Reston, VA – The National Wildlife Federation has recognized Dakin Hewlett for her commitment to engaging Delaware communities in the protection of local watersheds and wildlife.

“In a short time, Dakin Hewlett has emerged as a refreshing and leading voice of change in the conservation community,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The creativity and vision with which she approaches urban wildlife conservation and environmental education have attracted a greater diversity of voices to our cause, injecting new energy into the work.”

The National Conservation Young Leader Award honors the special conservation achievements of a young person who has worked to inspire change. The ceremony took place at the National Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting and 82nd anniversary celebration, held in Chantilly, Virginia.

“I am so honored to receive this award. My time with Delaware Nature Society has provided me with meaningful opportunities to connect with both the constituents of Wilmington and partners in the Alliance for Watershed Education working together to protect the Delaware River Watershed,” said Dakin Hewlett, watershed education coordinator for the Delaware Nature Society. My work has also allowed me to grow my skills and I especially enjoy when I see kids get excited about the world around them.”

Dakin Hewlett: National Conservation Young Leader Award

Dakin Hewlett is the Watershed Education Coordinator for Delaware Nature Society (DNS) at the DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC), where she engages the local community to help them better understand their connection to the local watersheds and guide them toward conservation actions that help water quality and wildlife. Dakin was the first Delaware River Watershed Fellow for the Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River—an alliance of 23 centers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Seeing an opportunity to connect with audiences in Wilmington, Dakin spearheaded Nature Mobile which brought the engagement tools of the DEEC to the people on the Wilmington Riverwalk. Her creativity, educational skills, and drive helped to connect the Riverwalk to the DEEC and has created new wildlife and water community advocates.

An avid writer with degrees in English and History from West Chester University, Dakin also uses her writing and blogging skills to advocate for open spaces and wildlife, working previously for Sierra Magazine and the Alliance for Watershed Education. Dakin’s appreciation for wildlife and nature was instilled in her while hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail.