Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek recently named Mark Chura, Dan Barbato and Diane Maddex as new board members.

Ray Sander, DBG chair, said, “These new board members are very successful business leaders with a distinguished record of nonprofit service to our community.”

Mark Chura, a conservation consultant and co-owner of the Brush Factory in Lewes, has been actively involved in land preservation. He served the Sussex County Land Trust as executive director and as a board member. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master of public administration degree from University of Delaware.

Dan Barbato is vice president of Pennoni Associates Engineering, heading the firm's Newark office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Delaware. He is past vice president and immediate past president of Delaware Nature Society, and serves on the DBG Advisory Council. He is involved in land preservation and restoration with special expertise in water resources engineering, water treatment and wastewater treatment.

Diane Maddex is founder and owner of Archetype Press and cofounder of Preservation Press, which is the publisher for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Northwestern University. She previously served on the DBG board and advisory council, and created the original DBG website.

“We are excited about our three new board members who will help us reach new records of growth and success,” said Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director. “And in addition, the following leaders have been appointed to the DBG Advisory Council: Bill McAvoy, former board member and Delaware state botanist; LeDee Wakefield, former board member and business leader; and Stephen Pryce Lea, former DBG deputy executive director.”

Now closed for a winter rest, the gardens will open to the public for their eighth season Thursday, March 19, at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro.