Discover Watersheds

Delaware’s waterways connect people, wildlife across the state. Understanding how watersheds work helps us protect the water that sustains our communities and ecosystems.

A watershed is an area of land where all water drains to a single body of water, such as a river, bay or lake. It includes everything that the water touches along the way – forests, farms, neighborhoods, and cities. What happens on the land directly affects the quality of our water, so every action matters. Although Delaware is a small state, it spans three major watersheds that support people, wildlife, and local economies.

DEEC aerial view of Visitor Center, Marsh Pond, and Markell Trail Loop by Maggie DeGennaro

Delaware River Watershed

Stretching 330 miles across four states, the Delaware River Watershed provides drinking water to more than 15 million people, nearly five percent of the U.S. population. It also supports over 200 fish species and countless plants and animals. DelNature partners with organizations across the region through the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed to restore waterways, reduce pollution, and improve water quality from the Catskill Mountains to Wilmington and the Delaware Bayshore.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed

One-third of Delaware drains into the Chesapeake Bay, which supplies drinking water for seventy-five percent of the region’s 17 million residents. This vast watershed extends from upstate New York to the Atlantic coast and includes both rural farmlands and major cities. Through our collaboration with partners like the Choose Clean Water Coalition, DelNature works to reduce agricultural runoff, protect wildlife habitat, and support cleaner rivers and streams that feed into the bay.

American toad standing on water and reeds.

Inland Bays Watershed

Located in Sussex County, Delaware’s Inland Bays include Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay. These shallow waters and surrounding marshes are vital for fish, shellfish, and migratory birds. They also contribute to Delaware’s coastal economy through tourism and recreation. Working with the Center for the Inland Bays, DelNature supports restoration and monitoring efforts that keep these fragile ecosystems healthy.

Working For Our Watersheds

Our watershed work focuses on restoring the healthy of streams and wetlands, reducing pollution, and helping communities prepare for climate impacts such as flooding and sea level rise.

Watershed Partners

DelNature is proud to partner with a number of organizations and coalitions in this work, including:

Alliance for Watershed Education – A regional partnership of 23 environmental education centers across Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed – Advocates for federal and state protections, resulting in millions in funding through the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program.
Choose Clean Water Coalition – A network of 230 groups promoting clean rivers and streams throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.
Delaware Center for the Inland Bays and Partnership for the Delaware Estuary – Delaware is fortunate to have these two National Estuary Programs, as well as the Water Resources Center at the University of Delaware.

Watershed Initiatives

In addition to working with individual partners and coalitions, DelNature plays a leading role in several watershed-based initiatives in Delaware, including:

Red Clay Scenic Byway

DelNature chairs the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway Alliance, leading efforts to protect the natural, scenic, and historical integrity of the Red Clay Valley. Together with local partners we organize stream cleanups, habitat certifications, and community programs that strengthen public involvement in conservation of the Red Clay Valley. More than a scenic route, the Red Clay Scenic Byway represents a commitment to preserving the landscapes, waterways, and character that make the Red Clay Valley special.
CBR4: The Christina and Brandywine Rivers Remediation, Restoration and Resilience Initiative

DelNature chairs the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway Alliance, leading efforts to protect the natural, scenic, and historical integrity of the Red Clay Valley. Together with local partners we organize stream cleanups, habitat certifications, and community programs that strengthen public involvement in conservation of the Red Clay Valley. More than a scenic route, the Red Clay Scenic Byway represents a commitment to preserving the landscapes, waterways, and character that make the Red Clay Valley special.
Mispillion River Watershed Conservation Action Planning

DelNature is working with partners to develop a plan for specific actions and projects to improve habitat, water quality, and recreational opportunities in the Mispillion River Watershed, one of the largest, relatively undisturbed watersheds remaining in Delaware. This plan will build on ecotourism and resilient investment strategies identified by the Waterways, Infrastructure & Investment Network (WIIN).