The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Delaware Estuary. The Delaware Estuary supplies clean drinking water for millions of people, and supports a booming industrial region; one that contributes $12 billion every year to our local economy. Our waterways and open spaces also provide plenty of free outdoor fun where you can hike the trails, fish the bay, watch wildlife, and paddle a creek!

Our organization was established in 1996 and is one of 28 National Estuary Programs designated by Congress. Estuary programs exist throughout the coastal United States to improve the health of estuaries. We bring together people, businesses, and governments to restore and protect the Delaware River and Bay. We are the only organization that focuses on the tidal River, from the head of tide at Trenton to the mouth of the Bay at the Atlantic Ocean.

Our team likes to get muddy in the marshes and wet in the waterways to make new discoveries in our creeks, rivers and bay.

  • We lead science-based efforts to prevent pollution, protect wetlands, and restore mussels and oysters.
  • We partner with governments, nonprofits, corporations, and people like you to restore the vital waters that nourish our communities.
  • We foster care and support for the health of the entire estuary through festivals, workshops, river cleanups and other special events.

There is no marsh we will not explore and no depth to which we will not dive to increase awareness, understanding, and scientific knowledge of the Delaware Estuary!

Learn more about the Delaware Estuary.