In the Spotlight
A weekly feature of The News Journal
Mill Creek man devotes his life to environment
By CHARLOTTE HALE Staff reporter
Al Matlack’s dedication to conservation is evident at his home in Mill Creek.
More than 22 acres of forest surround his brick split-level, which is tucked about a half-mile
away from the nearest road. Cardinals, mockingbirds and red-bellied woodpeckers fly among the
tulip, ash and beech trees outside his windows and doors. The small lawn between his driveway
and house grows without pesticides, fertilizer or any water but rain.
The retired organic chemist’s desire to preserve the environment grew out of watching homes and
roads overtake forests, kill wildflowers and disturb pristine views of the Potomac River near his
childhood home in Arlington, Va. That desire has blossomed into a passion for sharing his
knowledge on how to protect natural resources.
For his efforts, Matlack was recognized this year with the annual Conservation Award from the
Delaware Audubon Society.
“He makes sure we are aware of the fragility of the world we live in and how things can maybe
be done better,” Society board member Dorothy Miller said.
One way Matlack helps educate is through the Society of Natural History of Delaware.
As president, he organizes monthly field trips that are free to the public. One upcoming outing
visits a hatchery to learn about a new strain of oyster that is resistant to diseases that have harmed
oyster production in the Delaware Bay. Another trip is planned to an observatory, where
participants can learn how different styles of outdoor lighting affect astronomers’ ability to
observe the stars.
Robert Naczi, a botanist and vice president of the Natural History group, said Matlack simplifies
complicated environmental issues for people who don’t have science degrees.
Matlack also has become an advocate of “green chemistry” after years of doing research for
chemical company Hercules Inc. This approach aims to reduce the use of toxic chemicals,
produce less waste and use less energy in industry. He wrote a textbook on the subject and
lectures on it for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Delaware.
Matlack said he hopes his students will apply what they learn in the green chemistry class to their
future careers.
But Matlack is not just counting on the generations ahead of him. He also attends public hearings
to press for more sidewalks and trails. Creating more walkable communities will give the public
an alternative to driving and reduce paving on the land, he said.
His habits even back up that position: He used to walk two miles to his job at Hercules, and he
still walks nine miles twice a week to a folk dancing class with his wife.
“I know from being in the field with him … that he has a great concern for the environment,”
Naczi said. “He lives conservation.”
Reach Charlotte Hale at 324-2792 or chale@delawareonline.com.
Photo Caption:
The News Journal/FRED COMEGYS
The Delaware Audubon Society honored Albert Matlack for his conservation work.
PROFILE
Albert Matlack
RESIDENCE: Mill Creek
OCCUPATION: Became an adjunct professor in the University of Delaware’s Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry following his retirement as an organic chemist from the Hercules
Research Center.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, University of Virginia; doctorate in synthetic
organic chemistry, University of Minnesota
CIVIC CONTRIBUTION: president, Society of Natural History of Delaware
FAMILY: Married, two grown sons and two grandsons
NOTABLE: Holds more than 130 U.S. and foreign patents
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Copyright 2003, The News Journal Co.