Campus Plan Update

For the past seven years, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) and Bartram’s Garden have partnered to pursue a shared vision: the creation of a freshwater mussel hatchery adjacent to the forthcoming Ecosystems Education Center at Bartram’s Garden. The joint complex was envisioned to combine free hands-on, community education and public recreation with cutting-edge environmental science and ecosystem restoration.  

Projected for construction in 2026–2027, the Ecosystems Education Center will include the first dedicated educational facilities at Bartram’s Garden, including lab-equipped classrooms and a teaching kitchen. Located on previously developed land at the southern border of the park, adjacent to the Bartram’s Mile Trail and the Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden, the Ecosystems Education Center will support extensive year-round free and low-cost education programs offering more than 4,000 student visits annually, paid workforce development opportunities for local youth, and community resources like workshops and gathering space. 

Since 2019, PDE has partnered with Bartram’s Garden to build a production-scale freshwater mussel hatchery next to the planned Ecosystems Education Center.  Freshwater mussels are bivalve mollusks that live in our local streams and rivers and provide many benefits to the natural ecosystem. These animals filter water, stabilize streambeds, and create habitat for other aquatic animals. Establishing a production-scale hatchery will allow for the propagation of native freshwater mussels for use in restoration projects.  

Unfortunately, due to rising construction costs and shifts in the funding landscape, PDE recently made the difficult decision not to move forward with building the hatchery at Bartram’s Garden. This decision followed an extensive evaluation process, including updated cost analyses, multiple rounds of design revisions, and consultation with experts, advisors, and partners.  

Bartram’s Garden remains committed to the Ecosystems Education Center and continues active fundraising efforts to bring that vision to life.  

“Despite extensive efforts to secure the necessary funding to construct a production-scale hatchery, and in spite of significant fundraising success, PDE simply cannot keep pace with rising construction costs,” said Kathy Klein, Executive Director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. “We are truly heartbroken that we were unable to realize our original vision for this facility at the Garden: a place that holds special meaning for so many and is home to a fantastic partner and incredible community. We deeply value our collaboration with Bartram’s Garden and look forward to continuing joint efforts that advance our shared mission of environmental stewardship and improving water quality throughout the region.” 

PDE’s staff and board are committed to advancing programs and projects that support the protection and enhancement of the Delaware River and Bay, the region’s most important cultural, economic, and recreational resource. PDE plans to explore alternate sites for advancing the hatchery project in Pennsylvania. While evaluating options for a new hatchery, PDE will continue its mussel research, propagation activities, and restoration projects. 

Maitreyi Roy, Executive Director of Bartram’s Garden, added, “The Ecosystems Education Center is a cornerstone of our long-term strategic vision and campus plan, aligning with major riverfront investments like FloatLab and reinforcing our dedication to accessible public science, youth leadership, and a healthy ecosystem. Every day at Bartram’s Garden and throughout the region, we see the importance of investing in environmental understanding, literacy, and restoration. We remain committed to the Center as part of a new era of environmental leadership in our community.” 

PDE and Bartram’s Garden extend deep gratitude to the many funders, partners, and community supporters whose generosity and enthusiasm helped advance the freshwater mussel hatchery and the Ecosystems Education Center. Both organizations remain steadfast in their missions and united in their shared commitments to watershed restoration, community education, and scientific progress.