From Greg Abbot, Manager, Administrative Services, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation:

The Division of Parks and Recreation currently has bees in our three state park management regions in the state including an interpretive bee exhibit at the Brandywine Zoo. The Division also has bees in several state parks with agricultural leases. In order to avoid contact with park visitors in high traffic areas, the Division limits beekeeping to agricultural land lease locations. Requests to keep bees on agricultural lease land are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Awarded agricultural lease vendors work with registered beekeepers to coordinate apiary locations. A list of awarded agricultural lease holders can be found at Contract Details NAT14001-AG LEASE - Delaware Bids and Contracts. All requests to set up an apiary on State Park land should go to Greg Abbott at greg.abbott@delaware.gov.

There is also currently an opportunity for a beekeeper to maintain an apiary at Blackbird State Forest in Townsend. This apiary is intended as an educational apiary. Preference will be given to beekeepers who are willing to provide educational programming. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Ashley Melvin, Forestry Trainer/Educator, Delware Forest Service, at ashley.melvin@delaware.gov.