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Gardens to the Rescue
In Wilmington, DE, as in many cities, summer temperatures have soared and stronger storms have increased flooding. The birds, butterflies, and other precious wild creatures have fallen in number. The Wilmington population needs dependable, healthy food sources. What do these all have in common? They can be helped by planting food and pollinator gardens!
DelNature’s own Kerry Wilson, Habitat Outreach Manager, has been a key player in helping Wilmington fight hot temperatures, flooding, food insecurity, and wildlife loss. The project she’s working with has a long name but it its purpose is clear: Enhancing the City of Wilmington’s Urban Pollinator Corridor and Food Resilience Efforts in Wilmington, DE.
Urban Pollinator Corridor and Food Resilience Project Announced and Featured
This project, recently featured on WHYY, is one of 36 new projects throughout the Delaware Watershed. It is funded by Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
This Urban Pollinator Corridor and Food Resilience project was among 36 projects announced at an event last Thursday, August 31, 2023, held at Dupont Environmental Education Center (DEEC). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams spoke at the event, along with Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and others.
David Pragoff, DelNature Associate Director of School & Group Programs, is also working on one of these funded projects with the Red Clay School District.
Creating Gardens for a Healthier Wilmington is a Community Effort
Through this project, DelNature is working closely with, Habitat for Humanity, their partner on the grant, and community leaders. Together, this coalition is identifying spaces for pollinator gardens and food garden development. It also seeks further support for this important effort. Partnership communities include West Center City, Eastside, Northeast, and Southbridge.
Local Spaces Receive Garden Improvements
Three larger projects are in the works including: The Learning Center at Madison, St. Michael’s School and Nursery, and a lot project in Edgemoor – a Habitat for Humanity identified project.
The Dickerson Education Center now has a new pollinator garden, fence, and nature seating thanks to the National Wildlife Federation’s Sacred Grounds project, funded through DWCF, in partnership with DelNature, Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH), and IPL.
This Project Makes Wilmington Stronger and Healthier
Through this project, Wilmington, DE people will enjoy increased access to nature. Time outdoors in nature adds to people’s lives: improving heart function and blood pressure, reducing stress levels, increasing concentration, and more. The increase in nature spaces helps Wilmington withstand excess heat and flooding from storms. Birds, butterflies, and other wildlife will be healthier and more numerous thanks to more connected green spaces.
Read the full WHYY article, “Delaware Nature Society receives federal dollars for Wilmington pollinator gardens.”
Learn more about Gardening for Wildlife and then come shop our Native Plant Sale in the fall and spring.