Delaware Ecological Network

The Delaware Ecological Network (DEN) is a statewide conservation network developed from GIS and field-collected data. The DEN, based on principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology, provides a consistent framework to help identify and prioritize areas for natural resource protection. The DEN is composed of the following elements: core areas, which contain relatively intact natural ecosystems, and provide high-quality habitat for native plants and animals; hubs, which are slightly fragmented aggregations of core areas, plus contiguous natural cover; and corridors, which link core areas together, allowing wildlife movement and seed and pollen transfer between them. Core areas were validated using independent field data, and verified using aerial photos.