Delaware natural area

Open Space Program




The process for acquiring land for open space for the State was codified in 1990 with the passage of the Delaware Land Protection Act. Delaware's Open Space Program implements this law by identifying areas of high ecological and recreational value and protects these areas through land acquisition and management through conservation easements. Since the law was passed in 1990, 62,680 acres of land has been preserved.

The program sets and follows a regularly-updated Open Space Program Plan with a long-term goal of providing all Delaware residents and visitors with maximum opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and Delaware’s natural assets.

For more information about Delaware's Open Space Program, visit the Open Space page on the Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control website.