Attendee photo taken at the 2024 DRWF Reception | By: Olivia Bickel
Attendees in main ballroom for opening keynote
The Delaware River Watershed continues to thrive, thanks to the collective efforts of conservation leaders, stakeholders, and advocates who came together for the 12th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum. This year’s event, held in Bethlehem, PA, brought fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a renewed focus on partnership-building. Hosted by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed in collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation, the forum highlighted the shared commitment to preserving this vital waterway. A significant addition this year was the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF) Symposium, co-hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The day-long event focused on building community among conservationists to envision a brighter future for the watershed. DWCF grantees and their partners gathered to celebrate successes, navigate conservation challenges, and share lessons learned.
Stakeholders from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and beyond gathered to reflect on their shared responsibility to protect the Delaware River Watershed, a crucial drinking water source for more than 14.2 million people. The watershed’s future depends on the ongoing dedication of its diverse network of stakeholders.
Keynote Highlights
The forum opened with a moving Lenape prayer ceremony led by Clan Mother Shelley DePaul, setting a reflective tone for the first day. Remarks from Bethlehem officials Mayor J. William Reynolds and Darlene Heller followed, highlighting the city's environmental justice initiatives and climate challenges. Christina Ryder also delivered an inspiring speech, leading an engaging breathing exercise to help ground participants. The mid-day plenary speakers, Dr. Clair Jantz, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Tim Schaeffer, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, shared various funding opportunities and the importance of partnership. The event closed with a powerful plenary from Dr. Mamie Parker, who reminded us of the incredible progress we can achieve through collaboration. Her speech was a fitting conclusion, motivating attendees to continue their impactful work and dreams.
Breakout Sessions
Attendees engaged in 25 breakout sessions and 7 breakfast roundtable discussions, covering a wide range of essential topics like watershed protection planning, environmental justice, restoring ecosystems, workforce development, and effective communication. Three affinity group sessions were also featured, offering a safe space for focused discussions.
Key themes included supporting the next generation of water leaders, promoting equity in restoration and resilience, and building innovative partnerships for climate and water justice. Initiatives like the Delaware River Climate Corps, addressing labor shortages and promoting green careers, were highlighted alongside sessions on equitable access to parks, community-driven solutions for water management, and dam removals. Participants left with practical tools to enhance collaboration, promote equity, and create lasting environmental impact.
Fieldtrips & Reception
A major highlight of the forum was the immersive field excursions, where attendees explored key sites and gained firsthand insights into regional environmental issues. Participants could choose from options including:
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bushkill Creek Dam Removals
Ecological Restoration in Urban Parks
Da Vinci Science Center Tour
Walking Tour of Bethlehem
Tour of Bonn Place Brewing Company
Walk on the Wild and Scenic Side of the Musconetcong
Documentary Viewing on the Delaware River Watershed
These excursions offered a hands-on experience, allowing participants to better understand the environmental and conservation efforts taking place throughout the Delaware River Watershed.
The day concluded at the iconic ArtQuest at SteelStacks, where participants gathered for an evening reception. The atmosphere was a mix of reflection and celebration as attendees had the chance to network and unwind during the cocktail hour. The evening continued with lively conversation, as participants connected with peers and exchanged ideas in a more relaxed setting. Some even hit the dance floor, learning new moves like the Cupid Shuffle, adding a fun and lighthearted touch to the night. The day wrapped up with strengthened relationships and renewed energy for the work ahead.
BINGO!!
2024 Forum Bingo Winner!
A fun addition to the forum was the networking bingo game, designed to encourage connections among attendees. Each square contained a prompt to spark meaningful conversations, and participants gained valuable insights while building relationships. Several attendees achieved bingo, but one person, Selara Gatewood from Northeast Rising, filled the entire board and became our very first-ever BINGO champion—congratulations, Selara!
The 12th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum left participants with a renewed commitment to unity and collaboration. The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and its partners are dedicated to fostering partnerships across diverse communities to meet the challenges ahead. The insights and connections formed at the forum will drive sustainable progress, ensuring the long-term protection of the watershed for future generations.
We owe a huge thank you to our incredible sponsors—your support made the 12th Annual Forum a success! We appreciate your generosity in making this event possible.
