Personal Perspectives on Our Shared Waters

Welcome to the Our Shared Waters “Personal Perspectives” blog. Here, we’ll feature posts written by decision makers at all levels of government in the Basin states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware who play important roles in a healthy future for the Delaware River. Our goal is to host a range of personal stories, policy priorities and recommendations for enjoying all the Delaware River Basin has to offer.

Along the way, we’ll showcase some special guest bloggers whose lives, livelihoods and interests merge with the Delaware River in ways that are central to its sustainability. We hope you enjoy these “Personal Perspectives” and hope they encourage you to experience the Basin and build your own.

An Our Shared Waters origin story surfaces in Narrowsburg

averylentini

Jul 30

An Our Shared Waters origin story surfaces in Narrowsburg

The dramatic depth of the Delaware River in Narrowsburg, N.Y., is a storied but mysterious phenomenon. Little was known about why the...

Reflecting on my visit to Blue Marsh Reservoir, an exemplar of Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

Sep 12, 2023

Reflecting on my visit to Blue Marsh Reservoir, an exemplar of Our Shared Waters

U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D; PA-04; pictured fifth from left) partnered with the DRBC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to...

Removing Barriers and Growing Connections in Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

Jul 25, 2023

Removing Barriers and Growing Connections in Our Shared Waters

Shad seining on the Brandywine, Courtesy of Jim Shanahan, Brandywine River Restoration Trust. The Delaware River is the longest undammed...

Connecting Our Shared Waters Through Community Engagement

kateschmidt59

Apr 25, 2023

Connecting Our Shared Waters Through Community Engagement

Photo courtesy of Melody Mason. Urban communities can tend to feel disconnected from their waterways — sometimes by geographic access...

Our Shared Waters Means Working Together to Protect Our Drinking Water

kateschmidt59

Feb 7, 2023

Our Shared Waters Means Working Together to Protect Our Drinking Water

No matter what its business is, every company has a set of non-negotiable priorities that guide decision-making. As a new employee with...

When Washington Crossed the Delaware, a Diverse Regiment Led the Way. Who Were the ‘Marbleheaders?’

kateschmidt59

Dec 1, 2022

When Washington Crossed the Delaware, a Diverse Regiment Led the Way. Who Were the ‘Marbleheaders?’

Our most recent blog was authored by the Friends of Washington Crossing Park and discussed how the Delaware River Basin’s waters helped...

The Vital Role of the Delaware River in Food Production — Then and Now

kateschmidt59

Oct 18, 2022

The Vital Role of the Delaware River in Food Production — Then and Now

Thompson-Neely Grist Mill at Washington Crossing Historic ParkThompson-Neely Grist Mill at Washington Crossing Historic Park Most of our...

Fostering a Lifelong Appreciation for Our Shared Waters on the Schuylkill Sojourn

kateschmidt59

Aug 23, 2022

Fostering a Lifelong Appreciation for Our Shared Waters on the Schuylkill Sojourn

“Sojourn Mentees” from the YWCA Tri-County Area participate in the Schuylkill River Sojourn. Photo courtesy of Kate Rauenzahn, YWCA...

Our Shared Waters

Jul 27, 2022

River Sojourns: Connecting People to Our Shared Waters Through Paddling and Partnerships

Scholarships offered by Our Shared Waters enabled first-time paddlers to participate on the Delaware or Schuylkill River Sojourn for a day.

Our Shared Waters

Jun 6, 2022

Our Shared Waters - Then and Now

Friends, what a difference a year makes! My first blog post for Our Shared Waters was published in May 2021 when I was the director of...

After an Excluded Past, Reconnecting Community to Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

Feb 25, 2022

After an Excluded Past, Reconnecting Community to Our Shared Waters

The Strawberry Mansion Reservoir is a shining gem within our shared waters of the Delaware River Basin.

The 60th Anniversary of the Delaware River Basin Commission is a Story of Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

Dec 9, 2021

The 60th Anniversary of the Delaware River Basin Commission is a Story of Our Shared Waters

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). The long history of the Commission has been defined...

A Sail on the Delaware, a Field Lesson about Protecting Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

Nov 8, 2021

A Sail on the Delaware, a Field Lesson about Protecting Our Shared Waters

There’s no better way to learn about environmental and sustainability concerns than to get out on the water and gain first-hand experience.

Perspectives on Paddling: Experiences from the 2021 Summer River Sojourns

kateschmidt59

Sep 29, 2021

Perspectives on Paddling: Experiences from the 2021 Summer River Sojourns

Connecting with our shared waters is a powerful experience and one we hope everyone will find an opportunity to do in their own way.

We Must Work Together to Protect Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

Jul 27, 2021

We Must Work Together to Protect Our Shared Waters

The emergence of new alliances and coalitions comprised of diverse watershed stakeholders is slowly but surely blazing a new path forward.

Birds and Communities Thrive Together on Our Shared Waters

kateschmidt59

May 18, 2021

Birds and Communities Thrive Together on Our Shared Waters

With sufficient investment, we can maintain and protect our shared resources for today and for future generations.

Appreciating Our Shared Waters this Earth Day

kateschmidt59

Apr 1, 2021

Appreciating Our Shared Waters this Earth Day

In a year of so much sadness, this realization for so many brought me joy.

A LOOK AT THE

DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

Personal Perspectives on Our Shared Waters