By Jennifer Adkins, Executive Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Published on November 14, 2007
(Click here to download the entire newsletter as a full-color PDF file)

I cannot think of a better way to kick off my first month as executive director than with an issue of “Estuary News” dedicated to the theme of reducing one’s “ecological footprint.” Not only is this the first issue under my leadership, but it is also our first completely paperless newsletter. When compared to our print edition, this will conserve approximately 10,000 pounds of recycled paper and eliminate the carbon emissions associated with mail delivery.

In addition to these “firsts,” this issue brings together two of my biggest passions: the Delaware Estuary, where I have lived and worked for most of my life, and the notion of sustainability. After 15 years working in the conservation profession, I am thrilled that the issue of sustainability and concepts like the ecological footprint are making their way into the hands of more people; people like our readers, who have the power to decide what kind of Delaware Estuary they want to leave for future generations.

Over the last few decades, the Delaware Estuary has been nursed back to health from a time when people used our rivers and streams to flush pollution out to sea. But the issues that face the Estuary today — like stormwater runoff pollution and sea-level rise — present a new kind of challenge. They require changes to be made by all of us if we are to be successful.

Each of us will play an important part in deciding if the Delaware Estuary of the future will include marshlands, streams, beaches, and local communities strong and healthy enough to support future generations as prosperous as our own. Consequently, I hope this issue of “Estuary News” will provide you with information and incentives to help you begin reducing your ecological footprint, or to renew your efforts already underway.

To learn more about me, the Partnership’s staff, and our mission, I invite you to visit www.DelawareEstuary.org.