The DRBC team at the Delaware River Festival. Photo by the DRBC.

The Delaware River Festival is one of the long-standing events that DRBC staff enjoys participating in each September! The festival offers activities on both sides of the Delaware River, all for free, including the ferry rides that allow attendees to experience everything offered in Camden and Philadelphia.

This year, staff was excited to return to Philadelphia's Penn's Landing Marina to table. 

DRBC staff connected with festival attendees, talking about the abundance of life that the Delaware River Basin supports, namely bald eagles, American shad and macroinvertebrates (aquatic bugs). Our macros stamp activity was very popular; kids were able to create their own artwork showcasing some of the aquatic bugs we find in the Delaware River. Many were surprised to learn that some bugs indicate healthy water conditions and also that some flying insects - for example, dragonflies - actually start their lives in the water! We also brought along some preserved specimens of macros to show and tell. 

Discussions also centered on clean drinking water, recreation and how the DRBC works to manage, protect and improve water resources for millions of people. Many folks who stopped by our table were pleased to learn of the strides made in water quality over time and expressed hope for the river's continued improvement for future generations.

Hosted collaboratively by Our Shared Waters partners the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Independence Seaport Museum and Philadelphia Water Department on the Philadelphia side and the Center for Aquatic Sciences and Camden County on the Camden side, the Delaware River Festival celebrates the river, fosters connections and signals unity centered around environmental stewardship. We look forward to next year's event!

The DRBC table was a popular stop at the Delaware River Festival. Photo by the DRBC.	Kids enjoyed making the art & science connection with our macros stamp activity! Photo by the DRBC.	Kids enjoyed making the art & science connection with our macros stamp activity! Photo by the DRBC.	In addition to stamp art, kids had fun checking out our preserved macros specimens! Photo by the DRBC.
Kids enjoyed making the art & science connection with our macros stamp activity! Photo by the DRBC.	Kids enjoyed making the art & science connection with our macros stamp activity! Photo by the DRBC.	In addition to stamp art, kids had fun checking out our preserved macros specimens! Photo by the DRBC.	Kids enjoyed making the art & science connection with our macros stamp activity! Photo by the DRBC.