DRBC Honors Pioneering Ecologist Dr. Ruth Patrick

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has named its to-be-developed office building courtyard the "Ruth Patrick River Garden" in honor of the world-renowned environmental scientist and Philadelphia resident. Following the December 2005 announcement, which was attended by Dr. Patrick, the commissioners adopted a resolution officially naming the courtyard and committing the DRBC to its development as a representation of the Delaware River Basin from its headwaters to the estuary.

"Dr. Ruth Patrick's outstanding career with The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia has spanned seven decades and her work has set the standard for how the environmental health of rivers and streams is evaluated," DRBC Chairman Kevin C. Donnelly said. Donnelly represents Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner on the federal-interstate commission.

In the 1940s, Dr. Patrick developed a new scientific method to assess the health of freshwater systems (lakes, streams, and rivers) involving the study of changes in abundance and diversity of plants, animals, and bacteria as a way to measure the impact of pollution and natural changes.  She was one of only a handful of female ecologists at the time, and her method is still used today.

The commission has also released a concept design plan to improve the courtyard. "This design plan, which was shaped by comments received from DRBC staff, highlights the Delaware River Basin and will provide an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the space while learning about the watershed environment," DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier said.  "Naming this planned courtyard makeover the 'Ruth Patrick River Garden' is a fitting tribute to a pioneer whose work in the Delaware River Basin dates back to 1945."

DRBC staff is exploring options to fund the construction costs of the planned courtyard redevelopment, expected to total over $200,000 according to preliminary estimates.  "The commission is not in the position to finance this project with its limited resources, and since we are a regulatory agency, we are unable to accept donations from some private and public organizations who may wish to contribute to this project honoring Dr. Patrick," Collier said.  "We are hoping to identify a nonprofit organization that might be willing to serve as a collector of donations which could then be provided to DRBC in one sum."

Take a "virtual tour" of the proposed Ruth Patrick River Garden (4.7 MB; free Windows Media Player or Real Player required)

Photos from the December 7, 2005 Announcement

December 7, 2005 Press Release

                   

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