Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, announced $12.5 million in grants from the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund to bolster conservation efforts across the Delaware River watershed. This funding supports 30 partner-led projects aimed at restoring fish and wildlife habitats, enhancing water quality, increasing community resilience to natural disasters, and expanding public access to outdoor recreational opportunities.
The awards, made public on February 4, 2026, are expected to leverage nearly $17 million in matching contributions from partners, culminating in a total conservation investment of $29.3 million. This substantial financial commitment underscores the commitment to safeguarding the ecological integrity of a watershed that spans portions of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Despite encompassing one of the nation’s most densely populated urban regions, the area remains approximately 50 percent forested, with 400 miles of the Delaware River designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, preserving largely undeveloped landscapes ideal for recreation.
Key outcomes from the funded projects include opening nearly 4,000 acres to public access, implementing restoration on more than 11,000 acres of forestland, and rehabilitating wetlands and floodplains. These initiatives are designed to mitigate flooding risks, improve water quality, and provide vital habitats for hundreds of native fish and wildlife species that depend on the river and its tributaries. Millions of residents in the four-state region rely on this watershed for recreational pursuits, employment opportunities, and clean drinking water.
The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund empowers state and local partners to prioritize and execute projects aligned with shared conservation goals. Additional support bolsters the effort: $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service funds collaborative forest management in New York and Pennsylvania, while $1.26 million from other non-federal sources, including contributions from AstraZeneca, aids beach restoration in Delaware Bay.
Highlighting the diversity of projects, several grant recipients are undertaking targeted restorations with direct benefits for both nature and communities. PEACE New Jersey received $437,029 to restore Douglas A. Blake Park along the Musconetcong River in Hackettstown, New Jersey. This community-driven initiative will create habitats for priority species while providing inclusive recreational river access for individuals of all ages and abilities.
In Pennsylvania, The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation secured $325,000 for the final phase of pre-construction planning at South Philadelphia Wetlands Park. This innovative riverfront development integrates public access with the restoration of freshwater tidal ecosystems, offering a blend of nature and urban recreation.
Educational outreach is also prioritized. The Red Clay Consolidated School District in Delaware was awarded $238,076 to install rain and pollinator gardens on school campuses. These features will enhance wildlife habitats, improve local water quality, and deliver hands-on outdoor learning experiences for students.
On a broader scale, The Nature Conservancy obtained $340,337 to craft a multi-state strategy for reconnecting fish and wildlife habitat corridors in the Upper Delaware River watershed. This work advances landscape-scale conservation objectives endorsed by watershed states and the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
These 2025 projects build on ongoing collaborative momentum in the watershed, fostering dynamic restoration plans that address pressing environmental challenges. The fund now invites applications for its 2026 cycle, with proposals due by March 26, 2026. Interested parties can access details through the Delaware River Program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
By investing in habitat conservation, water management, and recreational enhancements, the FWS and its partners are ensuring the Delaware River watershed remains a thriving resource for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and wildlife observers. The emphasis on public access—nearly 4,000 acres newly available—promises expanded opportunities for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and other nature-based activities in this vital ecosystem.
For more information, visit U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.