FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 3, 2025
Contact: Caroline Klinger (302) 599-9705
DOVER – Senator Stephanie Hansen, in collaboration with state partners, community organizations, and local environmental experts, has launched the State of Delaware Dragonfly Project.
Delaware students of all ages are encouraged to learn about six types of dragonfly species and defend which one they believe should be codified into Delaware law as the official state dragonfly: Common Green Darner, Dragonhunter, Tiger Spiketail, Calico Pennant, Blue Faced Meadowhawk, or Blue Dasher.
The dragonfly project consists of multiple educational components, individualized for elementary, middle, and high school age groups:
- Grade level-specific lesson plans
- Essay contest
- Art contest
- An official vote to select the state dragonfly
“The study of the environment is not only an important component of science education, it also helps our students learn to be good stewards of the natural world,” said Senator Hansen. “I’m proud that this project also promotes civic engagement, allowing students to use their creativity and make their voices heard. I encourage all teachers and students to visit our website to learn more, and I’d like to thank all of our partners for making this opportunity possible.”
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded in each county in the elementary, middle, and high school categories. All winners will receive an invitation to attend a special reception at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science on May 23rd where their artwork and essays will be displayed. In addition, they will be invited to attend an Awards Presentation at Delaware State University on June 20th where they will receive prizes including books, park passes, and more.
Submissions for both the essay contest and the art contest are open now and will be accepted through April 15. Voting for the state dragonfly will also begin April 15, with the winning dragonfly to be announced on May 5. More information is available at the State of Delaware Dragonfly Project website.
This project was created in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mt. Cuba Center, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Delaware Nature Society, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, local artist John Donato, The Nature Conservancy, Amazon, and local dragonfly and environmental experts.
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