December 2021 — Maritime Forests
According to the NOAA National Ocean Service, maritime forests are “shoreline estuaries that grow along coastal barrier islands that support a great diversity of plants and animals.” These forests are characterized by specific plant communities growing within a half mile of the ocean and affected by the salt spray.
Maritime forests are present in Delaware, including around the Inland Bays and the state’s southern beaches. The forests play a crucial role in coastal resilience: in addition to providing habitat for plants and animals, maritime forests help stabilize soils and store groundwater while protecting marshland or other habitats further inland.
To learn more, check out the latest episode of SeaTalk.
Notable Dates in December
December 2 — Delaware Sea Grant is seeking volunteers to participate in a 3-day Derelict Crab Pot Round-Up in Indian River this winter. Interested parties should contact Kate Fleming, Delaware Sea Grant Coastal Ecology Specialist, at kfleming@udel.edu, or attend our virtual information session on Thursday, December 2, 2020 5 – 6 pm. Register for the session here
December 7-8 — Each year, RASCL hosts an annual Summit that attracts over 200 attendees from nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, private consultants, and community groups. This year, the 5th annual RASCL Summit is all virtual and will conclude with networking opportunities. Learn more and register
December 17 to January 2 — The Delaware Ornithological Society is sponsoring six Delaware Christmas Bird Counts: Wilmington, Middletown, Bombay Hook, Rehoboth, Cape Henlopen/Prime Hook, and Milford. All counts are looking for birders to participate. Visit their official page for more information