Through RENEW, DelNature is addressing the barriers to being outside to ensure it’s a more inclusive, accessible, joyful and positive experience.
Focusing on education, youth development, environmental stewardship, and healthy communities. RENEW engages urban communities lacking green spaces, in Wilmington and surrounding areas. Connecting with the environment provides individuals and families with valuable knowledge, meaningful experiences, and lasting health benefits. These connections help build healthier and stronger communities—while inspiring care for the local natural areas they call home.
RENEW Signature Programs
Neighborhood Naturalists
(Environmental Education Programs)
Neighborhood Naturalists encourages participants preschool through adult, to become more comfortable outside, try new things, increase their knowledge of the environment, develop a sense of caring for the outdoor world, advocate for issues they care about, and become leaders in their communities. Programs can be conducted year-round at a DelNature site or off-site location—during the day, after school, or as part of summer camp—for community groups, preschools, school students, and other organizations. Activities may include nature exploration, environmental education, and outdoor adventures such as paddling.
Youth Development Programs
Through initiatives like Trail Ambassadors and Trail Blazers, and partnership programs with other organizations including Wilmington Youth Rowing Association, Wilmington Youth Environmental Corps, Green Jobs, and Delaware Futures, middle and high school students can connect with nature, learn about environmental issues, explore career paths, and participate in a variety of field studies and community service projects. Participants gain valuable life skills while becoming agents of positive change in their communities.
Environmental Stewardship, Urban Greening and Gardens
DelNature champions urban gardening projects for biodiversity, food security, and pollinators. We engage in park restoration and clean-up efforts to nurture community green spaces for wellbeing. Our commitment to clean water benefits both human health and local ecosystems and fosters sustainable urban environments.
Healthy Living Programs
Adults and families engaging in outdoor activities like paddling and nature walks benefit in spirit, mind, and body. People experience a sense of peace and connectedness, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function and physical health while spending time with others in nature.
Advocacy
Community programs offer individuals the opportunity to learn more about how to advocate for environmental issues important to them and their communities, which fosters impactful, sustainable change.
Get Involved
Learn more about RENEW and the exciting ways you can get involved.
Contact Matthew Williams To Get Involved
Thank You
Thank you to all our incredible RENEW corporate and community supporters. Over the past several years, more than 500 youth have participated in RENEW programs—creating a sustained pipeline of young leaders engaged in environmental education and advocacy. Your support helps foster diversity in the environmental field and strengthens the movement for environmental justice right here in Wilmington.