More than 220 guests joined Stroud Water Research Center (Chester County), its board of directors and the presenting sponsor, Wilmington Trust, at the 14th annual Water's Edge gala as they honored the National Park Service and its director Jonathan Jarvis on November 3 at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Director Jarvis accepted the 2016 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence for his commitment to the preservation and protection of freshwater resources.

At the close of his lecture, guests then enjoyed an elegant dinner on the Fern Floor among the colorful displays of flora inside the beautiful Longwood Gardens Conservatory.

The National Park Service protects more than 170,000 miles of rivers and streams and 4.5 million acres of lakes, ponds and oceans throughout our country.

Director Jarvis reflected upon the last 100 years of the National Park Service and its focus on the future as NPS enters its second century stewarding our country's natural and historic resources: "I believe strongly that along with building historical relevancy, we must continue to achieve a conservation legacy built upon the 100 years of success of the National Park Service's mission to leave these places unimpaired for future generations."

Director Bern Sweeney commented after the event, "We are so grateful for the many sponsors and guests who helped further the Stroud Center's mission of freshwater research, environmental education and watershed restoration through their support. We are fortunate to be able to collaborate with organizations such as the National Park Service to protect our nation's freshwater resources."

The 15th annual Water's Edge will return to Longwood Gardens on October 21, 2017 for the Stroud Center's 50th anniversary.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water Research Center website, Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Stroud, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube Channel.

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