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One of the 28 nationally recognized estuaries, the James Farm Ecological Preserve sits in the coastal region of Delaware’s Sussex County, where freshwater meets saltwater in a dynamic estuarine environment. The preserve provides a wild oasis with seven diverse habitats, ranging from sandy beaches at low tide to salty marshes, shady forests and sunny meadows. It’s a favorite spot for schools, young children and environmentalists.

Last year, the preserve welcomed over 30,000 visitors for educational programs. The number of visitors looking to learn about the area continues to grow, highlighting the need for an educational facility.

“We’ve done education at the whim of mother nature for 30 years now,” explained Christophe Tulou, executive director of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. Even without a dedicated center, the group has been committed to hosting educational programs, research and other activities despite challenging weather conditions.

This is why the park created a master plan in 2014, including the $2.5 million initiative that began construction in May.

“This will provide us with a three-season sheltered space for educating children as well as adults through our education programming,” he said. “So when the thunderstorm strikes we are not in the middle of it, we’ll have shelter overhead and lab space and video capabilities.”

“[It will] allow us to provide the education and do the outreach that we do there in a way that people these days can relate to with all the technological bells and whistles that are so important to get information across,” he added.

Multiple sightings of a bear have been reported in the area of Julie Lane in west Newark, city police said in a press release Saturday night.

No further information was provided by police, but they urged caution.

Black bear sightings in Delaware

May 2016: Bear sightings spark alarm in northern New Castle County

May 2016: Residents ignore warnings, try to find black bear in Newark area

June 2017: Bear believed spotted in Newark, police say; sighting unconfirmed

December 2019: Police get calls about black bear visiting North Wilmington

December 2019: Bear eludes capture, causes uproar in Wilmington neighborhood

December 2019: How a bear made its way to a Wilmington backyard

December 2019: Wilmington’s celebrity bear has vanished, perhaps bothered by the uproar

June 2020: Pike Creek, Mill Creek residents report bear sightings

More about black bears

Are black bears dangerous? Here’s what to do if you see one in the wild

The number of black bears in South Jersey is on the rise. Will they come to Delaware next?

How to bear-proof your property

These tips are from the New Castle County Police and the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control:

• Lock garbage in a secure trash container, or keep it inside until the day of pickup. (If you keep it in your garage, close your garage door – bears are not afraid to wander into garages in search of treats.)
• Store cooking grills inside or keep them clean of food residue.
• Rinse trash containers with ammonia to eliminate food odor.
• Temporarily discontinue using backyard compost piles.
• Temporarily remove birdfeeders.
• If you have animals: a. Keep pet food indoors, and pets close to buildings and outdoor lighting. b. If you have electric fencing, make sure it’s turned on to protect chicken coops, livestock nursery pens, etc.

What to do if you encounter a black bear

• Make it aware of your presence by speaking loudly, singing, clapping your hands or making other noise.
• Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• But if the bear utters a series of huffs, makes popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swats the ground, these are warning signs that you are too close. Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away – do not run.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.
• Contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife to report the sighting at 800-523-3336.

This story includes previous News Journal reporting.

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze in Springfield Township, Delaware County on Saturday afternoon.

The fire broke out around 2 p.m. at a home on the 100 block of Bellevue Avenue.

Preliminary reports say the fire may have started after a propane explosion.

However, the official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No injuries have been reported.