REHOBOTH BEACH — The public is invited to join the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ Citizens Advisory Committee/Citizens’ Cafe on April 28 at 6 p.m. to learn about the connection between land-use practices, flooding and reforestation.

The meeting will be held in person at the center, 39375 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, and virtually via Zoom. Registration is required here.

Population growth across the Inland Bays watershed is on the rise, driving increased development. Between 1992 and 2012 alone, the watershed has seen developed lands increase by 34 square miles with a 14-square-mile reduction in upland forests. More impervious cover leads to increased stormwater-runoff problems, flooding and erosion.

Responsible land-use practices and restoration efforts are key to protecting the health of the bays and the communities and wildlife that depend on them.

Guest speaker Danielle Swallow, coastal hazards specialist for Delaware Sea Grant, will discuss how our decisions about where to build and how to design our communities directly influence local resilience to climate hazards.

The center’s science and restoration coordinator, Dr. Marianne Walch, will join the conversation to present recent data on land-use and habitat changes in the watershed. She will also provide information about restoration projects that address coastal resiliency and habitat loss.

For information, visit here.