Highlights of 2020-2021
Thrived Online
Our online education programs for all ages flourished , including a new Master Naturalist Certification Program in partnership with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension .
Since its launch in Fall 2020 , 112 Master Naturalists have completed the program and committed 40 + hours annually to conservation initiatives such as restoration and habitat management , environmental education , and community science .
Fifteen grants totaling nearly $ 150K supported open space and resiliency projects in Delaware and Maryland . These grants were made possible by our partnership with Delmarva Power ’ s Sustainable Communities Grant Fund .
Our annual Native Plant Sale moved online and was offered in the spring and the fall . Using this new covid-safe format , DelNature constituents across the state purchased over 10K native plants , improving biodiversity in their backyards .
Over 400 volunteers participated in planting 800 native trees to improve habitat , water quality , and biodiversity at the Middle Run Natural Area .
Governor John Carney signed the Clean Water for Delaware Act into law . This included an initial investment of $ 50M for clean water infrastructure projects prioritizing high need communities in Delaware .
This regional program awards grants each year to provide funding to support :
• Open space preservation
• Improvements to parks and recreation resources
• Environmental conservation
• Innovative community resiliency project
In 2020-2021 projects included :
• Developing recreational trails
• Purchasing open space
• Restoring forests and other habitat
• Installing solar array systems
This achievement was made possible by the dedication of our partners in the Clean Water Alliance , University of Delaware Water Resources Center , Partnership for the Delaware Estuary , Center for Inland Bays , and Water Warrior volunteers .
Photography by Lauren Watras
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