CDRW Team: Kelly Knutson, Maria Castro, Meagan Schaefer, Grant La Rouche
By: Maria Castro, Member & Events Coordinator, CDRW
The heart of the Delaware River Watershed beats strong, and this year, it pulsed with vibrant energy as conservation enthusiasts, experts, and advocates from all walks of life gathered in Wilmington, Delaware, for the 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum. Hosted by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, this two-day event, held on September 28-29, 2023, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Over 300 attended the event, representing a mosaic of conservation organizations and individuals hailing from the Delaware River Watershed states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York.
Their shared mission?
To protect and celebrate the invaluable Delaware River Watershed, which generously provides drinking water to 14.2 million people across four states.
“The Coalition is proud to host another year of meaningful conversations amongst our region’s most dedicated environmental leaders and advocates. Now, in our 11th year of convening, the relationship and cooperation between Coalition members has never been stronger, or more necessary. The Delaware River serves some of the biggest cities in the northeast — Philadelphia, New York City, Wilmington, Trenton, and all the communities in between — our commitment to conservation and clean water policy remains steadfast. We look forward to continued collaboration as we work to protect and preserve our beloved watershed for generations to come.”
The Forum transcends the boundaries of a conventional conference. It stands as a vital gathering, both a nexus and a crucible, for Coalition members and watershed advocates alike. It provides the ideal platform for brainstorming innovative solutions, identifying gaps in conservation endeavors, refining skills, and nurturing meaningful relationships to advance shared goals.
Powerful Keynotes and Engaging Conversations
Julie Slavet, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership
The Forum kicked off with an opening plenary featuring Cathy Libertz, the Water Division Director of EPA Region 3. Her insights into EPA activities related to the Delaware River set the stage for riveting discussions on historic levels of federal funding, regulatory initiatives, and the art of collaborative conservation. The atmosphere was charged with the collective determination to safeguard and enhance the Delaware River Watershed. A highlight of the day was the heartfelt recognition of Julie Slavet from the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, celebrating her tireless efforts over the years as she approaches retirement.
The second day opened with a ceremony led by Dennis Coker, Principal Chief of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, grounding the event in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. The closing plenary featured dynamic discussions led by the William Penn Foundation's staff on their Strategic Planning. The US Water Alliance followed with a discussion on Leveraging Local Water Partnerships for an Equitable, One Water Future. Attendees explored how utilities in the Delaware River Basin are serving as anchor institutions and explored opportunities to support underserved communities through partnerships and technical assistance.
Breakout Sessions
During the two-day event, participants were provided with the opportunity to choose from a diverse selection of 23 informative learning sessions and two specialized affinity group sessions. In alignment with the Forum's commitment to fostering a comprehensive vision of a healthy Delaware River Watershed beyond traditional ecological measures, particular emphasis was placed on ensuring equitable access to clean water, land, outdoor recreational activities, and economic prospects for all communities. The principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice were thoughtfully integrated into the fabric of the Forum's content.
Several sessions delved deeply into the strategic initiatives of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, overseen by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). These sessions centered on four key program areas: the restoration of fish and wildlife habitats, the mitigation of flooding and runoff, the enhancement of water quality, and the facilitation of increased public access to recreational spaces. These sessions functioned as crucibles for the exchange of shared insights, enabling the identification of critical conservation challenges and the formulation of pathways to overcome them.
On a more localized scale, one session placed a spotlight on the Christina and Brandywine Rivers Remediation, Restoration, and Resilience (CBR4) initiative. This collaborative endeavor, involving both public agencies and private partners, is dedicated to the comprehensive restoration of Wilmington, Delaware's rivers, ensuring their return to full health and vitality.
Field Trips: Connecting with Nature and Progress
Thursday afternoon was dedicated to immersive field excursions, offering a range of options as diverse as the landscapes themselves to cater to various preferences. These excursions provided unique perspectives on conservation and restoration endeavors.
One group embarked on an exploration of freshwater mussels at Winterthur Museum, gaining valuable insights into freshwater mussel restoration and witnessing the impressive water filtration capabilities of these remarkable creatures. In contrast, another group embarked on a tour of three faith-based organizations, spotlighting the notable achievements of the Sacred Grounds Wilmington project. Meanwhile, others chose to explore the City of Wilmington by bicycle, touring both historic and natural areas. Lastly, a different group embarked on a boat tour of Wilmington's rivers, delving into the features and project sites of the Christina and Brandywine Rivers Remediation, Restoration, and Resilience (CBR4) Plan from the water on a boat tour of Wilmington’s rivers.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum drew to a close, the Coalition expressed heartfelt gratitude to the William Penn Foundation, its 180 member organizations, dedicated forum attendees and sponsors, and all those who have tirelessly supported their mission over the years. With optimism and determination, we look forward to reuniting for the 12th Annual Forum in Bethlehem, PA, celebrating another year of progress toward a healthier Delaware River Watershed.
Stay tuned for 2024 registration info!