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.