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Reflections on Sussex, The Nature Conservancy and the future

November 25, 2022

I have been lucky to live in Sussex County my entire life, and my family has been here for generations. Many of us who have lived here for so long have seen the county transform from a quiet, rural setting to a place bustling with new development and ever busier beaches and towns. The challenge has been – and will likely always be – how we can preserve and protect Sussex County’s natural resources while continuing to grow the county’s economic opportunities for its residents. 

In 2021, I was approached by The Nature Conservancy to join as a Delaware/Pennsylvania board member. I thought about it – a lot. There are only so many hours in the day, and I like to be careful with my commitments. But what ultimately convinved me was the importance of conserving more Sussex County land and advocating for a better future. TNC is committed to working with partners to advance coastal resilience and climate adaptation, including strategies to conserve additional lands, protect human and natural communities, and restore critical habitats for our iconic migratory fish, birds and wildlife. 

The work TNC does to conserve land and protect Delaware's natural beauty is not the only reason I joined the board. I also believe in their staff. Natasha Whetzel manages all six Delaware TNC preserves, which total 5,000 acres and 12 miles of walking trails. Will Helt recently joined as the Delaware oceans and coasts director, and has an extensive background in managing coastal restoration and monitoring projects. Kim Hachadoorian leads Stream Stewards, a community science program designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in watershed stewardship at the First State Historical Park. Emily Knearl, external affairs director, joined in 2021 with a 25-year career in Delaware public policy and partnership building, most recently in the environmental and public health sectors. And there are many more TNC staff members engaged in Delaware and Pennsylvania, from conservation to volunteer management to communications. 

I look forward to working with them and helping to make connections with the many organizations and individuals committed to protecting the natural beauty of the First State. There is no more important time than today as we build toward a better future. As a kid, I remember riding around with my dad and seeing the natural beauty all around us. I want my grandchildren and their children to enjoy Sussex County as the generations before them did. This is the challenge we must face together for today, tomorrow and forever.

I.G. Burton is a native and lifelong Sussex County resident. For more than a century, four generations have operated an auto dealership in the Milford area. Now retired, Burton serves as a trustee for The Nature Conservancy Delaware/Pennsylvania Chapter, member and chairman of the board of directors for Bayhealth, a trustee for the University of Delaware, and a member of the Delaware Council on Transportation.
  • Cape Gazette commentaries are written by readers whose occupations, education, community positions or demonstrated focus in particular areas offer an opportunity to expand our readership's understanding or awareness of issues of interest.

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