Phillips Landing stands today as a valuable natural preserve and recreational area largely through the efforts of Harley G. Hastings of Bethel, Delaware, who throughout his life maintained a deep love and true concern for the outdoors together with a desire to allow future generations to enjoy the natural areas he knew and loved. A member of the Delaware Game and Fish Commission from 1939 to 1945, he acquired the Phillips Landing property in 1945 and wanted to share this beautiful land with its great natural beauty and rich history. In 1960 he leased it without charge to the State of Delaware. At the confluence of Broad Creek and the Nanticoke River, this site is part of a tract of 137 acres which, in accordance with his wishes, was sold to the State of Delaware for a nominal sum after his death to be preserved for public use. The property is now part of the 4,500 acre Robert L. Graham Nanticoke River Wildlife Area and continues to serve year after year as one of Delaware's most popular recreation areas.