Delaware National Estuarine (where the river meets the sea) Research Reserve - Dover, Delaware

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Delaware National Estuarine (where the river meets the sea) Research Reserve - Dover, Delaware

There are 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the United States and this is one of them.  It provides an opportunity for research and education about the effect of where the river meets the sea.

There are two unique components, one on Blackbird Creek and the other on St. Jones River.  Freshwater wetlands, ponds and forest lands dominate the Blackbird Creek component and the St. Jones is denominated by salt marsh and open water habitats of the Delaware Bay.

Monitoring the long term changes in weather and aquatic conditions in the estuary, the work is ongoing.  This work addresses key management issues, such as biodiversity and the impact of land use on estuarine habitats, the impact on horseshoe crab population form migratory shorebirds, beach replenishment activities in relation to habitat preservations/reclamation, and eutrophication and contaminants in the estuary.

The educational opportunities offered by the reserve personnel will enable wiser decisions to be made by the youth and students in future years.

Total land involved in this reserve is 4,930 acres.

Mailing address: 818 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover, Delaware 19901

Phone: 302-739-3436

Email: Research Coordinator: Marie.Bundy@noaa.gov