Superstars in Business Winner: Delaware Nature Society | Nonprofit

A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION

Delaware Nature Society celebrates 60 years of environmental education, conservation, and advocacy

BY REGINA DONATO | PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

AS DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY (DelNature) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the organization reflects on six decades of environmental education, conservation, and advocacy, while also looking towards future goals. Founded in 1964, DelNature has grown into a major force for environmental stewardship in Delaware, managing land, delivering educational programs, and advocating for stronger environmental policies.

“It’s incredible to think we were around before landmark environmental legislation like the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act,” says Executive Director Jen Adkins, reflecting on DelNature’s long history. The organization’s early programs began in what is now Brandywine Creek State Park. “Over time, we went from an all-volunteer group operating out of a barn to having multiple professionally staffed sites,” Adkins explains. Today, DelNature manages four sites across the state—Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center—all serving as educational hubs and conservation centers.

DelNature’s mission has always been about connecting people to nature, and the organization achieves this through its three pillars: education, conservation, and advocacy. “We aim to create a healthy environment for all through these three areas,” says Adkins.

EDUCATION: LEARNING FOR ALL

Each year, DelNature’s programs reach thousands of children and adults, offering them hands-on, immersive experiences in nature. With a variety of educational programs, including school field trips, nature tours, summer camps, and adult workshops, DelNature’s influence extends far beyond traditional conservation efforts. “We offer something for every age and experience level,” explains Adkins, with outreach extending to schools and partnerships with institutions like the University of Delaware for initiatives like the Master Naturalist Program.

Their extensive summer camp offerings have made a lasting impression. “We run over 100 different camps with more than 1,500 participants. I hear from people across Delaware and beyond about how our camps and other programs changed their lives, their children’s lives, their grandchildren’s lives,” says Adkins. Whether through hands-on apprenticeships or eco-trips, DelNature’s focus remains on engaging people with the natural world around them in meaningful ways.

CONSERVATION: PROTECTING DELAWARE’S NATURAL RESOURCES

Delaware Nature Society has played a large role in conserving Delaware’s natural resources, directly managing over 2,000 acres of land and contributing to the protection of more than 120,000 acres statewide. This work spans from on-the-ground restoration projects to safeguarding land through conservation efforts. “We’ve been very active in protecting the land we own and manage, but also through conservation easements,” explains Jen Adkins.

One of DelNature’s achievements is the renowned 378-acre Coverdale Farm Preserve. This working farm in Greenville produces food crops and livestock while also serving as a model for sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to land protection, DelNature undertakes various restoration projects. These include reforestation at Middle Run Natural Area, cleaning the Brandywine/Christina Watershed, and creating green spaces in Wilmington’s urban areas, all aimed at actively restoring and enhancing natural ecosystems.

ADVOCACY: SHAPING POLICY FOR THE FUTURE

Advocacy is a central pillar of Delaware Nature Society’s mission, influencing environmental policy at the state, county, and even regional levels. “We are proud to work with government leaders at all levels to ensure that Delaware’s natural resources are preserved for future generations,” says Adkins.

The organization’s advocacy efforts were crucial in the passing of the Clean Water for Delaware Act, which has provided funding and coordination to tackle water quality issues statewide. Their longstanding advocacy in this area is aimed at giving Delaware communities better access to clean and safe water.

DelNature is also involved in broader coalitions, such as those targeting the Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, fostering regional cooperation on conservation goals. The organization’s focus on environmental justice seeks to ensure that underserved communities benefit from these efforts as well. “We really want to make our programs and policies as accessible as we can to as many different people as possible,” says Adkins. By advocating for equitable conservation funding and inclusive environmental policies, DelNature works to make it possible for all residents to enjoy and protect the state’s natural resources for years to come.

As Delaware Nature Society looks forward to the next 60 years, it remains dedicated to its founding mission—connecting people to nature and empowering them to be stewards of the environment. “We are so excited to receive the Superstars in Business Award and the unique exposure it provides,” says Adkins. “Businesses are important environmental stewards; they have a big influence on the lives of their employees and communities, who all want a clean healthy environment to live in.”