Delaware Nature Society

Land Preservation

Representative natural communities must be preserved, restored, and connected to protect the biological diversity that is essential for the quality of human life.

The Delaware Nature Society was the first to identify the state's unique ecological places worthy of preservation. In 1978, the organization published a book; Delaware's Outstanding Natural Areas and Their Preservation, documenting 101 sites. These areas - owned publicly and privately - represent the best examples of native plant and animal communities, ecological communities, old growth forests, stream corridors, wetlands, and archaeological and geological sites in the state. In 1988, the state officially adopted these sites as designated Natural Areas and has refined the list in the ensuing years.

Since 1964, the Delaware Nature Society has become a major force in the protection of the state's natural heritage. The organization manages over 1,000 acres of land statewide and has protected more than 480 acres through conservation easements and deed restrictions. With regard to public acquisition of key areas, the Nature Society provided the leadership for the Preservation Coalition, consisting of 330 groups working with the Governor and the General Assembly to provide the maximum amount of annual funding for the Delaware Open Space and Agricultural Lands Preservation programs. The Society is unique in creating a social and political atmosphere to support preservation efforts in the state of Delaware.

The Society's Land Preservation Program focuses specifically on the conservation of outstanding natural areas, stream corridors, woodlands, working lands, connectors between protected lands, and small sites with unique features, to afford the best protection of the state's biodiversity and water resources. Private landowners of significant natural areas are encouraged to consider permanent preservation of their land by gifts of land or conservation easement agreements.

To learn more about land conservation opportunities for your property please contact Margot Chalfant, Land Preservation Coordinator at (302) 239-2334 x 126 or E-mail.