Education & History
The Stroud Center works with local landowners to protect and restore watersheds
One of these landowners is NFL Hall of Fame coach, Dick Vermeil, who is passionate about protecting our waterways.
At Stroud Water Research Center, they’re turning science into action to preserve and restore fresh water. Since 1967, the Stroud Center has been a leading organization in restoration of the Delaware and Chesapeake Bay watersheds—working hand-in-hand with landowners to empower them to use their land more effectively through whole-farm planning and watershed stewardship.
One of these landowners is legendary coach, Dick Vermeil.
When the former NFL coach saw erosion and runoff threatening the creek on his Chester County ranch, he turned to the Stroud Center. Together, they worked on major restoration efforts for 2.75 acres of Coach’s property, reforesting along the headwater tributaries of Buck Run Creek, which flows into Brandywine Creek—a vital source of drinking water for Wilmington, Delaware.
“Clean water doesn’t happen by chance. Like winning on a football field, it takes discipline, teamwork, and heart.” — Dick Vermeil
Starting in the spring of 2018, more than 900 young trees were planted in protective shelters along both sides of the stream to act as buffers to reduce erosion, filter pollutants, cool the water, create wildlife habitat, and support biodiversity.
This project required a long-term management plan to ensure the forest buffer takes root. The Stroud Center educates landowners like Coach so they can continue the work by monitoring growth, replacing damaged shelters, and protecting seedlings from deer and invasive species during the critical first few years.
The Stroud Center’s work is paying off, from the mightiest rivers to the smallest streams—even in my own backyard.” — Dick Vermeil
Across the mid-Atlantic, the Stroud Center is partnering with neighbors, farmers, and communities to protect the water supply, ensuring this abundant natural resource is preserved for future generations.
At the core of the Stroud Center is a mission to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration. They invite you to Follow the Rivers and be the first to hear about river-saving science, events, and simple actions you can take to protect fresh water—test Your River IQ, subscribe to their newsletter, and learn more about the work they are doing in Pennsylvania and beyond.
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