Coast Day
Celebrating five decades of coastal, marine and environmental science
Coast Day 2026 was a big success!
Thanks to all who celebrated thr 50th anniversary of Coast Day this year—our faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and everyone who visited to see the work being done to protect our coasts, forests, cities and agricultural lands across the state. We're already looking forward to next year! Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 3rd, 2027.
More about Coast Day
Coast Day highlights the many ways that we’re working together to understand our rich environmental resources and better serve local communities.
Attracting more than 5,000 visitors from across the region, Coast Day is the annual flagship event of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. Attendees enjoy hands-on activities, tour research vessels, explore campus laboratories, listen to lectures from local scientists, and interact with a wide range of exhibitors including UD student organizations, community partners, and state environmental agencies.
ESSAY CONTEST
Our annual Coast Day 5th grade essay contest returns. This year's theme is Habitats and Ecosystems of Delaware. Students are being asked to describe their favorite ecosystem or habitat in Delaware to visit and explore, what types of animals and plants live there, why that ecosystem or habitat is important and what people can do to protect that ecosystem or habitat.
Student essays must be postmarked or emailed by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026. Learn how to submit your essay