DuPont Nature Center Hosts ‘Sea Trash’ Learning Event at Slaughter Beach

MILFORD, Del. — The DuPont Nature Center will host a “Sea Trash” Learning Event on Friday in Slaughter Beach, giving community visitors a chance to protect Delaware’s beautiful coastline while learning about the impact of marine debris.

The free event, called “A New Kind of Seasickness: Marine Debris” will be led by staff from the center and will be held at  DuPont Nature Center, 2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford, Delaware at 1 p.m. No registration is required.

Participants will learn how marine debris—including plastics and hazardous waste—can harm the Delaware Bay’s unique estuary habitat, which supports shorebirds, fish and spawning horseshoe crabs.

“This program gives people of all ages a hands-on way to protect our coast while learning why these efforts matter,” a DNREC spokesperson said.

Coastal Concerns Spark Action

Delaware’s beaches are known for their cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere, but recent events underscore the importance of sustained stewardship.

In September 2024, medical waste—including syringes and pill bottles—washed ashore at beaches including Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick Island. The contamination prompted temporary swimming bans, public health alerts and a statewide recreational water advisory. Towns such as Lewes and Fenwick closed their ocean waters to swimmers during the investigation.

The source of the debris remains under investigation, but state and local officials responded swiftly, launching daily cleanup patrols, issuing safety notices and activating DNREC’s environmental hotline.

Education and Cleanup Go Hand-in-Hand

Events like Friday’s Sea Trash lecture, as well as the annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup in September, are key components of DNREC’s broader environmental strategy. These events engage volunteers and raise awareness about the lasting impact of litter on marine life and human health.

The DuPont Nature Center, located in Mispillion Harbor, is a seasonal coastal education facility operated by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. The center offers interactive programs focused on the Delaware Bay ecosystem from April through September.

Alongside these efforts, the “Keep DE Litter Free” campaign promotes everyday stewardship by encouraging residents and visitors to carry out their trash, report shoreline hazards and participate in local cleanups.

Delaware Beaches Remain Safe

Despite last year’s contamination, Delaware beaches continue to rank among the cleanest in the region. Regular water quality testing, vigilant lifeguards and strong community participation have helped maintain high safety standards.

“Delawareans care deeply about our coast, and this event is one way to give back while making a difference,” said the DNREC spokesperson.

For more information, contact the DuPont Nature Center at 302-422-1329 or visit https://de.gov/dnc