Wilmington Renaissance Corporation

Take a look at how some teens are “greening” Wilmington parks, neighborhoods and more this summer!

The City of Wilmington is partnered with seven environmental organizations to launch a Green Jobs Program employing eight teenagers this summer.

Each intern will work 25 hours per week earning minimum wage for six weeks.  Their first assignment will be landscaping and removing invasive plants at the DuPont Environmental Education Center.  Thereafter they will improve trails, maintain trees, pick up litter, plant gardens, and spruce up parks.  But according to Martha Corrozi Narvaez, associate policy scientist at the University of Delaware’s Water Resources Agency, that is just the beginning of a summer of professional tasks they will perform.

“We are going to train the interns to reduce water pollution using tactics we use as professionals,” said Narvaez.  “By the end of the summer, among other things, they will learn how to label storm drains and build rain gardens, both of which prevent runoff from polluting local waterways.”

According to the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, “stormwater runoff” is one of the leading causes of water pollution in Wilmington.  This occurs whenever rain or snowmelt washes pollutants into sewers or waterways.

Each participant in the Green Jobs Program is being paired with a mentor.  These and other experts will provide guidance, training, and insight into a variety of environmental careers.

In addition to the city’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments, those involved in the program include:

• Delaware Center for Horticulture
• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
• Delaware Nature Society
• Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
• The Challenge Program
• University of Delaware’s Water Resources Agency
• Urban Environmental Center

Each organization will be providing the interns with hands-on work experience and environmental education that introduces them to environmental issues and careers.

Recruiting for next summer’s Green Jobs Program will begin in February 2012.  Applications are available at the City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation.

Keep a look out for the Grand Opening of some new restaurants in the city!

Ubon Thai Cuisine will be in the Shipyard Shops on the Riverfront and Motown BBQ is slated to open at 8th and Market Sts. Dragon Cuisine will soon be open for business at 4th and Market Sts.You will be able to grab a slice of pizza at a new pizza place on the 800 block of Market St. as well and Patio Café is getting a new look with its new owners.

Demolition of the 400 block of Market Street is underway!

The top floors will be apartments while the street level will be unique shops and eateries.

Rocco's Open!

In other restaurant news, Little Italy’s legendary Pala’s on Union Street has been closed for some time now. But new owners recently opened Rocco’s in the spot on the corner. Stop by and check it out!