Delaware Forest Svc.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Offices are closed in observance of #IndependenceDay 🇺🇸 We will reopen on Monday, July 7. Why not honor the day by spending time to meditate at one of our State forests? #NetDE

(pictured is the public fishing pond at our Redden State Forest in Georgetown)

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

In the summer, the leaves of the saucer magnolia will deepen in color. A few fruits, elongated & knobby, tend to also pop up. This tree will need to be watered regularly & thoroughly, ensuring that the roots get enough moisture. Our champion saucer magnolia is located at Hagley.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Take caution while enjoying the outdoors. We know to stay hydrated, bring sunscreen and repellant, and check the weather. Another way to stay cool is by choosing shaded trails. Trees along the trails at our state forests provide shade, giving a more comfortable hiking experience.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Ashley Melvin, who oversees our forestry education program, took over for Ms. Jackie's Story Time last week at the Dover Public Library. The theme was "What's Bugging You?" Kids were able to read and learn about all different kinds of insects 🔎🦋

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Zelkova serrata, is named for the serrated or “saw-toothed” leaf edges. It is a good street tree & grows in a vase shape. One peculiar fact is that as zelkova matures, the bark will peel away, exposing orange patches of inner bark. Excessive shedding can indicate stress/disease.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Last week, #NetDE FFA Forestry CDE (Career Development Event) high school and middle school FFA chapters were tested on various aspects of forestry, including tree identification, dendrometry (measuring tree volume), navigating a compass course, and evaluating a tree stand.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

BLAST away ticks! DE is ranked among the top 10 states with the highest cases of Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in the U.S. It is caused by bites from black-legged ticks. As we gear up for summer, protect yourself by following “BLAST” - https://t.co/juCyk4J0jH

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Offices are closed in observance of #Juneteenth🖤
We will reopen on Friday, June 20. #NetDE

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Native to north DE, Eastern hemlock is often planted as an ornamental because of its relative freedom from insects & disease, good foliage color, & tolerance to pruning. This tree retain its needles throughout the summer & it can endure dry periods when given adequate watering.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

The Mid-Atlantic Fire Compact website is getting a new look! With a more dynamic homepage, visitors will be able to view a map of real-time fire activity, get news updates, and get the latest regional and national reports. There will also be link to other important resources.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Butternut thrives best in well-drained soils. This tree often branches 20-30' above ground into sturdy limbs, creating the broad, rounded crown typical of trees grown in open space. Although the wood is light and soft, it lacks strength. Butternut is ideally planted for shade.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

UD Coop Extension and Delaware Forest Service hosted members of the Arizona Department of Forestry. They visited White Clay and then a sentinel maple planting site for ALB at Del Castle County Park. Our Forest Health team connected with them, exchanging info on invasive species.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

A sawyer/faller is assigned to use a chainsaw to cut down trees and clear vegetation. Today, fire supervisor Sam provided saw training for the upcoming fire season. Training included a discussion of safety measures (using the IRPG for reference) and field training at Blackbird.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Today is World Bicycle Day 🚲 Enjoy a bike ride on our trails at Blackbird and Redden. With over 40 miles of trails, they are ideal locations for bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Remember: No public motorized vehicles or ATVs are permitted. Happy Cycling!

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Our long-time western fire engine, E612, will be replaced with a brand-new engine, E613. E613 is receiving plumbing & electrical updates in preparation for the 2025 fire season. After traveling thousands of miles & fighting numerous fires, E612 will be returned to local service.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Bigtooth aspen gets its name from the rounded teeth on the edges of its leaves. The bark is thin, smooth, and light gray to green on younger trees and the upper parts of older trees. On older trees, the bark is dark brown with a tint of red. This tree is excellent for shade.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day🇺🇸 & we will reopen tomorrow. Visit one of our state forests & use the opportunity for quiet meditation. Reflect on the significance of the day & give gratitude to the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

The Delaware Forest Resiliency Fund expands on the Delaware Forest Service’s cost-share program, in which landowners can address forest resiliency through tree planting, invasive species removal, and prescribed fire. More info: https://t.co/EQAILiiEKG

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

❗️ UPDATE ❗️ Applications will open in 2026 for 2026-2028 Delaware Tree Friendly. We will now only accept applications on even-numbered years for a two-year recognition. To maintain your Tree Friendly status thereafter, you must reapply every two years, on even-numbered years.

[Delaware Forest Svc. @DelawareForests]

Native to the eastern United States, pawpaw produce large, yellowish-green fruit, which it is typically more known for. Note the long, drooping leaves, as well as the reddish-purple flowers that can bloom through May. Instead of bees, it's flies and beetles pollinate the flowers!