The Nature Conservancy in Delaware

In the decade after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and Architecture at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, Debbie Heaton dedicated her professional hours to working in the advertising industry and building her own freelance design business. When she discovered conservation after meeting her husband in 1989, some of her time shifted to advancing this cause as a volunteer at local conservation non-profit organizations. However it wasn’t until attending a three-day workshop called “Fundraising For Small Non-Profits” that she figured out how to combine her love of art and dedication to conservation to promote the ultimate design – nature. Today, the Conservancy proudly calls upon these talents as she fulfills her role as the primary fundraiser for the Conservancy’s efforts in Delaware. Debbie also holds an M.F.A. from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.

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For Debbie, it’s all about recycling. She recycles plastic shopping bags at the grocery store or at drop off spots located throughout Delaware (although she usually prefers her own canvas shopping bags). She also recycles cardboard, batteries and styrofoam. When making purchases, she stays away from disposable items, preferring products that hold up well and made of at least partially recycled content. When the technology catches up with her, Debbie will even recycle water, but in the meantime has had low flow toilets and shower heads installed in her home.

Nature.org: Where did you learn about recycling?

Debbie Heaton: I learned about the recycling process earlier in my career as a graphic artist working in the world of print and advertising.

Nature.org: Have you always had an interest in conservation?

Debbie Heaton: I enjoyed playing and exploring outdoors as a child. As an adult, I’m usually happiest when I leave the city behind for rural or natural areas.

Nature.org: How did your career path lead to working with The Nature Conservancy?

Debbie Heaton: My work within the advertising business slowed down. I used extra time to pursue volunteer opportunities that eventually led to a staff position with the local chapter of the Sierra Club. About a year and a half after starting that job - in 2004 - a position opened up with the Conservancy. I applied and here I am.

Nature.org: What projects have your focus right now?

Debbie Heaton: The current state of the economy presents unique challenges for everyone, but also allows for good land protection opportunities. I'm focused on positioning the chapter to take advantage of these opportunities as they arise. This includes raising funds that support the chapter's conservation programs and efforts to permanently protect special landscapes across Delaware. For example, right now I am trying to raise the better part of $125,000 during the month of March so that we can purchase land adjacent to our Middleford North Preserve.

Nature.org: What do you hope to tackle over the next couple of years?

Debbie Heaton: I hope to get more Delawareans involved in protecting Delaware's remaining unique natural areas. It isn't enough to complain about how development has changed our quality of life. Concerned citizens should support the Conservancy’s Delaware Chapter in our effort to protect our forests, bayshores and open spaces that plants and animals need to survive for ourselves and our children's children..