Coverdale Farm Preserve of Delaware Nature Society

Founded in 1964, Delaware Nature Society (Del Nature) is a leading environmental nonprofit organization in the region. For more than half a century, we’ve worked to protect the environment and connect people to nature. This year, we’re turning 60!Help us celebrate. Del Nature will feature a series of programs and events to highlight past accomplishments and renew our commitment to a healthy future for people, plants, and animals in Delaware. Here’s a look back at some of our organization’s highlights and milestones… 1964: Delaware Nature Education Center incorporated September 28 with 41 charter members 1965: Interpretative nature programs developed at Cape Henlopen State Park 1966: Indian Spring Nature Center delineated within Brandywine Creek State Park 1967: Permanent exhibits, in-school programs, & nature walks expanded by volunteer guides 1968: Operations moved into Brandywine Creek Nature Center building 1969: First summer day camp held 1970: Wilmington Public Schools contracted for environmental awareness programs in all fourth grades 1973: Natural Areas Survey initiated to identify unspoiled Delaware sites with natural significance 1974: With other environmental groups, we began ongoing defense of the 1971 Coastal Zone Act 1975: Organization’s name changed to Delaware Nature Education Society 1976: New facility at Red Clay Reservation dedicated September 25; named Ashland Nature Center 1977: First Environmental Careers in Industry Conference held for high school students and guidance counselors 1978: Successfully advocated the creation of a State system of nature preserves 1981: Abbott’s Mill dedicated June 7 1982: Farm program started at the Barn on Old Wilmington Road 1983: Wildflower Sale event initiated and supported by volunteers 1984: Land purchased to expand Abbott’s Mill site; designated Cedar Bog Preserve 1985: Stream Watch program started in cooperation with DNREC 1986: The Abbott’s Mill Educational Building constructed and dedicated 1987: Stewardship Recognition Program targeted landowners to preserve natural lands 1988: Organization’s name changed to Delaware Nature Society; new logo 1990: Ashland Lodge dedicated; office area, library, and Nature Store renovated 1991: Greenewalt family donated the Burrows Run Preserve, a 110-acre stream corridor 1993: Stewardship program expanded to include 186 landowners protecting 4,900 acres and 21 miles of stream corridors 1994: Flint family donated 35 acres of Flint Woods, an old growth forest 1996: Soil Watch launched to reduce erosion and sedimentation in streams 1999: Flint Woods Preserve dedicated as a State Nature Preserve 2000: Portion of Burrows Run Preserve dedicated as a State Nature Preserve 2001: Backyard Wildlife Habitat program was introduced (later renamed Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program) 2002: Isaacs family donated wooded wetlands along Abbott’s Pond tributary 2003: Renovated & expanded Ashland Nature Center dedicated Apr. 6 2004: Abbott’s historic gristmill preserved enabling demonstrations of water power operation 2005: Educating today…preserving for tomorrow, the history of Delaware Nature Society at 40 years was published 2006: Two populations of Baltimore Checkerspots were found at Burrow’s Run Preserve. This is the only known location these butterflies are found in the state of Delaware 2007: Ashland Hawk Watch was established 2008: Coverdale Farm operations center was completed 2009: Programs begin at Du Pont Environmental Education Center 2010: 1st year of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Coverdale Farm 2011: Conducted the first prescribed burn 2012: Open Space Farm Land Preservation successfully advocated for full funding 2013: Initiated the Sea Level Rise Awareness Week which educated 3000 people about the impacts of sea-level rise 2015: “Clean Water: Delaware’s Clear Choice” Campaign launched with generous funding from the William Penn Foundation 2014: Commemorated Delaware Nature So