission (609)883-9500
Jeremy.Conkle@drbc.gov
Science and Technical Advisory Committee
LeeAnn Haaf, Ph.D.
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Assistant Director of Estuary Science (800)445-4935, ext. 116 lhaaf@delawareestuary.org
Water Quality Advisory Committee
John Yagecic, P.E. Manager, Water Quality Assessment
Delaware River Basin Commission (609)883-9500, ext. 271 john.yagecic@drbc.nj.gov
ON THE COVER
“Trash Panda” by Sharon Naccarato was the first-place winner of this year’s Delaware Trash Into Treasure art contest, which both highlights local artists and the importance of keeping trash out of our waterways. See Page 4.
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Delaware
Matt Meyer addresses the audience at the 2025 RASCL Summit in Dover.
This year, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer attended the Summit, as well as Greg Patterson, Delaware's secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
“It’s up to local governments, it’s up to state government, and I recognize in many ways that’s the people in this room right now,” Meyer said about preserving Delaware’s climate and environmental resources.
“A large percentage of the people who are going to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and our waterways, and our land, are in this room today, so I cannot thank you enough for what you do every day, every month, every year, but especially now.”
RASCL is a collaborative network of state, nonprofit, and academic partners working to create a more resilient and sustainable Delaware. The partnership is comprised of 28 member organizations committed to working together to provide technical expertise and support to Delaware communities to increase their capacity to adapt, mitigate, and respond to environmental changes, including a changing climate. For more information about this organization, visit the RASCL website
For the second year, RASCL presented the Community Champion Award, this year to Amy Marasco of Lewes, for her initiative that engaged youth with the environment. Last year's award went to Stacey Henry of the Delaware Resilience Hub and Kathy Lock of Slaughter Beach, Delaware.
Kevin Brinson, Delaware's state climatologist and director of the University of Delaware's Center for Environmental Monitoring Analysis, explains what the state climatology office does.
Amy Marasco of Lewes, Delaware (left), accepts the 2025 Community Champion Award at this year’s RASCL Summit in Dover from RASCL Steering Committee member Kelly Valencik.
Hundreds of people from the governmental, private, and non-profit sectors, as well as interested citizens, participated in this year's RASCL Summit in Dover.
LOCAL ART SENDS A MESSAGE ABOUT THE TREASURE OF CLEAN WATER
Congratulations to the 2025 Winners of the Delaware Trash Into Treasure Art Contest, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s initiative that highlights the importance of clean and litter-free waterways. With more than 400 votes, the public chose three winners out of 20 submissions via online voting.
The winners are:
•First Place: “Trash Panda,” by Sharon Naccarato
•Second Place: “Echoes of the Estuary,” by Rachel Frebert
•Third Place: ”Plastics are Suffocating our Estuary, ” by Michael Luck
The annual contest asks Delaware artists to submit original artwork that celebrates the importance of clean water and keeping litter out of our waterways.
The public could either view and vote on the submissions on the PDE website or in person at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center in New Castle, Delaware. The library displayed the work through April 30.
“We’re thrilled with the response we got to this year’s art contest,” said PDE Engagement Director John Harrod. “This contest promotes sustainability, and environmental awareness, all while engaging local artists, students, and residents. We’re so grateful to all our artists, to the Christina Conservancy, and to the State of Delaware for the funding to support this contest.”
The first-place winner received a $350 gift card, the second-place winner received a $250 gift card, and the third-place winner received a $150 gift card.
First Place Winner, "Trash Panda" by Sharon Naccarato. Second Place Winner, "Echoes of the Estuary" by Rachel Frebert.
Third Place Contest Winner, "Plastics are Suffocating our Estuary" by Michael Luck.
1. "River Watershed, " by Gilberto Rodriguez. 2. "We Eat What We Are," by Ali Selders. 3. "A Tree of All Seasons," by Little Saplings School Co-Op. 4 "Horseshoe Season," by Amber Fontenelle. 5. No Title, by Shana Starks. 6. "Memories of an Urban River," by Megan E. Paustian. 7. "Eagle Snack Attack," by Jessica Sweeney Jones, Thomas, and Kinsley. 8. "Faithful Steward," by Mary Matus. 9. No Title, by Crystal Mann Boyd. 10. "Contemplating Change," by Denise Dunkley. 11. "Clean Up Time," by Jackie Irwin. 12. "Picture This," by Kristen Homan. 13. No Title, by Barbara Mabey. 14. No Title, by Jennifer Boland. 15. "SOS, Save Our Shore," by Patti Melvin. 16. "Saving Lovey," by Chrissy Holubinka, Alla, and Sienna. 17. "Clean River Rewards," by Anna Daemon.
NEW MAPPING TOOL IN WORKS FOR PROTECTING HEALTHY MARSHES
By LeeAnn Haaf, Ph.D., PDE Director of Estuary Science
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) and The Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis at Rutgers University are developing a Marsh Futures Mapper (MFM), an interactive geographic information system platform set to be released this summer. The MFM will offer detailed maps and simulate wetland changes due to sea level rise, allowing users to adjust key attributes for intervention efforts.
Tidal marshes in the Delaware Estuary are vital for protecting communities against coastal flooding, filtering pollutants, and providing habitats for diverse wildlife. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are threatened by rising sea levels and human activities, leading to significant loss and degradation. The MFM
and a suite of other tidal marsh assessment tools have been developed at the NJ Restoration Tool Organization Suite to help restoration practitioners plan future projects. This tool is crucial for guiding effective restoration and ensuring the long-term health of our tidal marshes.
“This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund grant program, with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Many thanks to them and their support,” said PDE Programs Director Martha Maxwell-Doyle.
Visit PDE's Wetlands website page for more information.
DELAWARE
PDE Development
Director Elizabeth Horsey is a fan of the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse in Lewes which sits just offshore from the
DELAWARE
Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal and near Cape Henlopen State Park. Construction began in 1828 during John Quincy Adams’ presidency and cost over $2 million to build. The structure is 56 feet tall and is one of Delaware's oldest lighthouses. The breakwater is now home to many nesting ospreys, and the area is known for dolphin sightings.
If you’re heading to the Delaware Beaches this summer, or plan to take a ride on the ferry, stop to visit this landmark — a bit of Delaware and maritime history. Get directions and view the site on a map
COMING TO A SCHUYLKILL WATERSHED SCHOOL NEAR YOU
By Marguerite DiGiorgio, PDE Engagement Coordinator
Great things are coming to the Schuylkill River Watershed this year.
tactics, are tools to manage excess stormwater by mimicking the natural environment.
The Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) and partners are working on conceptual designs that not only beautify school campuses and get youth involved with gardening, but introduce schools to the concept of green stormwater infrastructure.
Green stormwater infrastructure, such as rain gardens and other
School campuses typically have a lot of hard surfaces, including roofs, sidewalks, and parking lots.
This “hardscaping” prevents rain from soaking into the ground, creating runoff which can carry pollution into local waterways and contribute to flooding in communities.
Introducing a combination of water-loving plants, sandy soil, and depth of a rain garden mitigates stormwater problems by soaking up the moisture.
When added to school campuses, these green solutions carry an added benefit of connecting students with nature and gardening.
“When built, these spaces will be a living lab for students to explore water filtration, the importance of nature-based solutions, and addressing environmental issues,”
said PDE Engagement Director John Harrod. “In addition, these new green spaces can protect and beautify school properties.”
This project is financed in part by the Constellation Energy Foundation and a Federal Coastal Zone Management Grant provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with funds provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Students plant a rain garden at Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School in Philadelphia as part of a previous school rain garden installation.
Students get to dig into gardening during a rain garden installation at Springside School in Philadelphia.
FROM THE FIELD
From nurturing tiny wild plants to engaging with our nation’s lawmakers about environmental issues in the Delaware River Watershed, PDE staff has been on the move.
WAY TO GO, WELLS FARGO
In May, volunteers from Wells Fargo visited our Wilmington oyster shell recycling area to bag oyster shells. In just a few hours, the group created 322 bags of shells, which collectively weigh around 4,500 pounds — about the same as a midsized SUV. These bags will be used in restoration projects across the Delaware Estuary. Watch video highlights.
SOUND CHECK
PDE's science team is continuing a project created to gain a greater understanding of tidal wetland conditions using sound. These data will tell us how noisy or quiet these wetlands are, and if there's a possibility that human sounds influence the way animals in these systems function.
PDE Restoration Specialist Ken Williamson sets up wildlife acoustic recording equipment in the field to establish a baseline of sounds in a marsh.
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Wells Fargo volunteers show off their shell bagging skills during a bagging event in May.
MAKING THEIR MARK FOR CLEAN WATERWAYS
In April, PDE teamed up with online publication Green Philly and volunteers to mark 90 storm drains as part of the Philadelphia Water Department's storm drain marking program in the East Kensington and Olde Richmond neighborhoods. Marked storm drains remind residents that clean waterways start with litter-free streets and that only rain should go down the drain.
PDE staff and volunteers gather around a marked newly marked storm drain that will remind passers by to keep them litter-free.
ON THE TUBE
In April, PDE’s shell recycling program was a featured story on 6 ABC in Philadelphia. Reporter Matteo Iadonisi spoke to PDE Restoration Specialist Ken Williamson who regularly picks up recycled oyster shells from restaurants around Philadelphia and Wilmington who participate in the shell recycling program. Iadonisi also spoke with Fishtown Seafood Owner Bryan Szeliga, one of PDE’s partner restaurants in the recycling program, about the importance of getting the shells back to nature to reinforce shorelines and create habitat.
Watch the full story
GOING WILD FOR HABITAT
A tiny strand of wild celery (Vallisneria americana) and its kin are well on their way toward becoming stock for submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV (underwater plants). SAV plays a big role in water quality improvement and as an underwater food source for fish and other species. PDE scientists are cultivating wild celery as part of a pilot program to enhance native SAV communities in the Delaware River.
A wild celery seedling will grow into underwater fish and wildlife habitat, as well as vegetation for shoreline restoration.
PDE Restoration Specialist Ken Williamson speaks to 6 ABC television in Philadelphia about the organization’s oyster shell recycling program that collects shell from restaurants in Wilmington and the City of Brotherly Love.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING
In March, PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein and Programs director Martha Maxwell-Doyle traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend National Estuary Program meetings and to visit congressional delegates in
PDE’s focus area — Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — to discuss environmental and other issues facing National Estuary Programs. The visit even made Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester's newsletter.
COFFEE TALK
In April, Delaware’s Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL), headed to Slaughter Beach for its first outdoor coffee hour. Held quarterly, RASCL's coffee hour meetings discuss best practices on planning and building physically sustainable communities in the First State. Just in time for Earth Month, the group headed to this small town by the Delaware Bay to see examples of dune erosion and active dune preservation. Attendees included the mayor and vice mayor, practitioners from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Delaware Sea Grant, project managers from an architectural and design firm, and members of the public.
PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein, far left, PDE Programs Director Martha Maxwell-Doyle, and Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Executive Director Christophe Tulou, far right, meet with Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester at her Washington, D.C. office to discuss issues facing National Estuary Programs.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester's office.
Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Executive Director Christophe Tulou, left, PDE Programs Director Martha Maxwell-Doyle, and PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein (right) stand with Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride. Photo courtesy of Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s office.
Members of the Resilient and Sustainable Communities League learn about dune erosion and preservation in Slaughter Beach, Delaware.
WILMINGTON OPEN STREETS EVENTS:
June 28, Aug. 16 / 1 - 4 p.m., Wilmington
You’ve heard of people dancing in the streets? That’s what’s happening this summer. Open Streets Wilmington, a collaborative of the Urban Bike Project, West Side Grows Together, Partnership for Delaware Estuary, Jefferson Street Center, and the Open Streets Wilmington Steering Committee, has a couple of events coming up in the city, complete with music, bicycle rentals and repairs, games, crafts, and merch. Both events are FREE to attend.
Events are planned for:
• Saturday, June 28 on 4th Street between Broom and Lincoln streets
• Saturday, Aug. 16 on Market Street between 18th Street and Vandever Avenue.
Visit the Open Streets Wilmington website for more information.
MARCUS HOOK PIRATE FESTIVAL
Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania
The Marcus Hook Pirate Festival returns to port with a full pirate encampment, demonstrations, wares, firearms, cannons, and beer making. There will be games, food, live pirate music, and face painting. All funds raised from the event go toward the restoration of the historic Plank House, also known as Blackbeard’s Mistress’ House.
Visit the website for more information
DELAWARE RIVER FESTIVAL
Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and Wiggins Park in Camden
FREE family fun at the Delaware River!
Join us at Penn’s Landing in Philly and Wiggins Park in Camden for a fantastic day of games, sights, activities, and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27.
Visit the website for more information and updates
SAVE THE DATE!
EXPERIENCE THE ESTUARY CELEBRATION
Thursday, Oct. 9, Vie, Philadelphia
Join PDE for our biggest evening of the year. The Experience the Estuary Celebration is an evening of great food, drinks, and people. Come to Vie in Philadelphia where you can meet and mingle with hundreds of other PDE friends and supporters, participate in a silent auction, and sample local Delaware Bay oysters. Tickets go on sale in August. Don't miss it.
Visit our website for more information
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.
Kathy Klein (800) 445-4935, ext. 102 kklein@DelawareEstuary.org
Environmental Protection Agency
Irene Purdy, EPA Region II (212) 637-3794 purdy.irene@epa.gov
Megan Mackey, EPA Region III (215) 814-5534 mackey.megan@epa.gov
Pennsylvania
Jason M. Minnich Department of Environmental Protection (717) 787-0124 jaminnich@pa.gov
Delaware
Rachael Phillos Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (302) 735-3411
Rachael.Phillos@delaware.gov
New Jersey
Natalie Young Department of Environmental Protection (609) 940-4512 Natalie.Young@dep.nj.gov
Delaware River Basin Commission
Chad Pindar (609) 883-9500, ext. 268 chad.pindar@drbc.gov
Editor
THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DELAWARE ESTUARY CONNECTING PEOPLE, SCIENCE, AND NATURE FOR A HEALTHY DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, host of the Delaware Estuary Program, leads collaborative, science–based efforts to improve the Delaware River and Bay, which covers portions of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. To find out how you can become one of our partners, call PDE at (800) 445-4935 or visit our website at www.DelawareEstuary.org
Philadelphia Water Department
Will Whalon (267) 207-0937 william.whalon@phila.gov
Kate Layton (800) 445-4935, ext. 113 klayton@DelawareEstuary.org
Estuary News encourages reprinting of its articles in other publications. Estuary News is produced four times annually by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. (PDE), under an assistance agreement (CE-99398517-2) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose of this newsletter is to provide an open, informative dialogue on issues related to PDE. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of PDE or EPA, nor does mention of names, commercial products or causes constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. For information about the PDE, call (302) 655-4990. Review Our Notice of Non-Discrimination, Request for Equal Access, and How to File a Complaint
