The CRDS partners with many organizations to tackle issues in Delaware’s coastal communities through grant-based funding. Below is a list of the different organizations, links to their websites, and contact information for those looking to get more involved in resiliency efforts in Delaware.
Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN)
Founded in 2009, DENIN provides academic, government, nonprofit, and industrial partners broad access to experts from multiple disciplines in a collaborative effort to:
– advance environmental science,
– promote environmental education, and
– devise innovative strategies for environmental preservation and remediation.
DENIN research assists decision makers by providing knowledge that informs sound and equitable public policies. By involving students in research through fellowship and internship programs, they are preparing the next generation of environmental leaders. Their outreach to K-12 educators, students, and the public contributes to developing environmentally literate citizens.
Delaware Environmental Monitoring & Analysis Center (DEMAC)
The Delaware Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Center (DEMAC) is a center whose primary goals are
– to promote and coordinate environmental monitoring efforts throughout the state of Delaware and its surrounding environments and
– to provide an effective, user-friendly interface for researchers to share their findings with K-12 educators, decision-makers, and the general public.
DEMAC’s vision is that all Delaware EPSCoR partner institutions will have access to high-quality inter- and intra-institutional cyberinfrastructure and centralized informatics capabilities that support leading-edge research, education, and outreach in the EPSCoR focus areas of environmental science and biotechnology.
To learn more about DEMAC and their projects click here and to learn about Delaware EPSCoR and the work they do click here.
Delaware Sea Grant
Delaware Sea Grant believes that high-quality science can pave the way toward sustainable coastal communities and thriving natural ecosystems
Delaware Sea Grant actively funds scientific researchers to better understand our natural marine environment, local coastal economies, and the issues that develop at their intersection. Our network of researchers enables us to face emerging environmental challenges with science-based solutions that offer positive outcomes for both coastal ecosystems and Delaware communities.
Delaware Sea Grant has four main research focus areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development. The CRDS conducts research to help Delaware Sea Grant’s Resilient Communities and Economies focus area.
To learn more about Delaware Sea Grant click here.
Institute for Public Administration (IPA)
Established in 1973, IPA addresses the policy, planning, and management needs of its partners through the integration of applied research, professional development, and the education of tomorrow’s leaders. IPA is a research and public service center in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Delaware.
They provide direct staff assistance, research, policy analysis, training, and forums while contributing to the scholarly body of knowledge in public administration.
To contact the IPA visit their list of contacts page here.
The Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware
The Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware is the main Native American tribe that resided, and still resides in Delaware. The Lenape have a rich history of protecting and preserving the environment and are eager to assist in the resiliency efforts that the CRDS is putting together. To learn more about the history of the Lenape and their community engagement efforts, you can contact them at lenape1212@comcast.net or you can find out how to visit the tribe here.
Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL)
RASCL is a collaborative network of state, nonprofit, and academic partners working to create a more resilient and sustainable Delaware for everyone. RASCL uses partner resources to provide technical assistance to communities on projects related to resilience, organizes quarterly coffee hours in each county to address hot topics, and hosts an annual summit which brings together community members, elected officials, and resilience practitioners among many others to network, learn, and share about resilience and resiliency efforts.
Contact Danielle Swallow at dswallow@udel.edu
We’d like to thank the following for their contribution to the CRDS:
Delaware Sea Grant for ongoing funding for the development of the CRDS
Center for Food Systems and Sustainability (CENFOODS) for grant support (DelRAP)
Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN) for faculty support
UD Plant and Soil Sciences Department (PLSC) for faculty support
We’d also like to thank the following individuals for their time, expertise, and participation in the startup of the CRDS:
Dr. Jules Bruck, RLA – CRDS Co-founder while at UD (through May 2022)
Jennifer DeMooy – Climate Adaptation Project Manager, State of Delaware, Division of Energy
Dave Ennis – Former Delaware Representative, Delaware General Assembly Member
Drew Hayes – Owner, ForeSite Associates in New Castle, DE
Kari St. Laurent – Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
Kathy Lock – Councilperson, Slaughter Beach, Delaware
Kelly Valencik – Delaware Coastal Programs
Gail VanGilder – Historic Lewes Byway
Tom West – City of Lewes, City Planner
Kerri Yandrich – Conservation Land Acquisition Specialist
Please consider making a DONATION to the CRDS via the Plant and Soil Sciences department to support, for example: student travel to research meetings and professional development events. One hundred percent of your gifts will impact the area you wish to support. You may make your gift by clicking here. Be sure to complete the “Other designation – indicate a specific purpose below” section and input “Dept. of Plant and Soil Sciences-BSLA-CRDS” to ensure that it will be used in direct support of our students and faculty. If you have any questions or require assistance to complete this form, please contact Dan Sarkissian, Sr. Director of Development, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at 302-831-4595 or djs@udel.edu
