Coastal environment
University's annual Coast Day is about, and for, the environment
12:17 p.m., Sept. 22, 2011--It’s a beloved Delaware tradition that provides educational, fun, and family-friendly activities related to the ocean and coast. And once again, Coast Day is being organized to have minimal environmental effects.
A free event now in its 35th year, Coast Day will be held Sunday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. It is sponsored by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program.
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“Coast Day emphasizes the value of our coastal and marine resources and highlights how our work benefits those resources as well as the citizens of our state and nation,” said Nancy Targett, CEOE dean and Delaware Sea Grant director. “It makes sense that in celebrating our environment, Coast Day should lead by example.”
Coast Day’s green emphasis starts with the 2-megawatt wind turbine that is expected to provide all the electricity needed for the event. Guests will be able to visit multiple exhibits focused on the turbine, which provides energy for the campus year-round.
UD recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the turbine’s construction and Coast Day will include a 12:30 p.m. seminar that reviews the turbine’s energy generation over the past year and highlights some of the turbine-related research that UD and other scientists are conducting.
As in previous years, recycling bins will be available and compostable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils will be used for the Crab Cake Cook-Off and Chowder Challenge seafood cooking events. As a new feature to Coast Day, several food vendors will provide compostable materials that guests can place in compost bins located throughout the campus.
A special display sponsored by UD Cooperative Extension will show visitors how composting works and demonstrate the benefits of using biodegradable materials. The Northeast Recycling Council and local compost facility Blue Hen Organics will provide support for the event.
Other measures taken to reduce the event’s environmental impact include the sale of environmentally friendly reusable bags and the printing of the event program and other promotional materials using paper from forests managed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Coast Day is supported by DuPont Clear into the Future, Gamesa Corp., NRG Bluewater Wind, OSG Ship Management Inc., UTEC Survey Inc., Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, WMDT CW-3, Lewes Historical Society, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, PNC Bank, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
While Coast Day parking and admission are free, vendors will be selling food and other items. There is no ATM on the campus grounds.
The full Coast Day program is available on the website. For more information about Coast Day, visit the website or call 302-831-8083.
Note to the UD community: Free bus transportation to Lewes from Newark will be available for UD students and employees. Learn more.
Photos by Evan Krape