Delaware Botanic Gardens board approves strategic plan

The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek board of directors has approved its 2025-28 strategic plan.

Ray Sander, board president, said the document provides guidance to help fulfill the DBG mission to provide a world-class garden that delights visitors.

"Hundreds of people provided their thoughts for this plan, both within the DBG family and in the larger Sussex County and Delaware communities. Special thanks to the board's strategic planning committee and Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, who were our excellent consultants. They all toiled over a year to put this excellent, forward-looking plan together,” said Sander.

Shelia Bravo, DANA president and CEO, said, "It has been an honor to work with the dedicated people on the DBG board and staff, volunteers and community supporters. DBG is a unique blend of great people at all levels. They share a love of nature and creative energy. The strategic plan provides a framework of goals, action plans and lists of people responsible to take these actions to move the gardens forward."

“We all have learned a lot over the past year as we planned for the future growth of DBG,” said Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director. “I also thank everybody who took their time to give us fresh thoughts on how we can reach new excellence goals in the coming years. We are truly a community garden."

Stephen Pryce Lea, deputy executive director for horticulture, said, "This strategic plan carries out the vision of sustainable gardens, woodlands and wetlands along Pepper Creek that inspire and educate. We who are lucky to work in the 37-acre gardens enjoy, build, maintain and protect a wonderful natural treasure. We invite all to take a break from the pressures of daily life and be refreshed by the blessings of nature at DBG.”

"To see day to day the progress of building the gardens and the organization at the same time is both challenging and exciting. As always, dedicated people are our key to success,” said Mark Carter, DBG deputy executive director and chief operating officer.

To learn more, go to delawaregardens.org.