For Delawareans interested in an introduction to the development process and components of living shorelines, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a two-day training event from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 22 and 23, at the DNREC Field Office, 901 Pilottown Road, Lewes.

Living shorelines use natural materials like native plants, oyster shells and biodegradable coconut-fiber coir logs as barriers against shoreline erosion and flood impacts. Participants will take the first steps in understanding shoreline processes and developing natural shoreline stabilization solutions.

Living shorelines are a stable and natural solution to protect coastal communities and serve as important habitat for native plants and animals.

With instructors from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, private consulting firms and nonprofit organizations, the training focuses on the ecology behind living shorelines and implementing projects based on specific goals. DNREC’s participation is represented by the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program within the Division of Watershed Stewardship.

On day one, participants will learn about the causes and kinds of shoreline issues, define the types of living shoreline solutions and become acquainted with the plants and animals comprising and living in shoreline habitats. 

Day two of the training will span techniques and applications, an introduction to living shoreline materials, designing for specific goals and a review of project permitting.

The training is open to scientists, engineers, landscape professionals, government entities, marine contractors and students.

To learn more and register, go to de.gov/DNRECmeetings and delawarelivingshorelines.org.