DNREC representatives celebrate longstanding conservation partnership with St. Andrew’s

On Tuesday, April 15 representatives from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Delaware Division of Soil and Water Conservation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Appoquinimink River Association and the University of Delaware visited St. Andrew’s campus to observe and honor ongoing partnerships in conservation and sustainability. For decades, St. Andrew’s has collaborated with these state and federal organizations in conservation projects to preserve and enhance the School’s 2,200-acre campus.

Marianne Hardesty, District Conservationist with the NRCS, gave thanks for over 50 years of partnership with St. Andrew’s in conservation efforts. Projects over the years have included the dredging of Noxontown Pond in 1984-1985; the installation of construction practices such as waterways, diversions and grade control structures; and the planting erosion-blocking filterstrips and grasses and trees in critical areas. St. Andrew’s was the first in the county to use filter strips and, Ms. Hardesty notes, the School has set a positive example for the area’s farms.

“We appreciate St. Andrew’s commitment to conservation,” said Ms. Hardesty. “Every private property own who applies conservation practices can make a difference, and at St. Andrew’s, they’re making a difference in our environment as well as teaching new generations the value of doing so.”

Marianne Hardesty of NRCS stands beside a map indicating conservation projects on campus.

Tom Sims of the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources also thanked St. Andrew’s for a longstanding and fruitful relationship. The two schools have been collaborating for some time in a concerted effort to enhance soil and water quality, wildlife ecology and sustainable landscaping on campus. In 2005 they received a joint grant to conduct a wide range of experiments and extension programs. Now in its third year, the grant has enabled much research and youth education. Graduate students and St. Andreans visit one another’s campuses to conduct research, analyze data, work on theses and do internships.

St. Andrew's CFO Michael Schuller introduced St. Andrew’s staff members who have been instrumental in implementing operational changes on campus over the past few years, changes that have enabled the School to monitor and manage its energy efficiency. In two years, St. Andrew’s has reduced its energy consumption by over ten percent, Mr. Schuller said, adding, “The students are really leading the way.”

In his closing remarks, Headmaster Roach called to mind the concerns that animated the School’s founders as they scouted for a campus in 1929. “Their idea was quite radical at the time,” he said. “They envisioned a campus far from urban and suburban life, a refuge from the distractions of mainstream culture, a place of study and reflection . . . St. Andrew’s now stands as an incredible natural sanctuary in Delaware . . . We are pleased to have such wise and discerning partners to help us, and we are proud of these projects that protect our campus and natural world. They are, we promise, just the beginning.”

Headmaster Tad Roach addresses DNREC representatives.

A group of students soon joined the gathering to talk with representatives, after which Dr. McLean led a tree-planting brigade out for some celebratory planting. The weather was beautiful and guests looked out over the recently reforested fields studded with thousands of baby trees. It was a day filled with promise, with pride for the past and excitement for the future.

Olivia McGiff '10 and Timmy Merlino '09 join others in celebratory tree planting.