Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR)

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country whose goal is to establish, protect, and manage natural estuarine habitats for research, education, and coastal stewardship. It was established in 1993, and is a cooperative program between the State of Delaware and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The DNERR has two main components, the Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend, Delaware, and the St. Jones Reserve in Dover, Del. These sites include both brackish and freshwater estuaries, and represent the diverse estuarine ecosystems found throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Our mission at the DNERR is to preserve and manage natural resources through coastal stewardship within the Reserve as a place for research, and for providing education and outreach programs that promote better understanding of Delaware's estuarine and coastal areas, and to promote informed coastal decision-making.

Please explore our website to learn more about research, education, stewardship efforts and volunteer opportunities at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve.

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