Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Logo

Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

Reserve Information

Designated

1993

Lead Agency

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
(Visit Site)

Protects

6,364 acres

Located

St. Jones Reserve component is located six miles southeast of Dover; Blackbird Creek component is located in southern New Castle County.

Additional Information

Habitats found in this reserve support major spawning areas for horseshoe crabs each spring, and the resulting eggs provide fuel for migratory shorebirds.

Biogeographic Region

Virginian

Tidal Range

N/A

About This Reserve

This reserve consists of two components: 1,087 acres of freshwater wetlands, ponds, and forest lands in Blackbird Creek, and 5,119 acres of salt marsh and open water habitats on the St. Jones River on Delaware Bay. The Blackbird Creek watershed is a predominantly rural area consisting of wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands. The St. Jones River watershed has significant development in upstream non-tidal area, where urbanized Dover dominates the middle and upper watershed. Downstream portions of the St. Jones River watershed are still primarily agricultural.

The Delaware Reserve is one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and is protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, in conjunctions with other local partners, manages the site on a daily basis. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.

Reserve Location and Boundaries