The Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) announces a yearlong series of public events
focused on the most urgent environmental challenges facing the state.

“Challenges and Choices: Preparing for a Sustainable Future in Delaware” is the common theme uniting the lectures, seminars, films, symposia and field trips that DENIN will offer in conjunction with several partners and co-sponsors during the spring and fall semesters of 2013.

Our goal  is to present information and perspectives that will enhance the conversations already beginning around the state about what changes we can expect to encounter in the future and what will be the most effective, fair and equitable solutions for dealing with them.

March 1 – April 3: Student Video Competition
Theme: Challenges & Choices
The DENIN Student Programs Committee is sponsoring this competition for student-produced environmental videos. Prizes of $500 for first place and $250 for runner-up will be awarded and all finalists screened during UD's Earth Week celebration. See the contest webpage for complete information.

April 4: DENIN Dialogue with Daniel Hillel
Winner of the 2012 World Food Prize
7:00 p.m., Mitchell Hall
Dr. Hillel has been recognized for his development of micro-irrigation and other sustainable agriculture techniques. He will be interviewed live on stage by Dr. Robin Morgan, professor and former dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and take questions from the audience. Dr. Hillel will also present a seminar on April 3 and take part in a Q&A session with students on April 5. See the event webpage for the full schedule.

April 12: Field Trip to the St. Jones Reserve
Co-Sponsored with Delaware Wild Lands
12:30 to 4:30 p.m., 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Delaware
Participants will travel in vans from the headwaters to the mouth of the St. Jones River, meeting experts in the field to learn about the natural, human and ecological systems of this threatened estuarine habitat and what factors are impacting the river, including patterns of historic use and climate change. See the event webpage and reserve a place at info@dewildlands.org.

April 21: Picnic for the Earth
Free Lunch!
12:00 to 2:00 p.m., North Green, UD main campus
The DENIN Student Programs Committee has worked with the Delaware chapter of The Nature Conservancy, UD's dining and catering services, the UDairy Creamery, the Down to Earth Food Co-op, the UD Community Garden, and others to provide organic and local food choices for the event and information about sustainable food. It's all free and it's all good!.

May 2: How Sustainability Drives DuPont—and Vice Versa
Career Event
4:00 p.m., 102 Delaware Biotechnology Institute
If you've ever wondered how a commitment to sustainability and the corporate bottom line could coexist, come hear what DuPont's Bill Bailey has to say. This event is especially good for students who will be on the job market soon—you'll get to meet and network with Bill and other DuPont employees who are joining the event and have contributed to sustainable practices. It's free and includes refreshments and a DENIN swag bag for every audience member! Preregistration for this event is requested.

June 24–26: Exploring New Technologies in Environment and Energy
A Teacher Training Workshop
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Lewes, DE (Virden Center) and Newark, DE (varies)
This two-module workshop, led by Dr. Bill Hall, takes place over three days. Module One will explore alternative energy technologies, challenges, and visions for the future. Module Two will explore our most urgent environmental needs and will illustrate how new approaches, from genomics to climate modeling, are being used to improve our understanding of our ecosystems, water quality, and climate change.