The Nature Conservancy and Dogfish Head
Dogfish Head Companies have supported The Nature Conservancy via The Dogfish Dash from 2007 - 2020. Since the first starting gun fired through today, Dogfish Head by teaming up with amazing sponsors over the years, and with the help of thousands of runners from around the country (and world) has raised over $1 Million dollars for The Nature Conservancy. "Dash Dollars" as we sometimes call the funds raised have helped protect nature in Delaware in a variety of ways. We’ve embraced the mindset of “think globally, act locally,”, and our partnership with TNC has help to fund projects like the replacement of a non-powered vessel dock at the Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve and reforestation projects at both McCabe Nature Preserve and at the Ponders Tract Preserve. Both preserves are located within a few miles of our Milton Brewery, and offer opportunities to residents and visitors to get out and explore beautiful southern Delaware.
Grove Park Dock & Canal Access
In October, 2009, Dogfish Head held an event called “Paddles, Pints, & Pedals”, and we took a hearty 40 person crew on an adventure in our coastal Delaware backyard. We launched from the Dogfish Head Canoe & Kayak Launch in Lewes and enjoyed a leisurely paddle down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. We then disembarked from our kayaks and strolled up to Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats for lunch before venturing back to Lewes along the Junction & Breakwater bike trail on beach cruisers. Little did we know then that this marked a 10 year long effort to advocate for a public access to the canal in Rehoboth Beach. Beer & Benevolence partnered with a diverse group of citizens/stakeholders from the Lewes & Rehoboth communities to advocate for, plan, fundraise and eventually help oversee the creation of the Grove Park Dock & Canal Access. Dogfish is proud to support the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association and their partnership with the City of Rehoboth Beach to make the dock a reality. 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, but the construction of the Grove Park Dock was a bit of goodness that shined through. The dock now provides residents and visitors alike with ADA-compliant infrastructure for water taxi service opportunities, a kayak/SUP launch, or just a simple waterside place for reflection.
Dogfish Head Learning Garden at Delaware Botanic Gardens
Dogfish Head is proud to support the Delaware Botanic Gardens, and we are honored to have the Learning Garden share our name. The Dogfish Head Learning Garden features re-creations of two distinct Delaware habitats – a freshwater wetland and now rare inland dunes, a habitat that once flourished along the Nanticoke River in Sussex County. The garden till teach and inspire students and gardeners to celebrate and protect the unique beauty of southern Delaware and DelMarVa.
Dogfish Head Canoe & Kayak Launch at Canalfront Park
Our Dogfish Inn is located along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal in downtown Lewes, and we love quality time on the water be it by boat or non-powered vessel. Dogfish is proud to have supported the transformation of an antiquated town boat launch and parking lot into a beautiful downtown park. You can launch your kayak, canoe, or SUP from the Dogfish Head Canoe & Kayak Launch just steps away from our Inn, and who knows, you might run into Sam paddling there too.
Bike Repair Stations
Dogfish Head believes in pedal power and getting out on the paths and trails of Delaware. Over the years, Dogfish has been able to contribute ‘Bike Repair Stations & Pumps’ at various locations to include along the Gordon’s Pond Trail, the Junction & Breakwater Trail, The Castle Trail, at the Dogfish Head Brewery, at the Lewes Library Trailhead, and in downtown Wilmington.
Benevolence Day
Since 2010, Dogfish Head and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity have worked together to help build over 25 homes across southern Delaware. Each year Dogfish co-workers trade out their steel-toed brewery boots, their office computers, or hang up their hospitality hats for a day and pick up a hammer to help give back to those in need. Dogfish has helped to construct homes throughout various stages to include framing, roofing, building decks/porches, hanging windows, siding, and more. This day of service ends with co-worker comradery over chili and a pint coupled with stories and laughs.
