In establishing the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Eugene duPont, III and his family left a great legacy and gift, not only to the Lowcountry but to the world. The challenges faced by society are inextricably linked to the challenges we face in conservation. Ecosystem health and function increasingly depend on the actions of people, and the well-being of people and societies depend on healthy and functional ecosystems. Nemours is a special and powerful place, and through this Foundation, we have the opportunity to affect positive change and build a brighter future for all.
Our Mission and Vision reflect our commitment to this cause.
Our Mission
Our Vision
We Believe human wellbeing ultimately hinges on ecosystem wellbeing and that people and nature are intrinsically connected.
We Believe experiencing wild places, immersion in the outdoors, and interacting with the natural world enriches people’s lives and these experiences are crucial to human wellbeing.
We Believe nature, and by extension, humanity, faces an uncertain future with seemingly insurmountable threats on the horizon.
We Believe that in the face of these threats, providing hope through engagement, empowerment, and facilitating effective action are paramount.
We Believe effective conservation action is underpinned by solid science that provides the evidence base for informed decision making.
We Believe conservation science can provide an evidence base, but conservation outcomes rely on people’s actions in response to this evidence.
We Believe the science-based solutions and sustainable land management practices we help develop should be scalable with applicability throughout the region, nation, and even internationally.
We Believe experiential hands-on outdoor learning opportunities are increasingly rare, and through the beauty and wonder of Nemours, we have a unique ability to offer these rare experiences to students both young and old.
We Believe Nemours is a special place with a significant cultural history, and it is our obligation to respect the past and lead into the future as exemplary stewards of this historically and ecologically irreplaceable landscape.
We Believe our greatest contributions as a Foundation lie in the people we inspire to care, the knowledge we give them to act, and in conservation leaders we help to develop and empower.
1) Collaboration – We value the contributions of our partners in science, education, land stewardship, and policy, and we seek collaborative partnerships to achieve common goals.
2) Leadership – We lead by example as land stewards, scientists, educators, and partners. We inspire others and in doing so, the collective impacts of our accomplishments are multiplied.
3) Inclusion – We are an inclusive organization that recognizes and respects differing perspectives. We seek to diversify the field of conservation to include those who have felt excluded or disconnected from wildlife and nature.
4) Creativity – We look to the future and think creatively to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges. We look to the past to learn from traditional knowledge and rediscover forgotten practices. Our minds are always open as we evaluate our efforts and evolve to become better land stewards, scientists, educators, and partners.
5) Professionalism – We conduct ourselves professionally. We are deliberate in our planning and precise in our execution. We communicate with transparency and respect both within our organization and with our partners. We maintain focus and work hard to accomplish our Mission and realize our Vision.
6) Self-investment – We recognize that to maximize our efficacy, we must invest in our people, our property, and our infrastructure. We respect and empower our team to problem solve and to take ownership of their efforts. We enjoy the fruits of our labor, our sense of purpose, and our fellowship at Nemours.
7) Responsibility – We are responsible for managing and protecting the land, wildlife, and habitats entrusted to us to the best of our ability. We are responsible for demonstrating excellence and educating others to become more informed citizens and better stewards. We are responsible for maximizing the impact of our supporters in our shared efforts to leave a rich and vibrant planet for future generations.
8) Gratitude – We appreciate the gift that was given by the duPont family, the efforts of those who first developed Nemours, and the generosity of our donors and supporters. We appreciate the conservation visionaries and leaders whose efforts protected the natural resources we enjoy today. We appreciate all those who are with us today, and those who will soon join us in our Mission to make the world a better place tomorrow.