Leaders Gather as Ground Breaks on an Urban Wetland in Wilmington, Delaware
OCTOBER 21, 2019 — The groundbreaking of a new urban wetland in Wilmington, Delaware was held on October 18, at a gathering that included Delaware Governor John Carney, Senator Chris Coons, Mayor Mike Purzycki and other community leaders.
This project was awarded $2.9 million through the National Coastal Resilience Fund, a joint partnership with NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Federation (NFWF).
Simeon Hahn from OR&R’s Assessment and Restoration Division (ARD) spoke at the event, representing both NOAA and his local community. Simeon has assisted with the development of this project over the years, both technically and by highlighting the project to the Urban Watershed Federal Partnership, to stakeholders, and within the community of Wilmington.
Located in the heart of Wilmington’s Southbridge community, this freshwater tidal wetland is designed to reduce flooding, open up green space for community members, and restore native plants and wildlife. In addition to providing ecosystem services that support resiliency to storm events, urban wetlands provide valuable green space and promote stewardship of local natural resources.
For further information, contact Simeon.Hahn@noaa.gov.