Activity Report

 

"Activity Report" coverDear Friend,

Wow, what a “stimulating” year 2009 has been! Simply download the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary's (PDE) annual "Activity Report" to see for yourself (PDF file).

The fragile economy made 2009 a year of uncertainties, but it also presented unforeseen opportunities. This year’s anniversary of Henry Hudson’s sail into the Delaware Bay 400 years ago reminds us of what a treasure the Delaware Estuary is, and that we are making history ourselves by protecting and enhancing its resources for future generations of Americans. I want to thank you for contributing to our success this year, and I'd like to ask for your continued financial support.

We kicked off the year with the 2009 Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit, where the top scientists and managers from our region gathered to share their work and ideas on topics like horseshoe crabs and climate change that are critical to the future of the Delaware Estuary. Uncertainty about travel restrictions and tightening budgets gave way to excitement as over 250 participants made their way to Cape May, New Jersey for the conference.

In 2009, the PDE made particularly important strides toward a more strategic, regional approach to restoration and protection with a new “blueprint” for the Delaware Estuary that focuses on protecting and enhancing resources like wetlands, waterfronts, shellfish, and forested stream corridors that provide many different benefits to people and the environment. We also really hit our stride this year with on-the-ground restoration, using “living shorelines” to stabilize eroding marshes along the Delaware Bay, successfully reproducing baby mussels to put back into freshwater streams like the Brandywine River and White Clay Creek, and working with corporate and community partners to restore important bird and riparian habitats.

The year wrapped up with some great successes and accolades for the PDE, including the most successful Pennsylvania Coast Day yet with over 7,000 visitors to Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, and the presentation of a Coastal America Partnership Award for Delaware Bay oyster restoration efforts at Coast Day in Delaware. Thanks to a newly designed PDE website, a brand new Schuylkill Action Network website, and the growing popularity of the ecoDelaware.com ecotourism website, the PDE is now reaching more people on the Web than ever before.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of donors, grantors, sponsors, and partners throughout the region. Thanks to that support, and a great board and staff, the PDE has managed not only to survive this year’s economic uncertainties, but also make significant progress in 2009 toward a healthier Delaware Estuary for the future.

On behalf of the estuary,
Jennifer A. Adkins
Executive Director