Ray Sander, Chair of the Board of Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek (DBG), announced three new DBG Board Members are: Mark Chura, Dan Barbato and Diane Maddex.

Sander said, “These new Board Members are very successful business leaders with a distinguished record of non-profit service to our community.”

Mark Chura, co-owner of the Brush Factory in Lewes, DE, and  Conservation Consultant has been a leader in land conservation, including service as past Board Member and past Executive Director of Sussex County Land Trust. He holds BA in Business and a MPA from University of Delaware.

Dan Barbato is Vice President of  Pennoni Associates Engineering, heading the firm’s Newark, DE Office. He holds a  BS in civil engineering from University of Delaware. He is past Vice President and  immediate past President of Delaware Nature Society, and was on the DBG  Advisory  Council. He is involved in land preservation and restoration with special expertise in  water resources engineering and water/waste water trestment.

Diane Maddex is a highly respected book author and publisher. She is founder and owner of Archetype Press and cofounder of Preservation Press, which is publisher for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She holds a BA from Northwestern University. She  previously served on the DBG Board and Advisory Council and she created the original DBG website.

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We are excited about our three new Board Members, who will help us reach new records of growth and success.  And in addition the following leaders have been appointed to the DBG Advisory Council:  Bill McAvoy, former Board  member and Delaware State Botanist; LeDee Wakefield, former Board member and business leader; and Stephen Pryce Lea, former DBG Deputy Executive Director.

While the gardens are closed for a winter rest, we look forward to seeing the public next spring on Thursday, March 19^th, when we reopen for our eighth 2026 season. Our members are enjoying special winter walks in January through mid-March.”

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Memberships are available. Go to www.delawaregardens.org.