Delaware County Conservation District Receives Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

DCCD recognized for riparian buffer plantings along Stoney Creek in Prospect Park and Ridley Township

Media, PA — The Delaware County Conservation District (DCCD) was recently recognized with the 2026 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for their work planting vegetation along Stoney Creek in Prospect Park and Ridley Township.

This riparian buffer restoration effort began in November of 2024 and was completed in October of 2025 after the planting of over 700 native trees and shrubs. Throughout the project, DCCD engaged more than 90 community members in planting, maintenance, and public input. The implementation began with the downstream section of the project in late 2024 at Moore’s Lake Park in Prospect Park. After months of preparations, volunteers planted 175 native trees and shrubs. Despite vandalism soon after completion, volunteers were quick to make repairs and ensure the plants continued to make an impact.

The project continued upstream at Frederick L. Mann Memorial Park in Ridley Township with the planting of over 530 trees and shrubs in October of 2025 in the area next to the creek that was frequently mowed and previously covered with invasive plants.

A riparian buffer is the strip of land adjacent to a body of water, typically covered with trees, shrubs, and other plants that form a transitional zone between aquatic and upland areas. These areas protect water quality, control erosion, reduce flooding, and increase biodiversity. Established riparian buffers can become a self-maintained land stewardship practice that promotes the benefits of green space for people and wildlife.

As part of the preparation and implementation of this project, DCCD and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) determined that communities downstream of the planting locations that Stoney Creek and Darby Creek run through will reap the benefits of this project as well. Crum Lynn in Ridley Township and Essington in Tinicum Township, both classified as Environmental Justice communities by PA DEP, were highlighted as ones that could especially see benefits.

Working closely with residents, stakeholders, and watershed protection groups, DCCD developed riparian buffer planting plans to optimize existing uses while maximizing the effectiveness of the riparian buffers. Throughout the process, long-term infrastructure concerns and considerations about recreational uses were critical.

For more information on the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, click here. To learn more about the work the Delaware County Conservation District does to deliver for residents and the environment every day, visit delcocd.org.