Clear into the Future




	IMPORTANCE OF THE RIVER History of the River History of Hagley The River's Uses About the Estuary The Impact of the River on Commerce THE WORKING RIVER Interview with the People Working on the River History of Delaware Ports Delaware River Cargo Map of Delaware River Ports How Do Ports Function THE LIVING RIVER The Species in and Around the River Challenges Facing our Estuary Community About the Clean Water Act National Estuary Programs How Can I Help Delaware Costal Conditions About Watersheds

Interview the People Working on the River

Laura Madara
Volunteer at the DuPont Nature Center
Assistant State Park Superintendent

Q. What does “working river” mean to you?
A. It means people making their livelihood off of the river. For example, people who go fishing, trapping, crabbing, etc. would be considered working on the river. We are currently moving away from that though in the current generations.

Q. What importance does the river have in your life?
A. She goes kayaking often. Also, her biggest hobby is wildlife watching and photography.

Q. How did you get into your wildlife interests?
A. There is so much nature around you constantly. She just finally took the time to look at it and appreciate it.

Q. Describe your working conditions.
A. As Assistant State Park Superintendent, she handles the operations management of 1,000 acres of park land. In this position, as well as a volunteer at the DuPont Nature Center, every day is completely different for her – interacting with different people, animals, situations that arise, etc. She has been involved with State Parks for 20 years and has volunteered with National Fish and Wildlife (and Dawn Webb) for about 11 years.

Q. What are some of the greatest challenges you face at your work?
A. Logistics tend to present the greatest challenges, especially trying to coordinate getting school groups to the center. Problems arise because the location of the center is somewhat far away from many of the schools.

Q. What advice would you give someone who has never volunteered before but wants to?
A. For your first time, keep an open mind. Whatever they ask you to do, it is something that truly needs to be done – even if it seems trivial. Every little task helps so much. Also, come prepared to work. Dress properly, bring water, etc. Take responsibility for your actions. The center will help as much as possible, but you need to be ready to do your part as well.

Q. If you could wave a magic wand, what could people do to help preserve the estuary community and the area in which you work every day?
A. Stop polluting the community! Laura would educate people about how pollution affects the wildlife in the estuary and have them start recycling and stop polluting.

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