Become a Habitat Steward

Become a Habitat Steward volunteer and help others Garden for Water and Wildlife.

Mentors in the community, Habitat Stewards assist friends and neighbors with the creation and restoration of landscapes that are both wildlife-friendly and good for the environment. Native wildlife, citizens of the community, and neighboring communities all feel the rewards of these efforts.

What You Do as a Habitat Steward

Work with neighbors and groups to create and certify wildlife habitats

As volunteers for Delaware Nature Society, Habitat Stewards help their neighbors, local schools, communities, businesses, and places of worship to Garden for Water and Wildlife and become Certified Wildlife Habitats™. This process may include recommending appropriate native plants, teaching wildlife-friendly practices, and helping others improve their gardening skills.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Participate in other habitat projects and events

As a Habitat Steward you will have the opportunity to:

  • Work with local schools to create Schoolyard Habitats®
  • Promote gardening for wildlife to homeowners and the general public at local events
  • Help your community become a Community Wildlife Habitat™
  • Provide guidance and recommendations for other habitat garden projects
  • Share your expertise and help train others to become Habitat Stewards

Have Fun!

Habitat Stewards visit local habitat gardens, enjoy Habitat Stewards-only speakers and events, and participate in regular activities! Have fun and make new friends!


How to Become a Habitat Steward

Complete our 24-hour training course, offered once a year at Ashland Nature Center and every other year at Abbotts Mill Nature Center. This fun course is a combination of talks, walks, garden visits, exercises and homework. Topics covered include relationships between plants and wildlife, features of exceptional habitats, site analysis for plant selection, and great native plants for gardens. Each student receives a resource notebook full of helpful information related to gardening for wildlife.

If you have a strong interest in gardening for wildlife and a willingness to help others you’ll be a great fit for the Habitat Steward team! Previous gardening experience and plant knowledge is helpful but not required to become a Habitat Steward.

Contact Us to Learn More

Kerry Wilson
Habitat Outreach Manager
302.413.5070
Contact Kerry