Leader in wildlife research expands facilities, public programs
May 13, 2024
Nemours Wildlife Foundation cuts ribbon on Eugene and Laura duPont Conservation Hall, announces fall tours
Nemours Wildlife Foundation and supporters recently cut the ribbon on the Eugene and Laura duPont Conservation Hall that will serve as the home base for their expanding wildlife research and education campus. Named for the Foundation’s late founders, the 1,750-square-foot facility recently underwent significant renovations in preparation for upcoming outreach and educational programs, public tour presentations, and donor appreciation events.
In his remarks to more than 100 supporters at the April 13 ribbon cutting, Dr. Andrew Bridges, president and chief executive officer commented, "We are thrilled to open this new facility as we begin expanding our publicly accessible tours and educational programming in the coming months.” Bridges continued, “The Conservation Hall will provide a perfect venue to share Nemours’ conservation science and land stewardship programs, and for visitors and guests to learn about the amazing biodiversity of the ACE Basin.”
“In completing the conservation hall, we have increased our capacity to host larger and more impactful conservation education programs and events,” said Michael G. McShane, past chairman of the board of directors and son-in-law of the late Eugene duPont, III. “As Nemours’ new strategic plan comes to fruition, it is my hope that the hall will serve as an illustration of Eugene and Laura duPont’s generosity and legacy.”
Public tours, beginning in the autumn of 2024, will begin at the conservation hall with presentations led by education and outreach coordinator, Heather Kraus, and may include tours of the property to view wildlife and see management in action. Guests will have the opportunity to see historic rice fields and learn about their significance to conservation in our region, as well as pine savanna restoration and cattle grazing research programs.
Established nearly thirty years ago by the late Eugene duPont, III and his family, the foundation stewards nearly 10,000 acres of historic rice fields, tidal marshes, upland pine and bottomland hardwood forests, and tupelo wetlands. These lands provide a living laboratory for wildlife biology students and researchers, as well as an ecological classroom for aspiring naturalists both young and old. In 2021, the foundation completed the Wiggers Laboratory, a 3,200-square-foot state of the art research facility.
To learn more about upcoming events or tours, visit nemourswildlifefoundation.org.
About Nemours Wildlife Foundation
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit private operating foundation whose mission is to facilitate conservation and human well-being in the ACE Basin and beyond through collaborative scientific research, leadership development, management demonstration, and experiential education.
