Aquatic Resources Education Center

Program Overview

 

Ø     Wetland Activities for Delaware Educators

Eight innovative, interactive, curriculum-standard-correlated learning stations developed to provide grades 4-8 teachers with an effective hands-on tool in wetlands education.  Contact person: Gary Kreamer, 302-653-2882 ext. 114.

 

Ø     Fish Banks, LTD for Delaware

A simulation-based program introducing middle school through adult audiences to sustainable resource use issues, through role-playing the operation of a fishing business.  Contact person: Gary Kreamer, 302-653-2882 ext. 114.

 

Ø     Green Eggs and Sand, Tri-State Horseshoe Crab/Shorebird Education Project.  A joint initiative of teachers, scientists, fisheries managers, natural resource agencies, environmental education specialists, and non-profit organizations for Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey.  This curriculum is composed of 4 educational modules which systematically guide students through the understanding of the horseshoe crab, its connection to a larger ecosystem (through shorebirds), its use by man, and finally human attempts to manage this resource, given limited science and multiple stakeholders.  Contact person: Gary Kreamer, 302-653-2882 ext. 114.

 

Ø     Eco-Explorers Programs

Field trip programs are available at the AREC to 5th grade classes statewide as an extension of the Smithsonian Ecosystems curriculum module.  Students are challenged to gather, record and interpret data about the tidal salt marsh’s plants and animals to conditions there, and where possible, role play the work of scientist in surveying such habitats.  Contact person: Mary Rivera, 302-653-2882 ext. 115.

 

Ø     ARE Facilities & Field Programs.

Aquatic Resources Education Facilities located in the scenic Woodland Beach Wildlife Area bordering Delaware Bay, features day conference facilities & overnight use in a rustic 40-bed lodge.  Also on site, visit the 940-foot saltmarsh boardwalk, the outdoor classroom, & nature trails linking salt marsh, fresh & brackish ponds, swamps and vernal pool wetland habitats.  Canoes, fishing tackle, nets, water monitoring equipment, & field activity kits are available for loan to educators using the facilities.  Contact person: Trina Cale-Rosario, 302-653-2882 ext. 104.

 

Ø      Delaware Adopt-A-Wetland

This program is a volunteer-oriented program aimed at promoting public awareness of wetland values and functions, while offering opportunities for citizen-based monitoring and stewardship of our precious Delaware resources.  Contact person:  Marlene Mervine, 302-653-2882 ext. 109.

 

Ø     Horseshoe Crabs in the Classroom

A program that shows teachers how to hatch, grow and care for baby horseshoe crabs in the classroom.  The training coincides with the annual spring horseshoe crab spawning ritual).  Contact person: Gary Kreamer, 302-653-2882 ext. 114.

 

Ø     Outreach Programs

A partnership of ARE staff provide materials and training to volunteer students enrolled in the Wesley College Elementary Education program.  Out-reach provides classroom programs on subjects of fish, wetlands, horseshoe crabs, turtles, and marine mammals. The students then go into the elementary schools to reach thousands of school children in the mid-state area giving valuable hands-on environmental education lessons. Contact person: Bob Jones, 302-653-3441 ext. 130.

 

Ø     NatureLink

A special program that provides urban and at-risk families with a weekend full of outdoor experiences.  Delaware ARE hosts Naturelink weekends each fall and spring in partnerships with the Delaware Nature Society and Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware.  Volunteers are needed to help mentor families or assist with fishing and other activities.  For more information contact the ARE program.  Contact person: Bob Jones, 302-653-3441 ext. 130

 

Ø     Fishing Program

Yearly fishing programs and special events are planned through the Division and ARE Center.  To kick off fishing for the season National Fishing Week is usually held the first week of June.  Call the ARE Center for dates and times.  Contact person: Bob Jones, 302-653-3441 ext. 130.

 

Ø      Junior Duck Stamp Program

This conservation through the arts program provides opportunity for students’ grades K-12 to participate in a duck stamp art contest.  All entries are judged by groups according to age with a total of thirty-six first, second, and third place winners and 64 honorable mention ribbon winners.  Sponsored by: Delaware Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Delaware Ducks Unlimited.  Contact person: Trina Cale-Rosario, 302-653-2882 ext. 104.