Developing active partnerships to help coastal communities prosper for generations to come
Delaware's coastal landscape and economy have changed over time, compelling coastal communities to adapt while preserving their maritime heritage. Delaware Sea Grant is partnering with individual communities, state agencies, and researchers to identify paths forward for these communities, develop new practices that marry tradition and change, and enable communities to thrive.
Exploring Delaware
Promoting nature-based recreation, activities, and festivals across the First State
Economic Development
Finding solutions to incentivize local business and tourism in Delaware's rural communities
Community Planning
Working with communities to develop economic and environmental visions for the future
Exploring Delaware
Nature-Based Recreation
From hiking and bird-watching to fishing and kayaking, Delaware is an ideal place to spend time outdoors. Learn more about how to explore and enjoy Delaware’s natural splendor using this resources page. Learn more about nature-based recreation in Delaware.
Leipsic Oyster Festival
In the coastal town of Leipsic, the Working Waterfronts Initiative helped the community coordinate the first-ever Leipsic Oyster Festival in 2017. Delaware Sea Grant's funding and expertise helped the community to develop a branded identity and execute a successful festival. Learn more
Community Development
Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware's Sustainable Coastal Community Initiative are helping communities to identify and pursue sustainable economic opportunities that maintain the unique character of each town.
Reimagine Laurel
With funding and expertise from Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware, the town of Laurel has launched the "Reimagine Laurel" campaign, established a Downtown Development District, and created the Laurel Ramble, a mixed-use redevelopment project around Broad Creek. Learn more about Laurel’s transformation
Working Waterfronts
Delaware's waterfront communities have suffered economically as the fishing and seafood industries have declined from their historical highs. The Working Waterfronts Initiative, coordinated by the University of Delaware Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative, is working to identify strategic initiatives around the new tourism and recreation economies within Delaware that can help revitalize waterfront communities while maintaining their maritime heritage. Learn more about the Working Waterfronts initiative
Coastal Resilience Design Studio
Recognizing towns and cities throughout coastal Delaware often know they have resilience challenges but lack the resources to address them, Delaware Sea Grant funds the CRDS in its efforts to leverage student and faculty expertise to come up with ways towns can strengthen their infrastructure and communities. Learn more about CRDS
Municipal Planning
Managing the growth of small communities is critical to protecting both community traditions and the environment as the population in Kent and Sussex Counties expands. Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware's Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative are working with communities to establish forward-looking development plans that can serve as blueprints for the future.
Bridgeville-Greenwood Master Plan
The towns of Bridgeville and Greenwood were challenged by an aging wastewater treatment plant and limits on agriculture pollution of the Nanticoke River. Collaborative efforts led to the development of a development plan for the two communities that identifies areas of potential growth that will not further impact water quality. Learn more about the Master Plan