Delia Jovel Dubón is the Summer Lady Slipper Award Winner

Congratulations to Delia Jovel Dubón on being Conserving Carolina’s 2022 Summer Lady Slipper Award Winner!

Delia, born in El Salvador in 1976 into a farming family, has her roots in nature. She immigrated to the US in 2014 when her daughter was born and now lives in Dana, NC. The nature and geography of western North Carolina remind her of the small town where she was born, and Delia views living here as a privilege.

Hardships have dappled Delia’s experiences, but she remains resilient. After surviving a civil war, immigrating, and then losing her job to the many COVID-19 layoffs in 2020, Delia used her extra time to found a Hispanic, worker-owned farm coop called Tierra Fértil. Around December of 2020 Delia, looking for land to farm, was connected with Conserving Carolina’s Land Protection Director, Tom Fanslow.

A 10-arce plot of land near Highway 191 north of Hendersonville was offered up, but was not what they needed for the co-op. However, Delia saw an opportunity to give back to the land and create a space for a future community garden. Now Delia and others from Tierra Fértil volunteer their time at this property, dubbed Las Flores, to remove non-native invasive species.

“Each volunteer experience gives you something special and relevant.” Delia says.

Her passion lies with her community and forming meaningful relationships based on trust and camaraderie. These connections are most rewarding to Delia; seeing the strength and energy of the people she works with and creates these bonds with inspires her.

Along with working at Las Flores and helping Tierra Fértil thrive, Delia loves to spend time outdoors and in nature. The fresh air and mountains give her joy. Working with soil and plants is also one of Delia’s favorite activities.

“[My daughter] is my most important dream.” Says Delia.

Delia’s daughter is a driving force in her life. She was part of the reason Delia immigrated to the U.S., and Delia’s desire to create a fulfilled and joyful future for her now 7-year-old daughter motivates her work. From watching the natural resources of El Salvador dwindle and diminish the quality of life in the area, Delia understands the importance of conservation and strives to aid in these efforts for the future of her family and others like her daughter.

“I’ve always believed in the importance of being coherent and being honest with yourself and with others. The harmony of life.” Delia says.

This honesty and harmony pervade all of Delia’s actions, whether it is creating a farming co-op that gives extra income, access to fresh, local foods, or it is partnering with Conserving Carolina to restore land for a community garden. She offers so much of herself to others and to the world.

Conserving Carolina is so grateful for all that you have done for the nature and for people. Thank you, Delia!