Coverdale Farm Preserve ~
Growing Forward with Nature
Master Plan Phase 1 Implementation
Since 2018, DelNature
began Phase 1 of the
implementation of our
Coverdale Master Plan with a
vision to build an integrated
regenerative farm that works
with nature to improve soil
health, protect water and
critical wildlife habitat all
while producing healthy
food for our community.
In the fall of 2018, DelNature
completed a Business Plan.
Then, in summer of 2019, we
completed an Operations Plan
with consultant, Ground Plan
Studio, laying the foundation
for the implementation
priorities of Phase 1.
Coverdale Master Plan
Phase 1 Implementation
projects and priorities:
• Capital and Infrastructure
Improvements to the
Grazing Program
• Converting the
Vegetable Production
Fields to Biointensive
Organic Methods
• Capital and Infrastructure
Improvements to the
Vegetable Production
Program
• Capacity Building –
Hiring and Training New
Farmers in Regenerative
Farming Methods
The 2019 growing season
instituted new farming
processes and systems that
were not without challenges.
The 6-acre CSA fields, which
have been consistently
farmed for the last 10 years,
needed soil remediation
and, in some instances,
complete rest. Some fields
were transitioned to nutrientdense
cover crop, while
others were remediated
with hand-working organic
compost, and new tractorless
farming methods. After
a visit by JM Fortier, author of
The Market Gardener, the farm
team enrolled in Fortier’s online
course for organic farmers,
6
15 breeds
of hens laid
~3,000 eggs
per year
60 acres of
fenced pasture
for cattle, hens,
goats, sheep, and
turkeys to graze
and forage