In 2018, Natasha Whetzel helped burn 20 acres at Delaware’s Hurley Tract to restore habitat. 10 weeks later, native purple love grass had spread extensively, transforming the site into habitats for birds and pollinators

Conservation work in southern Delaware is helping restore and protect important habitats within the Nanticoke River watershed. At Middleford North Preserve and the Hurley Tract, The Nature Conservancy and its partners have used habitat management, prescribed fire, and reforestation to improve conditions for native plants and wildlife. A controlled burn in 2018 encouraged vigorous growth of native grasses, milkweed, and purple love grass while creating meadow habitat for pollinators, insects, birds, and small mammals.