Olivia McDonald Allread will present information on Delaware wetlands at 2nd Friday
On the second Friday of each month, the First Presbyterian Church of Milford holds “2nd Friday,” an informational gathering designed to provide information to area residents. Previous events have included presentations by local artists and authors, including Rosemary Connelly whose recent book “Two Years in Italy,” chronicles the years she and her late husband, Bob, spent living in Italy after their retirement. This month, Olivia McDonald Allread, an Education and Communication Specialist with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will provide details on the importance of Delaware’s wetlands.
“With a quarter of Delaware’s land made up of wetlands, that is a lot to protect,” John Huntzinger, organizer of 2nd Friday, said. “This lecture will cover everything from what wetlands are, to how they function and why they are important. Those who attend will be able to travel through the first state to see these unique ecosystems up-close and personal. They will also gain knowledge on how DNREC’s environmental scientists conduct research.”
Allread will also present information on how to find wetlands on any property and offer user-friendly tools that can help residents preserve those wetlands. Guests will also learn more about the coastal areas, freshwater habitats and more.
A Park Naturalist and Program Coordinator at DNREC for the past six years, Allread previously worked as a teacher naturalist for Delaware Nature Society at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center and was a Blue Hen Ambassador, CEOE Representative and part of the communications staff at the Visitor Center at the University of Delaware. She served as an environmental intern at DNREC at Trap Pond State Park in 2013. Allread graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Environmental Humanities and a concentration in People, Society and Sustainability. She also volunteered for the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, MERR Institute in Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute as well as the Surfrider Foundation.
“2nd Friday is always free,” Huntzinger said. “It is open to the public and family friendly. We encourage anyone who has an interest in the environment to attend this very informative program.”
The August 2nd Friday will be held on Friday, August 12 and will begin at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Milford, located at 101 South Walnut Street. Parking is available behind the church and visitors are asked to enter through the backdoor, walk through the kitchen and into the fellowship hall. Reservations are not necessary, but more information can be obtained by calling 302-422-5701. Huntzinger explained that they are always looking for interesting topics for 2nd Friday, so any suggestions are welcome for topics.
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