DNREC Archives - Page 4 of 7 - Milford LIVE! - Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

The compost bins are available for pickup Saturday, April 5. (Photo by Media Lens King/iStock Getty Images)

Delaware offers discounted compost bins to encourage sustainable gardening

Jarek Rutz March 11, 2025Headlines, Culture

First Staters with a green thumb aren’t going to want to miss this deal. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is helping residents reduce waste while enhancing their gardens through a special online sale of compost bins, rain barrels, and other conservation accessories. Delaware residents can browse the available products and place orders online at delaware.compostersale.com …

Delaware LIVE+ Weekly Review – March 9, 2025

Sonja Frey March 9, 2025Headlines

Click the image below to read this week’s Weekly Review!

The Concord Pond cleanup for Earth Month will be held April 5. (Photo from DNREC)

Earth Month event at Concord Pond hosted by DNREC April 5

Jarek Rutz March 7, 2025Headlines, Culture

As part of a month-long celebration of Earth Day in April 2025, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is seeking volunteers to join this year’s cleanup event at Concord Pond, a popular fishing and boating destination near Seaford. Volunteers are asked to pre-register for the event to be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5. The DNREC Division …

Fees to visit Delaware State Parks will begin Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware State Parks entrance fees take effect March 1

Jarek Rutz February 26, 2025Headlines, Culture

For all nature-lovers and outdoorsmen: with the weather breaking, prepare to pony up a couple bucks to attend your favorite state parks. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminded visitors Wednesday that 2025 entrance fees for Delaware State Parks will be in effect starting Saturday, March 1. The fees will remain in place through Nov. 30, …

Trout season in Kent and Sussex counties begins in 15 days with a youth-only day March 1. (Photo by ANDY_BOWLIN/iStock Getty Images)

Kent/Sussex trout season kicks off with youth-only day March 1

Jarek Rutz February 13, 2025Culture

Delaware’s youngest fisherman have just a couple weeks left until trout season kicks off. The season will officially open for youth anglers under the age of 16 at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, and will be followed by the regular trout season for all anglers starting a half-hour before sunrise on Sunday, March 2. On youth opening day, fishing …

Delaware LIVE+ Weekly Review – Feb. 9, 2025

Sonja Frey February 9, 2025Headlines

Click the image below to read this week’s Weekly Review!

The number of permit applications for turkey hunting season hit an all-time high in 2025. (Photo by enterlinedesign/Adobe Stock)

2025 turkey hunting season draws record applicants, permits

Jarek Rutz February 3, 2025Headlines, Sports

It’s huntin’ season in Delaware. And many – a record number – of First Staters want to partake. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced Monday that the 2025 lottery for State Wildlife Area Spring Turkey Season hunting permits held last month had drawn the largest applicant pool since the state’s first wild turkey lottery was held …

Collection of Avian Influenza-impacted wildlife expanded Through DNREC-USDA effort

Staff Writer January 22, 2025Environment, Government, Health, News Briefs

DOVER – The Delmarva Avian Influenza Joint Information Center announced today that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services are collaborating to collect sick and deceased snow geese and other wild birds that may have succumbed to the outbreak of avian influenza currently …

EPA, DNREC reach agreement on civil rights complaint

Peter Osborne January 18, 2025Government, News Briefs

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of External Civil Rights Compliance (OECRC) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) have signed an Informal Resolution Agreement addressing a civil rights complaint related to permitting for a bioenergy project in Seaford. The resolution builds on steps DNREC had already taken to strengthen public engagement processes in communities impacted by permitting …

DNREC Launches New Photo Contest Showcasing Delaware

Staff Writer January 12, 2025Around the State, Environment, Government

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites photographers to showcase their skills and love for nature in the new DNREC Photo Contest. Open to all ages and skill levels, this contest seeks to highlight Delaware’s outdoors through striking photography. This new, expanded contest combines DNREC’s former photo contests into one unified program. Rather than holding separate competitions throughout …

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Milford Wellness Village to anchor $1.25M federal grant expanding chronic-disease self-management for caregivers and adults with disabilities
EHRI, based at the Milford campus, is pleased to announce enrollment opportunities in May! MILFORD, Del. — A $1.25 million federal grant awarded several months ago is positioning the Milford Wellness Village as a central hub for expanded mental health education services across Delaware, with Education Health & Research International leading the effort. EHRI, which is headquartered at the Wellness Village, received the funding through the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization is responsible for designing and implementing the program, while the Milford campus will serve as the operational base and coordination center. EHRI has announced the first no-charge, once-a-week, six-part course. to help individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. “The project directly addresses combined health factors that lower quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, such as increased healthcare costs and a strain on caregivers and health systems,” said Rabbi Halberstam, EHRI’s chief strategy officer. How the pieces fit together The initiative brings together three key elements: The federal grant provides funding and a program framework focused on prevention and independent living EHRI acts as the lead organization, responsible for program development, coordination, and delivery Milford Wellness Village serves as the physical hub where services, partners, and outreach efforts are connected This structure reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward community-based models that integrate medical, behavioral health, and social services in one location. Focus on mental health and chronic conditions The program will prioritize individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stress tied to caregiving, grief, financial hardship, or new diagnoses. Rather than providing direct clinical treatment, the initiative emphasizes education and self-management, including: Workshops on stress, grief, and anxiety Tools for managing chronic illness alongside mental health challenges Support resources for caregivers Connections to local healthcare and social services Officials say the goal is to help participants stabilize earlier, reducing the need for emergency care or long-term institutional support. Enrollment Now Open With programming now underway, EHRI officials are pleased to announce enrollment opportunities. Join in a no-cost Workshop, once a week for 6 weeks. Workshops are nationally recognized as making a real difference for individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. Bring a loved one or friend and each will learn some new ideas for feeling better and reclaiming control. Tuesdays, May 19 to June 23- 5:30-8 pm Thursdays, May 19 to June 23- 9-1130am Thursdays, June 4-July 9- 5:30-8 pm To register; call, email or go online. Statewide reach through local partners While anchored in Milford, the program is designed to extend across Delaware through a network of partner organizations, including: Mental Health Association in Delaware Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore Jewish Family Services La Red Health Center WeCare Services PACE Your Life Beebe Healthcare Modern Maturity Center These partners will help deliver programming in community settings, expanding access to populations that may not engage with traditional healthcare systems. A growing model for community-based care The initiative comes as Delaware faces increasing demand for mental health services and caregiver support, particularly among its aging population. By linking federal funding, a lead nonprofit organization, and a centralized health campus, the program positions Milford as a model for integrated, community-based care—focused on prevention, education, and long-term independence. If you have any questions, contact Mona Boyer, Milford Wellness Village Education Coordinator Telephone: 302-300-5563 Email: mboyer@milfordwellnessvillage.com ONLINE: https://form.jotform.com/260816298177165
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Milford Wellness Village expands primary care access with addition of new nurse practitioner
This is the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community. MILFORD, Del. — Primary care services at the Milford Wellness Village continue to grow as Village Primary Care announces the addition of nurse practitioner Juanquetta D. Howell, MSN, FNP-C, expanding access for families and seniors across the Milford area. Health leaders say the move reflects the Wellness Village’s broader mission to strengthen community-based care and address an ongoing shortage of primary-care providers in Sussex County and across Delaware. Howell is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than eight years of clinical experience serving patients in southern Delaware. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a family practice specialization and previously worked as a registered nurse before transitioning to primary care. Her clinical background includes chronic disease management, diabetes and asthma care, treatment of anxiety disorders, and support for patients with complex conditions such as end-stage renal disease. Prior to joining Village Primary Care, Howell practiced with I & O Diabetes Consultants in Millsboro and maintained professional affiliations with Bayhealth Kent Campus, Bayhealth Sussex Campus, and Beebe Medical Center. She is licensed in Delaware as a family nurse practitioner, accepts Medicare and participates in collaborative care teams designed to improve continuity for seniors and families managing ongoing health needs. Colleagues describe Howell’s care style as relationship-driven and compassionate, emphasizing listening, shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans—an approach that aligns with Village Primary Care’s patient-centered model inside the Milford Wellness Village. Her arrival is expected to increase appointment availability while preserving the practice’s relationship-based approach, which emphasizes longer visits, continuity with the same provider and coordinated care for patients managing ongoing health conditions. Village Primary Care is led by executive director and family nurse practitioner Kaitlin Fielder, APRN-FNP-C, who designed the practice around extended first visits, preventive screenings and close collaboration with other health services located throughout the Wellness Village campus. The integrated setting allows patients to access rehabilitation, skilled nursing, social services and other supports in one location, improving coordination and reducing transportation barriers. Local demand for primary care remains high. Recent analyses show Delaware faces one of the nation’s most significant shortfalls in primary-care access, with Sussex County needing dozens of additional providers to meet current population needs. Growth in southern Delaware, combined with clinician retirements and workforce shortages, has contributed to longer wait times and increased reliance on urgent care and emergency departments. “Expanding primary care at the Milford Wellness Village is part of our long-term commitment to meeting people where they are and ensuring Milford families can access consistent, coordinated care close to home,” said Lon Kieffer, executive director of the Milford Wellness Village. Village Primary Care currently operates from a temporary suite at 21 W. Clarke Ave. while a permanent, expanded space within the Wellness Village campus is under construction. Leaders say the larger facility will further increase patient capacity and strengthen the campus’s role as an integrated hub for health, wellness and supportive services in central and southern Delaware. “The continued growth of services across the Wellness Village reflects our focus on building a comprehensive, community-centered system of care designed to serve residents at every stage of life,” Kieffer said. The addition of Howell marks the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion as leaders work to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community.
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Milford Wellness Village to Host Free Lunch & Learn on Advance Care Planning
The Lunch & Learn program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. MILFORD, Del. — The Milford Wellness Village is hosting families and caregivers for a practical introduction to Advanced Care Planning so that future medical decisions are made before a crisis occurs. The session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Conference Center Main Board Room at the Milford Wellness Village. The educational presentation will take place during the first 30 minutes, followed by an informal discussion. Lunch will be provided at no cost. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Kieffer said the Lunch & Learn reflects the Wellness Village’s commitment to helping families and caregivers prepare before difficult situations arise. “Advance care planning is one of the most important conversations families can have, but it’s often delayed until a crisis,” Kieffer said. “Our goal is to give people clear, practical information in a setting that feels approachable, supportive, and respectful of their time.” Kieffer added the program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. Advance care planning helps individuals document their healthcare wishes and identify a trusted person to make medical decisions if they become unable to speak for themselves. Delaware encourages all adults age 18 and older to complete an Advance Healthcare Directive. Without advance planning, caregivers and family members are often left making critical decisions during medical emergencies, frequently under intense pressure and with limited information. Clear plans can reduce confusion, prevent family conflict, and ensure care aligns with a person’s values and preferences. The Lunch & Learn format is especially geared toward family caregivers, working adults supporting aging parents, and professionals who regularly interact with older adults or individuals managing chronic illness. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.Seats can be reserved online at:https://form.jotform.com/253554029214150 Those with questions are encouraged to contact the Milford Wellness Village directly. Call Mona Boyer, Director Campus Operations & Workforce Partnerships, Milford Wellness Village Mobile:302-300-5563.
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The Balancing Act: How Milford Caregivers Juggle Work, Family, and Caring for a Loved One
As more families in central and southern Delaware take on caregiving roles, local experts say support, flexibility, and self-care are key to avoiding burnout. MILFORD, Delaware— For many families in Milford and throughout central and southern Delaware, caregiving is not an abstract concept — it is part of daily life. Whether caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a serious illness, or a loved one with disabilities, caregivers often balance demanding responsibilities at home while trying to maintain full-time employment and family commitments. That balancing act can take a toll. A recent AARP and S&P Global survey found that 67% of family caregivers nationwide struggle to manage both work and caregiving responsibilities, often reporting stress, guilt, exhaustion, and emotional strain. Locally, caregivers say the pressure can feel even heavier when support services are difficult to find or navigate. This article — part of an ongoing Milford LIVE series examining the caregiver experience — highlights practical strategies to manage stress while pointing readers to local resources, including Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford Wellness Village, Oasis Senior Care, and Delaware Hospice. Caregiving at Home: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Caregiving is rarely meant to be a one-person job, yet many Milford-area caregivers find themselves managing everything from medical appointments and meals to finances and household maintenance. Experts recommend starting with a realistic assessment of what your loved one needs — and identifying where help can be shared. Sharing the Load Delaware Hospice, Easterseals, and Oasis Senior Care all encourage caregivers to list daily and weekly tasks and determine which responsibilities can be delegated. That may include asking a family member to manage paperwork, a neighbor to help with transportation, or arranging part-time in-home support. When loved ones live out of town or cannot provide hands-on care, financial contributions toward respite care or professional support services can ease the burden significantly. Caregivers are also encouraged to be specific when asking for help. A clear request — such as “Can you stop by Tuesday at noon to help with lunch?” — makes it easier for others to step in and provide meaningful assistance. Local Support in Milford: A Growing Network of Care Easterseals at the Milford Wellness Village One of Milford’s most important caregiving resources is Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, located within the Milford Wellness Village, a growing hub for health and community-based services. Easterseals offers a range of programs designed to support both caregivers and those receiving care, including adult day services, respite care, counseling, and caregiver support programs, as well as services for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. Crystal Baynard, a caregiver herself and a member of the Easterseals Community Outreach Program, said caregivers often put every ounce of energy into caring for others while neglecting their own needs. “Most caregivers fully devote themselves to the role of supporting and providing for their loved one,” Baynard said. “Having connections of their own by socializing with friends or family, finding the right support group, and not ignoring signs of stress or burnout are critical to the journey.” By offering services locally through the Milford Wellness Village, Easterseals helps reduce travel time and stress while strengthening community-based support for families throughout Sussex and Kent counties. Oasis Senior Care: Guidance When Families Need Direction In addition to hands-on services, many families need help understanding care options and coordinating next steps. Oasis Senior Care works with families as a consulting and care-planning resource, helping caregivers navigate complex healthcare decisions, coordinate services, and develop clear care plans as needs change. For caregivers feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, having professional guidance can provide clarity and confidence during difficult transitions. Planning Ahead Reduces Stress Unexpected medical events and sudden care needs are part of the caregiving reality. Preparing in advance can prevent last-minute panic. Experts recommend caregivers keep medical, legal, and financial documents organized and up to date, maintain a list of trusted contacts for emergencies or home repairs, and create a folder with medications, care instructions, and provider information. Preparation allows caregivers to respond calmly and decisively when challenges arise. Taking Care of the Caregiver Caregivers often put their own needs last — but burnout is one of the most serious risks they face. Even small, intentional breaks can help restore balance. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Short walks, quiet moments with coffee or tea, reading, stretching, or time with a pet can all help caregivers recharge. Experts recommend scheduling personal time on a calendar and treating it like an appointment that should not be skipped. Caregivers are also encouraged to resist the urge to be “perfect.” Managing a household, a career, and caregiving responsibilities simultaneously is not always realistic — and comparing one’s situation to others only adds unnecessary pressure. Every caregiving journey is different. Balancing Care and Work in the Milford Area For working caregivers, open communication with employers can make a meaningful difference. Many workplaces offer flexible schedules, remote or hybrid options, or Employee Assistance Programs. Caregivers should also be aware of their legal protections. Employees at workplaces with 50 or more staff members may qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects caregivers from discrimination related to family responsibilities. Managing Stress and Staying Connected Chronic caregiving stress affects both physical and emotional health. Tools such as shared digital calendars, medication apps like CareZone, and structured routines can help bring order to busy days. Caregiver support groups — including those offered through organizations like Easterseals — help reduce isolation by connecting people facing similar challenges. Recognizing warning signs such as fatigue, irritability, sadness, or withdrawal and asking for help early can prevent long-term health problems. The Takeaway for Milford Families Balancing work, family, and caregiving is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about setting boundaries, planning ahead, asking for help, and using trusted local resources. For Milford families, organizations such as Easterseals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford […]
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