Summer of Wonder & Discovery
Dear Friends of PDE,
As you will read in this issue of Estuary News, summer of 2024 was a busy one for PDE. In addition to all of the fantastic on-the-ground work that PDE staff led in late June, we had the pleasure of spending time exploring the Delaware Estuary with EPA partners from Regions 2, 3, and EPA Headquarters, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership out of Portland, Oregon, and many more. This visit was part of a five-year review of the Delaware Estuary Program’s Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan. Over the three days, we traveled to project sites in Philadelphia, the Bayshore area of New Jersey, and then back up to Wilmington. It was a great opportunity to visit with partners and to show off the amazing work being done in our region on behalf of clean waters, healthy habitats, and strong communities. I am happy to report that we passed the program review and are approved to continue receiving funding until the next review takes place in 2029.
With the fall season upon us, I encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic time of year to explore the estuary. Whether it’s a visit to the upstream Rivertowns (see page 10), a riverfront park in Philly, Camden, Chester, or Wilmington, or a more secluded Bayshore location like Bombay Hook in Delaware or Supawna Meadows in New Jersey, the opportunities are endless. You do not have to travel far to immerse yourself and enjoy the beauty of our region.
Happy Exploring!
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
Kids from PDE’s Water Warriors day camp take samples from a stream at Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, Pennsylvania. PDE led two day camps this year with the Cab Calloway School Fund SMArt Summer Camp in Wilmington, Delaware. For more details, see the story on Page 5.
FOLLOW US ON:
KATHY KLEIN, Executive Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
DRBC DEVELOPING CLIMATE RESILIENCE PLAN
By Kate Schmidt, Delaware River Basin Commission Communications Specialist
The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC or Commission) has kicked off a multi-phase process to develop its first Climate Resilience Plan.
“The Commissioners have made a finding that climate change is impacting the Delaware River Basin’s water cycle,” said DRBC Director Steve Tambini, noting the significance of the Commission’s action. “This finding allows the Commission to move authoritatively toward developing plans and policies for water resource resilience and adaptation.”
Climate change impacts in the Delaware River Basin including increased temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and sea level rise, all of which affect the Commission’s mission to ensure an adequate and equitable supply of suitable quality water for Delaware River Basin water users and the environment.
The Commission unanimously approved the planning process at a recent meeting and will consider elements related to water resource planning, research, consultation, outreach, education, and public rulemaking to increase resilience in the face of these impacts.
“We strongly support a Climate Resilience Plan for the Delaware River Basin to protect the mighty Delaware River,” said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner and Alternate DRBC Commissioner, in a news release about the resolution adoption. “We look forward to working together through the Commission, as we have done for more than 60 years, to strengthen the resilience of the Delaware River Basin communities.”
The DRBC has already significantly advanced efforts to understand and address water resource threats to the Delaware River Basin through the use of models, planning, and data analysis.
The to-be-developed Climate Resilience Plan will include a list of prioritized actions for the DRBC to evaluate climate impacts and formulate management approaches. It also may direct the Commission to consider new or revised regulations to address significant climate-related risks and vulnerabilities and to integrate measures to promote equity and environmental justice.
The DRBC’s activities will focus on water resources matters within the Commission’s authority and jurisdiction. These may include, but are not limited to, flow and drought management, flood loss, water quality, water use, and water efficiency.
Memorial Park along Manatawny Creek in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, flooded during Hurricane Ida in 2021. Climate change is expected to cause more extreme rain and flooding events in the future. Photo courtesy of Traffic Dan Miller.
NEW OUTDOOR CLASSROOM OPENS AT WILMINGTON’S COOL SPRING PARK
If you visit the new outdoor classroom at Wilmington’s Cool Spring Park, there are a few simple rules to follow including:
• Find a cozy spot
• Listen to the wind
• Identify some plants
• Enjoy the wildlife
In June, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), the City of Wilmington, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), DuPont Clear Into the Future, and Healthy Communities Delaware opened a new outdoor classroom at Cool Spring Park. The classroom is the
result of a collaboration between PDE and the City to educate minds of all ages about the benefits of native plants and their connection to clean water.
“This addition to the park is so exciting,” said PDE Executive Director Kathy Klein. “It has truly been a team effort to create this beautiful and special space where community members of all ages can enjoy nature and have educational experiences that will last a lifetime.”
Construction on this project at 10th and N. Van Buren streets began in March and finished in June. Native plants and blooming trees with names as colorful as they are — purple coneflower, bluestar, goldenrod, and blazing star, as well as
Children from Ursuline Academy’s day camp share one of the benches at Cool Spring Park’s new outdoor classroom. The seating area is made from recycled street curbs.
SUMMER CAMPS INSPIRE
A NEW GENERATION OF WATER STEWARDS
This summer, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) staff provided unforgettable experiences for young explorers during a two-week camp series. The Aquanautics and Water Warriors camps immersed youngsters in the wonders of water and blended hands-on
Aquanautics, for rising 3rd through 5th graders, focused on understanding water’s vital role in everyday life and environmental stewardship. For a week, campers explored these themes through interactive experiments and creative projects, such as making oobleck, which is a mixture of water and cornstarch, and leaf pack experiments, where they examined small creatures that inhabit local creeks and streams. The leaf pack experiment turned up unexpected thrills, when a baby American eel turned up among the sample of wet leaves and sticks. The kids immediately named the eel Slimey, who was returned to his natural home.
graders to dive even deeper into the science of water. This group explored high-quality streams at the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, Pennsylvania, where they carefully followed scientific protocols to analyze water samples and collect macroinvertebrates such as mayfly, caddisfly, and stonefly larvae, as well as planarians and water pennies.
science with outdoor adventure. Designed for rising 3rd through 9th graders, these camps sought to foster both a love for the natural world and a deep understanding of environmental stewardship.
The camps were part of the Cab Calloway School Fund’s SMArtSummer Camp, and this was the first year PDE partnered with the Fund to offer an environmental education-focused camp program.
Campers also visited the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington, where the kids interacted with native animal specimens and learned about the impact of stormwater runoff using an Enviroscape model. The Water Warriors camp welcomed rising 6th to 9th
In the classroom, campers eagerly plunged into hands-on activities, like the Enviroscape model and the exploration of freshwater mussels that brought the concepts of water conservation and stewardship to life. Both Aquanautics and Water Warriors campers visited Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware, where they learned basic kayaking skills and tried their hand at fishing with the help of PDE Board Vice Chairman Craig Durand. The budding anglers were thrilled with their catches, proudly releasing fish back into the continued on page 9
A Water Warriors camper shows off the fish she caught at Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware. PDE Board Vice Chair Craig Durand taught both camps fishing basics.
Kaitie Evers, PDE’s Engagement and Schuylkill Action Network Coordinator, assists a child with probing a sample of water and leaves collected from a local stream to examine the small fish and insects that live in these habitats.
SWEET 16: Celebrating More Than a Decade of Coastal Wetland Monitoring
By LeeAnn Haaf, PDE’s Assistant Director of Estuary Science
For 16 years, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) has been at the forefront of coastal wetland monitoring, dedicated to researching the condition and trends of these vital ecosystems. PDE’s wetlands program, the Mid Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment (MACWA), is a testament to the organization’s long-standing commitment to preserving and understanding the health of coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary Watershed.
Coastal wetlands are incredibly important for several reasons. They act as natural buffers and protect inland areas from storm surges and flooding. These wetlands also serve as nurseries for numerous fish and shellfish species, support a diverse array of wildlife, and play a crucial role in filtering pollutants from water before they reach larger bodies like the Delaware River or Delaware Bay. Additionally, tidal wetlands are significant carbon sinks, meaning they collect and store carbon, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change.
More Than A Decade of Dedication
MACWA, established in 2008 with several partners, has been instrumental in monitoring and assessing the health of coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary. The initiative began with a clear vision: to understand the changes in coastal wetland health
as sea levels rise and climate changes to ensure their protection for generations. PDE launched the program in response to growing concerns from researchers and land managers about the degradation of these crucial habitats. Scientific curiosity and environmental urgency then influenced MACWA’s design. Studies indicated substantial coastal wetland loss (42 acres per year from 19962016, which is the equivalent of 32 football fields per year — more than all the professional football fields in the United States combined), prompting PDE and partners to establish a dedicated program to monitor changes systematically. The goal was not only to document the current state of coastal wetlands but also to understand the underlying causes of observed trends and to inform conservation strategies.
Comprehensive Research and Monitoring
When we’re out in the field for MACWA work, we dive deep into multiple facets of coastal wetland conditions, such as elevation, plants, water levels, and wildlife. Our work is varied and comprehensive, designed to give us a holistic understanding of these vital ecosystems.
One of my favorite tasks is Surface Elevation Table monitoring. The results we get from this monitoring represent a lot of interconnected processes that determine whether or not the wetland is keeping
Kelly Faller, PDE’s Lead Estuary Science Coordinator (left), and Martha Maxwell-Doyle, PDE’s Programs Director, assess vegetation in Crosswicks Creek, New Jersey. PDE’s Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment (MACWA) program, which started in 2008, is a testament to the organization’s long-standing commitment to preserving and understanding the health of coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary Watershed.
pace with sea level rise. Here, I carefully measure the elevation change of the tidal marsh surface down to the millimeter. Working at the millimeter scale is meticulous work, but incredibly rewarding to see the subtle shifts and trends over time.
Vegetation surveys are another critical part of our program. Walking through the wetland or recovering old plots, we track the robustness and diversity of plant species. Each survey adds more data than the last toward our understanding of the ecosystem’s current state and its changes. Plant life tells us so much about the overall health of the wetland, like how often it floods or what species of wildlife might breed in that area. We often collect water level information at our sites to determine flood patterns and find averages of high and low tidal water levels. This data is crucial for studying relationships between flooding and wetland health, as well as designing restoration
projects that aim to increase plant health by reducing excessive flooding.
Wildlife surveys, especially passive acoustic monitoring where we place microphones in the wetland, are perhaps the most engaging. We listen to the calls and movements of animals that depend on the coastal wetlands to understand their presence and the wetland’s health. Each recording is like tuning into the heartbeat of the wetland, revealing which species are thriving and which ones might be struggling.
These diverse methods, from precise measurements to broad surveys, all contribute to our comprehensive approach in studying and preserving coastal wetlands. Each field trip deepens my appreciation for these ecosystems and the intricate web of life they support.
The Stakes for Wetlands in the Delaware Estuary
Coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary are on the frontline of climate change impacts, facing threats from rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and human development. The loss of coastal wetlands would mean diminished natural protection against floods, reduced biodiversity, and compromised water quality.
PDE’s ongoing commitment to wetland monitoring and research is essential in safeguarding these habitats. By continuing to track trends, identify emerging threats, and develop adaptive
management strategies, PDE aims to ensure that the coastal wetlands of the Delaware Estuary remain resilient and continue to provide their invaluable services to both the environment and the communities that depend on them.
As MACWA celebrates 16 years of monitoring and research, it stands as a beacon of hope and action in the fight to preserve one of our most crucial natural resources. The program’s work is not just about understanding the present. It’s about shaping a sustainable future for the Delaware Estuary’s tidal wetlands.
For more information on data we’ve collected through MACWA, see: bit.ly/Springer-Article bit.ly/4dlidAG
Email lhaaf@delawareestuary.org if you need access to these peer-reviewed papers.
LeeAnn Haaf, Ph.D., PDE’s Assistant Director of Estuary Science, gets readings from a wetland surface elevation table.
Faller sets up an acoustic recording device to collect the sounds of wildlife that live in marshes.
butterfly weed and prairie dropseed — adorn the new section, which includes an amphitheater made of recycled street curbstones. These features provide a full sensory learning experience. An outdoor classroom sign written in English and Spanish gives tips on how to enjoy the space.
“Creating an open space in nature for all ages, made out of recycled materials, is an environmentalist’s dream come true!” said Alison Quimby, Manager of Sustainability and Environmental Compliance for the City of Wilmington. “My vision for this outdoor classroom is to encourage our community to slow down and enjoy nature.”
DNREC contributed to the project through its Community Environmental Project Fund. “This project enhances our environmental and recreational opportunities in Cool Spring Park by adding this living outdoor classroom that will serve the community and nearby schools for many years to come as the native plants and blooming trees planted this spring grow and spread,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.
This project was made possible through support from several funders, including the City of Wilmington, DuPont Clear Into the Future, DNREC through a grant from the Community Environmental Project Fund, and Healthy Communities Delaware. Healthy Communities Delaware funding was received through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities (CDC-RFA-OT-21-2103), as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021.
“We are so excited to see this new outdoor classroom, which was collaboratively designed and created with the community,” said Kate Dupont Phillips, Executive Director for Healthy Communities Delaware. “Healthy Communities Delaware invests in building neighborhood assets to improve the vital conditions for health & well-being. Our wellbeing is influenced by the communities in which we live, and this is a great example of a ‘multi-solving solution’— it improves the environment, provides learning opportunities, and creates space for social connection, all of which improve community and individual well-being.”
“DuPont Clear Into the Future is proud to join with our community partners and support the new outdoor classroom that will help educate and engage students at William Lewis Elementary School,” said Mary Reinthal, Scientist. “At DuPont, we know that kids thrive when they learn in dynamic and vibrant environments, and our grant support will help create green infrastructure in Cool Spring Park where students and the community will experience the natural beauty of rain gardens, wetlands buffer areas, bioswales, and meadows to manage increases in stormwater and flooding.”
So, if you visit Cool Spring Park, here are a few more rules to remember: Ask questions; nature answers. Clean up and leave only footprints. Touch, feel, and explore. Climb rocks, hug trees, and be kind
STRONG COMMUNITIES: C2.2 / C2.3 / C2.4
Butterfly weed is just one of the native plants growing in the garden at Cool Spring Park’s outdoor classroom.
A sign at Cool Spring Park’s new outdoor classroom encourages visitors in English and Spanish to explore and enjoy the space.
Summer Camps continued from page 5
pond, and everyone left with a sense of accomplishment in their new skills. Best of all, the kids got to keep their fishing rods and tackle boxes (donated by the IKE Foundation) so they could practice their angling skills. Later, campers channeled their creativity into making hollow-form fish art projects, which beautifully
expressed the fish lessons they learned throughout the week.
“This camp was better than video game camp!” one camper declared, a sentiment that perfectly captures the excitement and learning that filled the days.
STRONG COMMUNITIES: C2.3 / C2.4
You can find photos of the camps at: bit.ly/m/PDE-SMArt-Summer-Camp
Special thanks go to the Cab Calloway School Fund, Craig Durand, Stroud Water Research Center, the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, the IKE Foundation, and the Wakefern Food Corporation for their invaluable contributions. Their support made these camps a resounding success, leaving the campers eager to continue their journey as water warriors and environmental stewards.
DRBC Plan continued from page 3
A draft version of the resolution was available for public comment in April and May, and comments to the DRBC generally supported a Climate Resilience Plan and the Commission’s focus on this effort.
The DRBC’s Advisory Committee on Climate Change (ACCC) will be involved in the plan’s development,
and updates will be provided at committee meetings, which are duly noticed and open to the public.
ALL THEMES AND STRATEGIES
View the news release announcing the adoption of this resolution at www.nj.gov/drbc/home/newsroom/news/approved/20240613_climateplan.html
Learn more about climate change and the Delaware River Basin at www.nj.gov/drbc/programs/flow/climate-change.html.
Sign up for email updates from the DRBC at www.nj.gov/drbc/contact/interest
The DRBC is a federal/interstate government agency created in 1961 by concurrent compact legislation, marking the first time that the federal government and a group of states joined together as equal partners in a river basin planning, development, and regulatory agency. The five Commission members are the governors of the Basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) and the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Division, who represents the federal government.
Aquanautics campers have a great time with one of the interactive exhibits at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington.
FRESHWATER MUSSELS UNLEASHED:
What are freshwater mussels? Where do they live, what do they eat, and why should we care that these mysterious creatures are among the most imperiled animals in North America?
PDE’s new story map lets you dive into the underwater world of freshwater mussels to discover the answers to all the above questions and more. You’ll find a journey filled with fun videos,
vibrant photos, and simple explanations that will leave you informed and in awe of these hardworking mollusks. You’ll also find information about the new freshwater mussel hatchery PDE plans to build on the property of Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philadelphia.
W2.5
H3.3
You can find the story map on PDE’s website at: bit.ly/MusselStoryMap
ROUND THE WATERSHED
DELAWARE RIVER TOWNS:
Where Autumn Adventure Awaits
By Kathy Klein, PDE Executive Director
If you’re looking for something fun to do this fall, I encourage you to head upstream from the estuary
and visit the beautiful Delaware River Towns. This 31-mile stretch of the river includes four towns in New Jersey (Lambertville, Stockton, Frenchtown, and Milford) and seven towns in Pennsylvania (Yardley, Washington Crossing, New Hope, Center Bridge, Lumberville, Point Pleasant, and Upper Black Eddy).
COMMUNITIES C1.3/ C1.4/C2.1 A Tale to Shell-abrate!
This area has something for everyone — great hiking and bike trails, history, water activities, eating, shopping, and dining. And for those of you who love the season of changing leaves and cooler temps, there are several orchards that have apple-picking events and fall festivals. Plus, the residents of Lambertville go all out decorating for Halloween to celebrate the the spookiest time of the year.
For more Delaware River Towns information, visit: bit.ly/m/WRW-Delaware-River-Towns
The Prallsville Mills in Stockton, New Jersey, is one of the picturesque places you’ll find in the small towns along a 31-mile stretch of the Delaware River.
SAVE THE DATE!
SAN ANNUAL MEETING
Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
Join the Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) for an annual celebration of partnership in the Schuylkill River Watershed.
The annual meeting is a fantastic opportunity to network with current partners and make new friends who are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the watershed. You’ll hear success stories about projects focused on land preservation, education, agriculture, and more — all contributing to a cleaner Schuylkill River. Members will also announce the 2024 SAN MVP award.
This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Visit the SAN website at schuylkillwaters.org Interested in being a sponsor for this event? Contact mrogalus@delawareestuary.org
CLEAN WATERS: C2.4/C2.6
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACTS! DELAWARE ESTUARY SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT
Final Abstract Submission Deadline Oct. 15, 2024
Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St., Wilmington, Delaware
Time is running out to submit an abstract for the 2025 Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit. The deadline for oral and poster presentation abstracts is Oct. 15.
For the 11th biennial Summit, we’re heading to the Chase Center on the Riverfront, located close to the beautiful Christina River in Wilmington, Delaware. Abstract Topics include:
• Clean Waters
• Healthy Habitats
• Strong Communities
• Living Resources
• Urban Waters and Environmental Justice
• Climate Change co-hosted by DRBC Climate Change Advisory Group
• NEW! Fisheries Management
• NEW! Sediment Material Management
• And more!
For this and all Summit information, including submitting an abstract, visit bit.ly/Science-Summit Registration opens Oct. 25.
Want to sponsor this event? Contact hburns@delawareestuary.org.
STRONG COMMUNITIES: C2.2 / C2.5
SAVE THE DATE!
2025 RASCL SUMMIT
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Del-One Conference Center, 100 Campus Drive, Dover, Delaware 19904
Save the date! Delaware’s Resilient and Sustainable Communities League will hold its annual Summit on the Campus of Delaware Technical Community College in Dover. This event is a great opportunity to meet others in the environmental and sustainable urban planning fields, as well as to learn how municipalities are working toward responsible growth in the First State. Keep an eye out for more details, including registration, by visiting derascl.org/summit
STRONG COMMUNITIES: C2.2 / C2.5
110 South Poplar Street, Suite 202
Wilmington, DE 19801
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THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DELAWARE ESTUARY CONNECTING PEOPLE, SCIENCE, AND NATURE FOR A HEALTHY DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc. (PDE), is a nonprofit organization established in 1996. PDE is the host of the Delaware Estuary Program and leads science-based and collaborative efforts to improve the tidal Delaware River and Bay, which spans 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.
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.
Kathy Klein (302) 354-0307 kklein@DelawareEstuary.org
Environmental Protection Agency
Irene Purdy, Region II (212) 637-3794 purdy.irene@epa.gov
Megan Mackey, Region III (215) 814-5534 mackey.megan@epa.gov
Pennsylvania
Sandra Insalaco PA Department of Environmental Protection (570) 826-5489 sinsalaco@pa.gov
Delaware
Rachael Phillos
DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (302) 735-3411
Rachael.Phillos@delaware.gov
New Jersey
Natalie Young NJ 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
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-99398517-0) 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 1-800-445-4935.
Philadelphia Water Department
Will Whalon (267) 207-0937
william.whalon@phila.gov
Editor
Kate Layton (302) 255-6878
klayton@DelawareEstuary.org
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Unless otherwise noted, all photos are property of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
