Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

2025 Delaware Trash Into Treasure Art Contest
2024-10-21 08:00 - 2025-01-15 17:00 (America/New_York)
Thank You for Your Interest in Our Contest! We Are No Longer Accepting Request New Entry Request Forms.
Thank you for your interest in our 2025 Delaware Trash Into Treasure Art Contest.
If you have:

Already requested a canvas and are waiting to have one mailed, it will still be mailed to you. Once you receive it, you may complete your artwork and submit it by the deadline.
Already requested a canvas and arranged to pick it up at our office, please do so as soon as possible. Please reach out directly to Jasmine Chandler to make pickup arrangements. You can then complete your artwork and submit it by the deadline.
Received your canvas, please turn in your finished artwork to PDE by Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.

Please visit our web page for further information about the contest.

2025 Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit, Feb. 11-12
2025-02-11 09:00 - 2025-02-12 16:30 | Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE, 19801, United States
This is the 20th anniversary of the Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit, and we are holding it in Delaware this year! We will be at the Chase Center at the Riverfront in Wilmington, steps away from the Christina River. We have more than fascinating live and poster presentations about the science of water in the Delaware Estuary, the things that live in and around it, and what challenges we find in our estuary today.
For more information about the Summit, CLICK HERE.

Schuylkill Scrub, March 1 to May 31
2025-03-01 08:00 - 2025-05-31 17:00
Volunteer in Pennsylvania!
Get involved in the Schuylkill Scrub, which occurs in communities throughout the Schuylkill River Watershed every March 1 through May 31. Volunteer to help pick up litter and make communities a little brighter and cleaner. This is a great community service opportunity for individuals and groups of all types. Find out more by clicking HERE.

2025 RASCL Summit
2025-03-05 09:30 - 16:30 | Private: Del-One Conference Center, 100 Campus Drive, Building 700 ETB, Dover, DE, 19904, United States
Thanks for Joining Us

Thank you all who attended the Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL) Summit at the Del-One Conference Center in Dover to learn about sustainable and efficient urban planning. Click HERE to view photos from the day.

2025 Schuylkill Scrub and Pub
2025-03-27 14:30 - 17:00
Join us on March 27, 2025 ,
Upper Merion Township, PA
Check later for signup information

Storm Drain Marking with Green Philly and PDE
2025-04-09 16:30 - 18:00
4:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 9
Join Green Philly and PDE to mark storm drains and keep our waterways clean and clear!
Click HERE to Register

2025 Christina River Watershed Cleanup, April 12
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | 1899 Northeast Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19802, 1899 Northeast Boulevard, Wilmington, DE, 19802, United States
It’s nearly here! Are you signed up?
The Christina River Watershed Cleanup is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 12. There’s still time to sign up to participate.
This is a great community service opportunity for individuals, families, and groups of all kinds. Do some good for the community and the environment.
PDE’s site volunteers will meet at Joe White Memorial Field at 1899 Northeast Boulevard in Wilmington. Access the registration form by clicking HERE.

Vote for Delaware Art by April 13
2025-04-13 08:00 - 23:55
April 13 is the last day to vote in the Delaware Trash Into Treasure Art Contest.
Click HERE for the form to view all 20 submissions and vote for your top three favorites.
All of these works convey love for our waterways and the importance of keeping them clean and litter-free. Which one is your favorite? Which will win? You decide.

Wilmington Earth Day
2025-04-17 11:00 - 14:00

Dine Out for the Community, April 22
2025-04-22 11:30 - 21:00
Dine Out and Support PDE!
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22
WHERE: Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront, 720 Justison Street, Wilmington.
HOW: Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront and 15% of total net sales generated will be donated to PDE as part of Big Fish Grill’s Dine & Donate program.

University of Delaware Ag Day
2025-04-26 10:00 - 15:00

Open Streets Wilmington Events, April 26 to Aug. 16
2025-04-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-31 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-16 13:00 - 16:00
Join the party!
PDE and other partners are working with Open Streets Wilmington to bring you some special Saturdays from spring to fall.
These events close streets to all motor traffic, creating space for people of all ages and abilities to get outside and play!
They offer:
Giveaways, children’s activities, live music, outdoor fitness classes, free bike rentals, information and resources, and more!

Dates, times, and locations:
April 26, 1 – 4 p.m.: N. Walnut Street between 10th and 16th streets
May 31, 1 – 4 p.m.: New Castle Ave between Pearl Street and A Street
June 28, 1 – 4 p.m.: W. 4th Street between Broom and Lincoln streets
August 16, 1 – 4 p.m.: N. Market Street between 18th Street and Vandever/Concord
Visit the Open Streets Wilmington website for more information!

Downe Township Horseshoe Crab Festival, May 10
2025-05-10 11:00 - 16:00
Come to this event set for Saturday, May 10 in Fortescue, New Jersey.

Chester River Festival
2025-05-17 11:00 - 14:00
Celebrate the Delaware River and the Chester Community
Held just steps away from the banks of the Delaware River, Chester River Fest is another way to bring the community out to recognize the source of drinking water for millions in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Come to Union Yards from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17.
Spring days are made for fun. Stay tuned, we’ll have more information soon.

2025 Shad Fest CANCELLED
2025-05-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Brandywine Park, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, DE, 19801, United States
Cancelled
The 2025 Shadfest celebration has been cancelled.
Please go to the Shadfest official website for more information.

Red Knot Festival, May 31
2025-05-31 12:00 - 16:00
Join event host, the Upstream Alliance, at this event to learn about birds and crabs with the community of Slaughter Beach, Delaware, during this second annual festival.
Theme: Migratory Birds & Horseshoe Crabs
Partners: American Littoral Society
Location: Slaughter Beach Pavilion, DE
Email olivia.mcdowell.liu@gmail.com to volunteer and learn more about this event.
Visit: https://www.upstreamalliance.org/events

Shuckfest 2025
2025-06-01 12:00 - 15:30 | Liberty Point Restaurant, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, United States
Save the date for Philadelphia’s biggest oyster festival!
WHEN: Sunday, June 1, Noon to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Liberty Point Restaurant at the Independence Seaport Museum, 211 Columbus Boulevard.

Not only is this a great event to indulge in local oysters, but you can watch the annual pro oyster shucking competition.
Visit www.oysterhousephilly.com for tickets and information.

DRBA World Environment Day
2025-06-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Veterans Memorial Park, 163 Cherry Lane, New Castle, DE, 19720, United States
WHEN: Thursday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 163 Cherry Lane, New Castle, Delaware
Learn about environmental issues from government regulators, environmental experts, and company representatives on recycling, air quality, food waste, plastic bag bans, renewable energy, greener products, plastic pollution, stainability, watersheds, endangered/protected species, electric vehicles, nuclear power, energy conservation, marine life and habitat, oil spill cleanup, remediation, ecology, and climate impacts.
Visit the DRBA’s event page for more information.

2025 Philadelphia Spokesdog Competition, June 8
2025-06-08 14:00 - 17:00
Does your pup have what it takes to represent Philadelphia on the path to cleaner waterways?
Join the Philadelphia Water Department’s Spokesdog Competition
WHEN: 2-5 p.m., Sunday, June 8
WHERE: The Boozy Mutt, 2639 Poplar Street, Philadelphia.
WHAT’S UP?

A dog costume contest
Trivia and other fun and games
Prizes that include crowning the next Philly Spokesdog!

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Visit: bit.ly/Spokesdog2025.
The Spokesdog Competition is a friendly contest to crown the Philadelphia Water Department’s new representative for keeping Philly streets and waterways clear of doggie-doo!

2025 Marcus Hook Pirate Festival
2025-09-20 11:00 - 18:00 | 4 East Delaware Street, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, 4 East Delaware Street, Marcus Hook, PA, United States
Marcus Hook Pirate Festival
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20
WHERE: 4 East Delaware Street, Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania
The Marcus Hook Pirate Festival returns to port with a full pirate encampment, demonstrations, wares, firearms, cannons, and beer making. Ye be games, food, live pirate music, noy rides, a petting zoo, face painting. All funds raised from the event go toward the restoration of the historic Plank House, also known as Blackbeard’s Mistress’ House.
Visit the website for more information.

Celebrate National Estuaries Week with PDE, Sept. 20-27
2025-09-20 11:00 - 2025-09-27 16:30
Celebrate National Estuaries Week with PDE! Look for online and in-person activities from the Marcus Hook Pirate Festival on Sept. 20 to the Delaware River Festival on the 27th. We’ll have fun quizzes and information about how to help the estuary this fall at our public shell bagging events.

Gardening for Clean Water
2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Scout Cafe, 2316 Baynard Blvd, Wilmington, DE, 19801, United States
Join us for a cup of coffee and learn about gardening with native plants and how it’s connected to clean water.

What to expect: A great evening to learn about native plants, good company, and maybe take away a free plant (while supplies last).

2025 Delaware River Festival
2025-09-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Save the Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and Wiggins Park in Camden
FREE family fun at the Delaware River!
Join us at Penn’s Landing in Philly and Wiggins Park in Camden for a fantastic day of games, sights, activities, and more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27. Visit the website for more information and updates.

Thank You for Joining Our Experience the Estuary Celebration
2025-10-09 17:00 - 20:30 | Vie, 600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, United States
We can’t wait to see you next year.
Thank you to all who attended our Experience the Estuary Celebration on Oct. 9 in Philadelphia. Your attendance helped make our year complete. Click HERE for photos from the evening.

CANCELLED: Nov. 1 Shell Bagging Event
2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00
Nov. 1 Shell Bagging Event CANCELLED

Hey there! Looks like we’ve bagged our oyster shells for the season. Our Nov. 1 public shell bagging event in Wilmington is CANCELLED. If you already signed up, you should have received a notification via email.

Don’t worry, we’ll let you know when the next shell bagging event comes around. We’ll need you! Thank you for all your help this year.

Register Now for the Delaware Trash Into Treasure Art Contest
2025-11-17 09:00 - 2026-02-13 15:00
Attention, Delaware Artists! Time to Enter Our Contest!

Do you have a creative vision for a cleaner environment? Now’s the chance to showcase your work in the 2026 Delaware Trash Into Treasure Art Contest.
Would you like to enter? Request a canvas from PDE and then submit your artwork depicting the importance of keeping the Christina River Watershed clear of trash and other pollutants. All finished work must be submitted by Feb. 13, 2026, to be eligible for the contest.
This contest is associated with the annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup, scheduled for April 11, 2026. For contest rules and to request a canvas, visit bit.ly/TrashIntoTreasureContest. Don’t miss your chance to compete and win prizes.
