Founded in 1964, Delaware Nature Society is a leading environmental nonprofit organization in the region. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment. Our mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, advocacy and conservation. Instilling an understanding and appreciation for the environment and the important role that every individual plays in its ability to thrive has become paramount to the survival of future generations. We believe that healthy ecosystems are a right of all people and improving them is a responsibility that we share. As we approach our fiftieth year and reflect on our triumphs, celebrate our community partnerships, and prepare for the challenges that face our region, we have developed a three-year strategic plan to strengthen our collective impact on the natural world.
Our founding Board President, Lynn Williams, identified a core strategy of how people of all ages are moved to become responsible environmental citizens, “Nature education starts with acquaintance, then understanding and appreciation, and finally a sense of responsibility for nature’s world.� By providing opportunities for people to connect with nature, deepening their awareness and appreciation, they will be inspired to take environmental action, whether it is by enrolling in programs about native plants, teaching children about the fascinating insects that live in our ecosystems, participating in Citizen Action Day, becoming Stream Watch volunteers, or creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat in their backyards. Each action can have a lasting impact on the environment.
We plan to do this by inviting new audiences to engage virtually and in person at each of our locations, which we will make more accessible, and by developing lifelong learning programs that lead to sequential opportunities that build deeper, long-lasting impacts. Expand access and program opportunities at all sites to reach a broader audience with unique, hands-on visitor experiences.
Working in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, government, and businesses, Delaware Nature Society will continue to build partnerships and address some of our region’s most challenging environmental issues with a balanced, scientific approach. We will focus our efforts on restoring the water quality in our region and by raising public awareness about preparing for and adapting to a rising sea level and changing climate. Delaware Nature Society will model best practices for energy sustainability and support policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Engage people and communities with actions and projects that address Clean Water improvements in Delaware’s waterways.
For half a century, Delaware Nature Society has advocated for open space and agricultural land preservation that has led to more than 100,000 acres of preserved lands. We manage over 2,000 acres of natural areas for habitat diversity and sustainable agriculture. Instead of trying to control nature, our approach partners with nature to create a land management experience that is beneficial to our health and the condition of our environment. We will continue to work with landowners and provide opportunities for community to learn about the benefits of land management and conservation, demonstrating how everyone can improve water quality and wildlife diversity. Empower people to help Conserve natural landscapes acting locally in their own backyards and communities to preserve, protect and enhance natural habitats.
Since 1964, Delaware Nature Society has grown from a volunteer-founded organization to a staff of 34 permanent full and part-time staff, over 100 hourly and seasonal staff, and over 1,000 volunteers. Our budget has grown to $3 million annually, supporting education, conservation, and advocacy across our region, based out of four locations and additional public and private lands. Our staff is recognized for their expertise in biology, land management, advocacy, and also for their support services in technology, marketing, development, and finance. A dedicated board of directors meets regularly to govern and support the direction of the organization. Delaware Nature Society is preparing to build its capacity to meet the growing needs of our community and the environment by retaining, recruiting, and providing professional staff development to support our core functions that promote our mission. Strengthen capacity with environmental and non-traditional partners to create a healthy and sustainable environment for all in our region.
1964 Delaware Nature Education Center incorporated September 28 with 41 charter members 1965
Interpretative nature programs developed at Cape Henlopen State Park
1966
Indian Spring Nature Center delineated within Brandywine Creek State Park
1967
Permanent exhibits, in-school programs, & nature walks expanded by volunteer guides
1968
Operations moved into Brandywine Creek Nature Center building
1969 First summer day camp held 1970
Wilmington Public Schools contracted for environmental awareness programs in all fourth grades
1973
Natural Areas Survey initiated to identify unspoiled Delaware sites with natural significance
1974
With other environmental groups, we began ongoing defense of the 1971 Coastal Zone Act
1975
Organization’s name changed to Delaware Nature Education Society
1976 New facility at Red Clay Reservation dedicated September 25; named Ashland Nature Center 1977
First Environmental Careers in Industry Conference held for high school students and guidance counselors
1978
Successfully advocated creation of a State system of nature preserves
1981 Abbott’s Mill dedicated June 7 1982
Farm program started at the Barn on Old Wilmington Road
1983
Wildflower Sale event initiated and supported by volunteers
1984
Land purchased to expand Abbott’s Mill site; designated Cedar Bog Preserve
1985 Stream Watch program started in cooperation with DNREC 1986
The Abbott’s Mill Educational Building constructed and dedicated
1987
Stewardship Recognition Program targeted landowners to preserve natural lands
1988
Organization’s name changed to Delaware Nature Society; new logo
1990 Ashland Lodge dedicated; office area, library, and Nature Store renovated 1991
Greenewalt family donated the Burrows Run Preserve, a 110 acre stream corridor
1993
Stewardship program expanded to include 186 landowners protecting 4,900 acres and 21 miles of stream corridors
1994
Flint family donated 35 acres of Flint Woods, an old growth forest
1996
Soil Watch launched to reduce erosion and sedimentation in streams
1999
Flint Woods Preserve dedicated as a State Nature Preserve
2000
Portion of Burrows Run Preserve dedicated as a State Nature Preserve
2001 Backyard Wildlife Habitat program was introduced (later renamed Certified Wildlife Habitat program) 2002
Isaacs family donated wooded wetlands along Abbott’s Pond tributary
2003
Renovated & expanded Ashland Nature Center dedicated Apr. 6
2004
Abbott’s historic gristmill preserved enabling demonstrations of water power operation
2005
Educating today…preserving for tomorrow, the history of Delaware Nature Society at 40 years was published
2006
Two populations of Baltimore Checkerspots were found at Burrow’s Run Preserve. This is the only known location these butterflies are found in the state of Delaware
2007
Ashland Hawk Watch was established
2008 Coverdale Farm operations center was completed 2009 Programs begin at DuPont Environmental Education Center 2010
1st year of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Coverdale Farm
2011
Conducted the first prescribed burn
2012
Open Space Farm Land Preservation successfully advocated for full funding
2013
Initiated the Sea Level Rise Awareness Week which educated 3000 people about the impacts of sea-level rise
2014 New Strategic Plan created, looking forward to the future
Our work could not be accomplished without the support of our donors and members. When you support Delaware Nature Society, you are joining a community of people with a common interest in improving the environment. We will keep you informed of our progress through our DelNature eNews newsletter, website, and blogs and through our social media pages as Facebook and Twitter.
We encourage you to connect with us and share your experiences of how you are enjoying and preserving the natural world.