Waves and wind move sand around throughout the year. Vegetation can provide stability and capture sand at the base of the plant to allow the surface to incrementally rise, one grain at a time.

DNREC works to protect and enhance eroding beaches to enable continued protective and recreational use through science-based dune and beach management practices, such as: nourishing eroding beaches, planting beach grass to promote dune growth, and fencing dunes to protect them from pedestrian traffic.

Rebates provide incentives for Delaware citizens and businesses to buy or lease new alternative fuel vehicles. The program also works in alignment with Delaware's commitment to innovation in the transportation sector, reducing greenhouse gases, and improving Delaware's air quality.

Aside from providing scenic vistas, serving recreational purposes, and fueling Delaware's ecotourism economy, wetlands have many other important functions. They clean and replenish our drinking waters, provide habitat and food for wildlife, absorb floodwaters, and protect our coasts from storm damage and sea level rise.

A major part of DNREC's mission is to provide educational opportunities to students on the historical, cultural, and natural significance of the environment. Creating a better understanding of the natural environment can inspire stewardship as well as protection and preservation of our historical and natural resources.

Renewable energy comes from natural sources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. Delaware supports the use of renewable energy by homeowners and businesses through grant funding, incentives, and technical guidance.

With 25% of Delaware's land area consisting of wetland habitat and the continual loss of wetlands due to sea level rise and development, it is important to understand how healthy our remaining wetlands are.

Wondering how you can make a difference? There are many ways we can reduce our dependence on plastic and single-use items and help prevent debris from entering the ocean.

Although wetlands provide important ecosystem services, wetland management programs must compete with many other important issues for attention and funding from local stakeholders and decision-makers. Economic studies are often conducted to relay the value of services and resources provided by natural systems in dollar amounts.