Clear into the Future


			Calendar of Events for 2008 April Apr 10-11 - NJ Conference of Mayors at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City What are we doing to improve the quality of life in the Garden State? The New Jersey Conference of Mayor will address these issues this week! The 45th Annual Conference and Exposition takes place April 10-11 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The mission of the NJ Conference of Mayors is "to provide a unified approach and an open line of communication to our State and Federal Legislatures and Administrations that reflects the will of the people of the great State of New Jersey and work to improve the health and well being of all its residents." The Clear into the Future booth, accompanied by one of DuPont's own, will make its way to the conference this year as tool to inform legislators about how they too can help preserve and enhance the beauty and integrity of the Delaware River Estuary for generations to come. Apr 19 - Christina River Watershed Cleanup Did you know the Christina River Watershed provides 75% of the public water supply for residents and businesses in New Castle County? Clear into the Future needs your help in cleaning up the region's most important resource! Join Clear into the Future and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary as we celebrate Earth Day a little bit early by participating in the 17th Annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup. This volunteer activity is an excellent way for area businesses, civic groups, and individuals from all walks of life to show their gratitude for the watershed in which they reside. For more information, please call Shirley Posey at (302) 838-1897, or visit www.ChristinaRiverCleanup.org. Apr 19 - Earth Day: Party for the Planet! Take a walk on the WILD side this year in celebration of our fragile earth. The Brandywine Zoo will have live entertainment, earth day-related games, stories, crafts, live animal presentations and much more as a part of the day's fun! Admission: Age 12 to adult $4, seniors and children $2, under 3 years free. There is no charge for Zoo Members. For more information, please visit http://www.brandywinezoo.org/events.html or call (302) 571-7747. Apr 19 - Ocean to Bay Bike Tour Take a bike tour through Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, and the surrounding areas. Riders can choose a 20-, 35-, or 50-mile route through the Quiet Resorts. Close to 400 cyclists, serious and amateur, visit the area for this high profile event. For more information, call 800-962-SURF or visit www.oceantobaybiketour.com Apr 20 - 3rd Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up Earth Day is coming up! What can you do to help out? There's no better way to celebrate Earth Day than by helping with a pre-season clean-up at what some call Delaware State Parks' "quiet beach?" Meet at the parking lot of the main bath house located at the south end of Fenwick Island State Park (just north of the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce) at 11:00am. All of the materials will be supplied; just come dressed for the weather! The clean-up is open to all, but groups of 10 or more are asked to call 302-227-6991 ahead of time to make sure we have enough supplies on hand. For more information, visit www.destateparks.com Apr 22 - Earth Day Did you know that today is Earth Day? Check out these easy ways you can help protect the planet at work and at home! Just a few simple things you can do to take action on your own to help make a difference... â€¢ Save energy by turning off lights and appliances when you leave the room. â€¢ Cut back on air conditioning and heating use if possible. â€¢ Use less water by turning off the faucet when shaving or brushing your teeth. â€¢ Practice the three R's - REDUCE how much you use, REUSE what you can, and RECYCLE the rest. â€¢ Carpool to work, ride a bike, or use mass transportation to reduce pollution. â€¢ Handle toxic products carefully - learn about the ingredients, potential health effects, and safety handling procedures of common household products like paint, cleaners, oils, and batteries. Apr 23-27 - Delmarva Birding Weekend Need a getaway weekend? Experience the beauty of the region's most exquisite birds by joining Clear into the Future at the Delmarva Birding Weekend, April 23-27, 2008! The Delmarva Birding Weekend celebrates the migration of hundreds of warblers, shorebirds, and waterfowl as well as many nesting birds and raptors. The weekend combines boat trips, canoe treks, and expeditions by foot. Birders, both novice and experienced, make an important statement about the economic value of nature-based tourism and their habitat conservation through participation in the Delmarva Birding Weekend. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.skipjack.net/le_shore/birdingweekend Apr - 25 - Arbor Day Tree Tales Hike Celebrate Arbor Day at Holts Landing with an afternoon hike. Learn about the different kinds of trees found along the 1.7-mile Sea Hawk Trail. In addition to finding out how to identify various tree species, you'll learn about their traditional uses and forest folklore. There is no fee for this program. For more information, call 302-227-6991 or visit www.destateparks.com. Apr 26 - Milford Bud and Bug Festival Did you know that the Ladybug is Delaware's Official State Bug? The Milford Bud and Bug Festival will be celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the ladybug's official status! Events such as hands-on nature encounters, children's games and activities, and kite flying in Bicentennial Park, as well as live entertainment can all be enjoyed throughout Memorial Park South, downtown Milford, and along the Mispillion Riverwalk. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Clear into the Future booth there! For additional information, please visit http://www.downtownmilford.org/festival.html. Apr 28 - DuPont Seminar Series Don't miss the last lecture of Clear into the Future's Seminar Series! Dr. Ken Able, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University, will be present a lecture on "Marsh restoration in the Delaware Bay: Synthesis of ten years of research." The lecture is hosted by Clear into the Future, Rutgers' Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and Cumberland County College, and will take place in the Luciano Center on the campus of Cumberland County College. Refreshments and open discussion begin at 6pm. For more information please contact Dr. Eric Powell director of Rutgers' Haskins Research Lab (856-785-0074 ext 4300 - elaine@hsrl.rutgers.edu ) or Mrs. Mary Ann Westerfield, Cumberland County College's Division Chair of Health and Science (mwesterfield@cccnj.edu, 856-691-8600 ext 344). May Red Knots fly into DNC. The Red Knots are coming! Don't miss a chance to see the Red Knot birds on the Delaware Estuary during the only stop of their annual spring migration! Join Clear into the Future at the DuPont Nature Center this week to observe these remarkable birds as they feed on the abundance of horseshoe crabs eggs that the Delaware Estuary provides to support and fuel their annual migration. For directions or Nature Center hours, visit www.dupontnaturecenter.com. May 10 - Annual Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Hundreds of anglers line the beaches competing for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes, and hoping to hook the state record-breaking bluefish and reel in $25,000. This event takes place North of the Inlet through Fenwick. For more information, call 800-962-SURF or visit www.delawaresurffish.com. May 12 - Mispillion River Clean-Up May 17 - DuPont Nature Center Anniversary Celebration/Summer Series Lecture May 17-18 - Ocean Fun Days Ocean Fun Days is an educational and interactive event that promotes understanding and stewardship of New Jersey's marine and coastal resources. It is a two day family friendly event, held at Island Beach State Park on May 17th and at NJMSC headquarters in Sandy Hook on May 18th. For more information, visit: http://www.njmsc.org/oceanfunday.html. May 23 - DuPont Nature Center's 1st Birthday Have you wished the DuPont Nature Center happy birthday yet? Today the Center turns one year old! The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, with the help of the Clear into the Future Initiative, officially opened to the public on May 23, 2007 to provide visitors with the optimum viewing location for the intersection of Red Knot migration and horseshoe crab spawning. The Nature Center offers interactive environmental exhibits, on-site educational programs and workshops, and a "million dollar view of the Delaware estuary." To learn more, check out www.dupontnaturecenter.org or www.clearintothefuture.com. May 26 - Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival in Milton The 5th Annual Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival will be held in Milton, DE to raise awareness about horseshoe crab and shorebird migration and to build environmental stewardship throughout the community. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), along with the support of numerous businesses, sponsors activities such as horseshoe crab and reptile lectures, a tour bus ride to observe horseshoe crabs and shorebirds, canoe trips to Prime Hook Creek to learn about local wildlife, bird walks, games and activities, live music, delicious food. For more information contact: Prime Hook NWR at (302)684-8419. June June 4 - Nature Center Summer Series (Family Birding) June 14 - Nature Center Summer Series (A Day in the Salt Marsh) June 18 - Nature Center Summer Series (Horseshoe Crabs) June 28 - Nature Center Summer Series (The Quill Pen) Experience Peregrine Falcons in Downtown Wilmington Bird watching in the city may sound strange, but did you know that a family of endangered peregrine falcons lives atop the Brandywine Building in downtown Wilmington? On June 25th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm join Clear into the Future on the top deck of the City Center Garage located on 11th Street between Tatnall and N. West Streets for a free informative session about the indigenous peregrine falcons. Bill Stewart, conservative chair of the Delmarva Ornithological Society, and Greg Inskip, published author and avid Wilmington peregrine watcher for the last 15 years will offer informative talks about the falcons. Viewing equipment and light refreshments will be provided. The rain date is Thursday, June 26th. August Aug 8-10 - Delmarva Blue Crab Festival The 2nd annual Delmarva Blue Crab Festival will be taking place Milton, DE with a central goal of ensuring the availability of blue crabs now and in the future. The event promises lots of education, entertainment, and delicious food. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has been chosen as a beneficiary to receive a portion of the proceeds from the event. The Foundation is a nonprofit environmental stewardship organization committed to improving bay and ocean water quality, as well as improving the environment overall. September Sept 13 - International Coastal Clean-Up Day Be a part of the international effort to clean up America's coastlines! Clear into the Future will be teaming up with the DuPont Nature Center (and the rest of the world) on International Coastal Clean-Up Day! Thousands of people will descend on beaches, lakes, and streams all over the world to remove trash and debris from land and under water. Volunteers of all ages from every continent will form the largest one-day volunteer event on behalf of clean oceans and waterways. The event focuses on pollution prevention and educating and empowering people to become a part of the marine debris solution. Volunteers are encouraged to take part in the clean-up, beginning at 9am at the Nature Center. Refreshments will be provided. Sept 15 - Pennsylvania Coast Day Been a while since you enjoyed the beauty of the Pennsylvania coastline? Join Clear into the Future for some family-oriented fun at Pennsylvania Coast Day! Come to Penn's Landing to learn more about the Delaware Estuary and enjoy free music and entertainment, children's activities hosted by many of the region's most influential environmental organizations, and freshly roasted Delaware Bay oysters! For more information, please contact Dee Ross at (800) 445-4935, x106. Sept 26 - Kalmar Races Can the DuPont Rowing Team win the title of "Wilmington Crew Champs of the Business World" again this year? Check out the Kalmar Races to find out! Our very own DuPont Rowing Team will be racing again this year and will donate $1,000 for the community cause. The 3rd annual race of seven local corporate crew teams will be held on September 26th this year. The Wilmington Renaissance Corporation hosts the event to raise money for the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation and Wilmington Rowing Club. Clear into the Future is ready to cheer on our crew champions and we hope you are too! Sept 27 - National Estuaries Day Today is National Estuaries Day! Clear into the Future is asking for your help in protecting the Delaware Estuary. The purpose of this day is to celebrate the importance of our country's estuaries and promote awareness and education about the need to protect them. Did you know...? â€¢ An estuary is the place where fresh water from a river empties into and mixes with the salt water from an ocean. â€¢ Estuaries are among the most productive natural systems on earth due to the mixing of nutrients from land and sea â€¢ There are 102 significant estuaries in the U.S according to the EPA â€¢ Our coastal regions are currently home to 110 million people, a number that is expected to increase to 127 million by the year 2010. â€¢ Fishing, tourism, and recreational boating that take place on our estuaries provide more than 28 million jobs for our nation. To learn more about how you can volunteer to help protect your estuary, visit www.clearintothefure.com! Sept 27 - Partnership for Delaware Estuary Fundraiser Dinner The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary hosts an annual fundraising event called "Experience the Estuary Celebration." This year's theme is "The Delaware: A Living River, A Working River," and DuPont will be a corporate sponsor of the event. There will be dinner, cocktails, live music, and silent and live auctions with over 100 items to bid upon. For more information, please contact Dee Ross at (800) 445-4935, x 106. Sept 29 - Woodstown, NJ Fall Festival The annual festival is a celebration of this South Jersey town and includes contests, live music and a special Kid Zone. Antique cars will be lined up along Main Street along with the venders, crafters and community group booths. At this event, Clear into the Future is joined by volunteers from the Chambers Works site - a 90-year old site with more than 1000 employees today. Come join some local DuPont employees and find out more about Clear into the Future at this fun annual event! October Oct 5 - Delaware Coast Day Help us make a Coastal Connection! Clear into the Future will be at Delaware's Coast Day, will you? Hosted by the University of Delaware's College of Marine and Earth Studies and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, Delaware Coast Day introduces thousands of people each year to the wonders of the sea and the importance of Delaware's marine and coastal resources. The event is located at the University's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, DE and offers hands-on exhibits, lectures on popular science topics, ship and laboratory tours, crab races, a crab cake cook-off, seafood cooking demonstrations, a boat show, and much more. For more information about the event, please call (302) 831-8083 or visit http://www.ocean.udel.edu/coastday. Oct 12 - NJ Coast Day The NJ Marine Science Consortium and its partners will showcase New Jersey's fishing and aquaculture industries and its maritime heritage. Come out with your family and enjoy eco-tours, nature walks, crab races, touch tanks, dock tours, children's activities and much, much more. FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY! For more information, visit http://www.njmsc.org/CoastDay.html. Oct 12 - Delaware Teacher in Service Day Teachers from all over Delaware will be attending workshops at the DuPont Nature Center today as a part of their statewide in-service day. Volunteers from Clear into the Future will be helping the Nature Center educate school teachers about the importance of the Delaware Estuary, horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and much more. Oct 15-19 - Annual Conference at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg The national Society for Environmental Journalists will hold its annual conference at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on October 15-19, 2008. The Society's objective is to advance public understanding of environmental issues by improving the quality, accuracy, and visibility of environmental reporting. Over 1,000 journalists from around the United States and the world are expected to attend, as are the governors of Virginia and West Virginia and even perhaps the 2008 presidential candidates. For more information, please contact Lynn Davis at Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources, (540) 231-6157 or davisl@vt.edu. December Dec 5 - International Volunteer Recognition Day Clear into the Future would like to thank our volunteers for all of the effort and time they have put into the organization and our events. Clear into the Future would not be possible without the help of those who volunteered at the following events: MLK Day, Christina Watershed Clean-Up, Earth Day Beach Clean-Up, Misipillion River Clean-Up, International Coastal Clean-Up Day, Pennsylvania Coast Day, and Delaware Coast Day. Thank you so much, we appreciate all you have done! Dec 6 - DuPont Nature Center Holiday Gala Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit? Get your tickets for the Holiday Gala at the DuPont Nature Center now! This "Friends of the Misipillion Harbor Reserve" holiday event will be held from 3-6pm and will consist of a silent auction of items donated by numerous businesses, hors d'oeurvres, wine and cheese, and much, much more. Tickets are limited, so act now! For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit www.dupontnaturecenter.org.