David Small to chair Delaware Botanic Gardens Advisory Council

Delaware Botanic Gardens announced that David Small has accepted the invitation to become chair of its advisory council.

“David Small has been a member of the advisory council since its earliest days. David’s outstanding leadership on the full range of environmental issues has been a great asset to DBG and even more now as chair of the advisory council,” said Ray Sander, DBG president.

Small’s 30-year career at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control included 14 years as deputy secretary and three years as secretary. For his outstanding leadership, Small was awarded the Order of the First State, Delaware’s highest civilian honor. He also was named 2016 Delaware Public Official of the Year by the America Public Works Association, and he received the 2016 Environmental Achievement Award from the Inland Bays Foundation.

Small is currently a senior consultant at Verdantas, formerly Duffield Associates, a leading engineering and consulting firm with offices in Delaware and 29 locations across the country.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens Advisory Council comprises distinguished thought leaders who have brought their extensive knowledge, insights and experience to DBG’s mission of creating a world-class public garden in Delaware.

“The Delaware Botanic Gardens are a world-class treasure thanks to the vision, support work and generosity of a dedicated team that includes volunteers, donors and international experts. I am honored to be the chair of the DBG Advisory Council and to join in this remarkable demonstration of citizen participation and volunteer accomplishment,” said Small.

“The dedication and inspirational leadership of Carla Markell, the first chair of the advisory council, has set a high standard for all of us at DBG. We are indebted to Carla and the great members of the advisory council who have helped DBG become a reality. We are honored that David has agreed to accept the leadership baton from Carla as we continue this relay race to create a flagship public garden on Delmarva,” said Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director.

Delaware Botanic Gardens will reopen for the season at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 17.

New features include completed restrooms, 84,000 new spring bulbs in the Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden and a new reflecting pond in the Folly Garden with an additional 37,500 plants and bulbs.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro.

To learn more, go to delawaregardens.org.