Charles A. "Chazz" Salkin spent 35 years with Delaware State Parks, beginning in 1978 as Director of the Young Adult Conservation Corps at Bellevue State Park and culminating in an unprecedented 21-year tenure as Director of the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. For decades, his unwavering determination guided Delaware's efforts to preserve tens of thousands of acres of open space, including parks, natural areas, and critical habitat. He also championed the preservation of Delaware's cultural heritage of historic structures, scenic landscapes, folk life, and history. His leadership promoted growth across the state park system, including greenways and trails, inventive public programming and interpretation, innovative park management practices, and creative park design and development. His entrepreneurial spirit increased public involvement through volunteerism, philanthropy, endowment, and partnerships with friends organizations, other public agencies, and the private sector. Throughout his career, he was recognized for national service to America's state parks as well as for service to Delaware, and his advocacy for protecting the First State's natural and cultural resources and promoting initiatives that helped Delawareans and visitors enjoy and appreciate these special places made him a true Pioneer of Preservation.