DelNature Executive Director to Retire – Board to Launch a National Search

Wilmington, DE (May 6, 2021) -

Anne Harper, Executive Director of Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), announced today she is retiring as of June 30, 2021. After a total of four years of service in two different roles, Ms. Harper will be moving out of state to join family.

“I am so grateful to the DelNature board of directors, staff and community for the opportunity to serve as executive director for the past three and half years,” said DelNature Executive Director Anne Harper. “The last 14 months of the pandemic have prompted me to re-think my personal priorities and I have decided to move to North Carolina to be nearer my children and grandchildren. As Delaware moves into a ‘new normal’, DelNature will remain committed to environmental education, conservation, and advocacy. I am excited to see where the organization goes in the future.”

Executive Director Anne Harper

Added Dawn Rittenhouse, DelNature Board Chair, “On behalf of the entire Delaware Nature Society community, I want to thank Anne for her leadership, especially through the incredibly challenging pandemic. The organization is in a strong position because of her leadership. The Board is committed to maintaining this position of strength, grateful to the many staff, donors, and volunteers who support our mission, and look forward to building toward an even stronger future.”

The board will immediately launch a national search for a new executive director.

About DelNature

DelNature’s mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation, and advocacy. We envision a healthy and sustainable environment for all.

Founded in 1964, DelNature, a state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, is renowned for educational programming, conservation, and advocacy, providing the tools for communities to take action and promote the health of the environment through land preservation, wildlife protection, and watershed stewardship.            

DelNature manages over 2,000 acres of land statewide, including four nature preserves, and operates four educational sites: : Ashland Nature Center, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Coverdale Farm Preserve.

Organizational priorities are comprised of three pillars of engagement focused on: working and natural lands, healthy waters, and protecting habitats and wildlife.

Currently, thousands of members and over 1,000 volunteers assist core staff and interns to support DelNature’s mission and help our year-round educational programs, conservation, and advocacy efforts continue to improve and grow.

Contact Us
Mark Nardone, Director of Advocacy
302.413.5057
Email Mark Nardone

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