In this FREE program, learn how to become a bonafide bird nest watcher and contribute to our understanding of breeding biology of our feathered friends. This lecture and field trip 2-part training will teach you about bird nest biology, species that use nest boxes, how to find nests of birds that are not in boxes, and to record data about what you see. Safety of the birds is first, so you'll also learn the do's and don'ts of observing active bird nests, and how to use, enter, and manage your observational data in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch program.

On-line Zoom presentation is April 21, 6-7:30pm. Field trip is April 24, 1-2:30pm.

Note: After registration, you will receive Zoom meeting invitations for the lectures.

Adult | Member FREE | Non-member FREE

Hike through the old-growth forests of one of northern Delaware's largest forested tracts, Flint Woods Preserve. Focus on spring ephemeral wildflowers, 17 species of ferns, and songbirds that specialize in large forest tracts such as Wood Thrush, Veery, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager and others. We'll also be in the middle of songbird migration, so we'll be on the lookout for northbound migrants as well. Refreshments will be served in the middle of the walk.

Adult | Member $20 | Non-member $25

Walk with botanists and naturalists on Monday mornings to start your week. Visit four different locations renowned for diverse species of wildflowers, ferns, trees, and shrubs to experience the beauty of the season, tune into spring plant emergence, learn some new species, and sharpen your identifications skills. Each week will feature a different main leader at a new location.

Dates: April 19 and 26, and May 3 and 10.

Adult | Member $65 | Non-member $75

Spotted Lanternflies will be emerging soon, so join us for a session all about this invasive insect. Learn how to make a circle trap and how to use some methods to reduce the numbers of these insects while not endangering other animals. Also, learn about their host tree, Ailanthus, and how you can control this species on your property.

Note: After registration, you will receive Zoom meeting invitations for the lectures.

Adult | Member $5 | Non-member $10

Enjoy a bird walk at the Dupont Environmental Education Center along the Wilmington Riverfront. Walk parts of the Jack Markell Trail and the Boardwalk Trail at the Center to look for wetland species as well as birds of the nearby thickets and forests. Led by experienced birders who will help beginners identify birds, as well as look for rarer species.

Adult | Thursdays, April 1 - May 27, 8am to 10am |No Registration, just show up.

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Join Delaware Nature Society board, staff, and members for a look back at our 2020 accomplishments, and 2021 initiatives! Hear from our Keynote speaker in a discussion about climate change and marginalized communities.

Adult | Member FREE | Non-member FREE

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Guardian and Patron level donors are invited to enjoy shopping at the Native Plant Sale while in the comfort of your home! Plant experts will be available to assist you in selecting beautiful plants best suited for your property.

Free to all Guardians and Patrons!

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COVID and climate change are the greatest challenges of our time, and they have created even greater stresses on low income and people of color. Learn what the environmental movement can do to help address these enormous challenges.

All Ages (15+) | Free

Curious about canoeing but don't know where to start? Come down to the pond at DEEC anytime between 11am-1pm for an easy intro to canoeing with our paddling instructors. Learn basic paddling strokes and boat safety in calm, shallow water. Wear clothes and shoes with backs that can get muddy or borrow boots from us.

All Ages (5+) | Free

On this urban walk, follow the trail of history and The Brandywine Tradition in art. Starting and ending at Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, we will walk along the Brandywine River and then visit the historic studios of Frank Schoonover and Howard Pyle; the Pyle studio today is home to the notable all-women’s Studio Group. We'll learn of the lasting contributions of these two artists to illustration, to Wilmington, and to the art world at large. As we walk back along Kentmere Parkway, we will follow the historic trail of Wilmington’s parks and local luminaries. This walk is approximately 3.5 miles and will include a beverage and snack stop; snack provided. Wear a mask, good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. We will observe COVID protocols. Museum admission included. (Museum closes at 4 pm, so if you want to visit the museum plan to do it before the walk. Admission is good only on the day of the walk.)

Meets at Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19806.

Adult | Member $30 | Non-member $40

Member discount appears in shopping cart

This is a 3 day camp.

What could be better than playing in a cool stream? Explore streams, creeks, ponds, and marshes and discover the plants and animals that live there. Try your hand at fishing and enjoy trail adventures. Meet animals with expert water skills from the Abbott's animal collection.

Mon - Fri | Member $105 | Non-member $135

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Paint, Plant, Hike! Spend time with your guest of honor as you enjoy refreshments at our tea party. Spend the afternoon enjoying the farm and go home with a beautifully painted terra cotta pot full of farm fresh flowers. Each family will receive one 7 inch pot. Cost is per family.

Family | Member $40 | Non-member $50

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Come meet the hens that lay our eggs…then pick out your "perfect" eggs for morning breakfast! Appreciate the variety of chickens, their colorful eggs and their living environment. Families learn about our chickens and experience them up close. Every participant gets to collect, wash, pack and take home a half dozen eggs! Cost is per person.

Family | Member $12 | Non-member $15

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Come meet the hens that lay our eggs…then pick out your "perfect" eggs for morning breakfast! Appreciate the variety of chickens, their colorful eggs and their living environment. Families learn about our chickens and experience them up close. Every participant gets to collect, wash, pack and take home a half dozen eggs! Cost is per person.

Family | Member $12 | Non-member $15

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Mon - Fri | Member $ | Non-member $

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Mon - Fri | Member $190 | Non-member $215

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Mon - Fri | Member $275 | Non-member $335

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Mon - Fri | Member $275 | Non-member $335

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Mon - Fri | Member: $310 | Nonmember: $370

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts 

Mon - Fri | Member $190 | Non-member $215

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Mon - Fri | Member $270 | Non-member $320

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature discovery outdoors with our Teacher Naturalists. Mondays and Thursdays; Registration required. All programs will be conducted fully outside, rain or shine - dress for the weather. Access to public bathrooms will be provided. In the event of pop-up t-storms during programs, we will ask families to seek shelter in their vehicles. If t-storms are forecasted for the entire program day, we will cancel that day’s program. 

In accordance with the State’s current COVID protocols, we will be enforcing social distancing and mask wearing during the program. The State’s current guidelines say that masks for children ages 2-5 are “strongly encouraged,” but not required. Parents are required to wear a mask.

Children* (ages 2-5, parent participation is required, free of charge) | Member $8 | Non-member $13

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Every Thursday. Free bird walks! You'll enjoy learning new tips for bird identification while exploring the stream, forests, and field habitats of Abbott’s and the Milford Millponds Nature Preserve. Binoculars available. 

Adult | Member FREE | Non-member FREE

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Mon - Fri | Member $400 | Non-member $450

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Mon - Fri | Member $270 | Non-member $330

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Mon - Fri | Member $150 | Non-member $210

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Spring is back, now let's kayak! Join us as we embark on the first voyage of the new year. Explore the wonders of the marsh as you search for Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, and other marsh creatures. Pack a lunch and water.

Adult 18+ | Member $20 | Nonmember $25

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Enjoy a relaxing kayak on the Christina River as the sun sets over the marsh before heading to dry land for happy hour. Snacks and beverages provided.

Adult (21+) | Member $25 | Nonmember $30

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Take in the beautiful Riverfront view and watch for herons, beavers, bald eagles, and more. Learn how to canoe or improve your technique on a guided down the river and marshes. Adult participation required. Cost is per person.

Family* (age 8+) | Member $15 | Non-member $20

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Led by Annalie Mallon and Erynn DeGennaro.

Adult age (21+) | Member $10 | Non-member $20

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Ashland offers After Camp care to campers from 3pm - 6pm at a cost of $60 per week. Stick around after camp to play, explore, and create. Have a snack you bring from home, relax, and then head back outside for a new adventure every day! Single day option is not available.

Mon - Fri | Member $60 | Non-member $60

Summer Camp after care

Stick around after camp to play, explore, and create. Have a snack, relax, and then head back outside for a new adventure every day! Single day option is not available.

Summer Camp | Daily, Mon-Fri | Member $60 | Non-member $60

Summer Camp after care

Ashland offers Before Camp care to campers from 7:30am to 8:30am at a cost of $30 per week. Single day option is not available.

Mon - Fri | Member $30 | Non-member $30

Summer Camp extended care

Lunch Bunch is offered for Ashland's half-day campers from 11:30am - 12:30pm at a cost of $40 per week. Bring your lunch and stay with us for an extra hour after camp to eat with your friends.

Summer Camp | Daily, Mon-Fri | Member $40 | Non-member $40

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Take a free, guided bird walk at the privately-owned Bucktoe Creek Preserve in Chester County, PA.  Meet at 432 Sharp Road, Avondale, PA.  Enjoy several habitats including thickets, fields, mature forest, and stream corridors. Learn some new skills about bird identification as we look for common resident birds as well as birds migrating through to the north.  Colorful warblers, flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, and raptors will be some of the highlights. 

Adult | Sundays, Aug 2 - Nov 29, 8am to 11am |No Registration, just show up.

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Enjoy a bird walk at Middle Run Natural Area, a New Castle County Park where Delaware Nature Society has managed a reforestation effort for 25 years. Led by experienced birders who will help beginners identify birds, as well as look for rarer species. Meeting location is the parking lot off Possum Hollow Road, Newark. April 6 to May 25, 8am to 10am.

Adults | No Registration, just show up.

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Bring the whole family out for an evening of classic summer camp activities.  Begin with a picnic dinner (pack your own), then head to the range for archery fun with bows and arrows.  Test your dip-netting skills at the marsh and pond as we catch frogs, fish, and aquatic insects.  Wrap up the night with a live animal show and celebrate with marshmallows roasted over the fire.

Family* (age 6+) | Member $13 | Non-member $18

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Explore the wonders of the Christina River and marsh as you search for American Beavers, Great Blue Herons, and other marsh creatures. Pack a bagged dinner and water.

Adult (age 18+) | Member $20 | Non-member $25

Discount....

Jim White, author of Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva, will lead us through this two-part series of the "herps" of spring. Discover the snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and salamanders that live in Delaware through this zoom lecture/field trip short program series. For the field trip, explore Blackbird State Forest, the richest place in the state for these creatures as day turns to night when the place comes alive!

Zoom lecture May 26, 6-8pm; Field Trip May 28, 7:30-11pm.

Note: After registration, you will receive Zoom meeting invitations for the lectures.

Adult | Member $40 | Non-member $50

Insects are currently facing a serious decline worldwide. In this two-part program, enjoy a an on-line lecture and follow up field trip about the common types of garden insects you are likely to encounter in your yard. Discover their relationships with plants and each other during this revealing program. Experience time in the field with an entomologist to identify what we find to help you develop an understanding of "The little things that run the world", according to famous biologist E.O. Wilson. Learn some ways you can encourage a diversity of insects to thrive on your property.

Lecture May 19, 6-7:30pm. Field Trip May 22, 9-noon.

Note: After registration, you will receive Zoom meeting invitations for the lectures.

Adult | Member $25 | Non-member $35

Mon - Fri | Member $285 | Non-member $335

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Help children discover the magic of the natural world at Delaware Nature Society’s summer camp, Wizard and Lizards Return! Join our teaching team and work with instructors, assist with programs, maintain teaching areas, help with recreation periods, and work with live animals. Membership is required.

 Teens (age 13) | Members Only $100

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Help children discover the magic of the natural world at Delaware Nature Society’s summer camps! Join our teaching team and work with instructors, assist with programs, maintain teaching areas, help with snack and recreation periods, and work with live animals. Membership is required.

 Teens (age 14 - 17) | Members Only $150

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Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature discovery outdoors with our Teacher Naturalists. Registration required.

Children* (ages 2-5, adult participation required, one adult free of charge; addl adults must register) | Member $8 | Non-member $13

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature discovery outdoors with our Teacher Naturalists. Registration required.

Children* (ages 2-5, parent participation required free of charge) | Member $8 | Non-member $13

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature discovery outdoors with our Teacher Naturalists. Registration required.

Children (ages 2-5, parent participation required free of charge) | Member $8 | Non-member $13

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Adults | Members Free

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Just like flowers in the garden, kindergarteners are ready to reach for the sky and blossom!  Coverdale Farm Preserve is the perfect garden in which to grow. Help our farmer plant, tend and water our garden. Harvest tasty treats and share some with the animals! Discover the beneficial insects that call our garden home and whip up a batch of compost stew! Create colorful crafts, read stories and pot a plant to take home to help start your own garden!

Mon - Fri | Member $190 | Non-member $215

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Join the Teen Naturalists club for a week! Enjoy the best field trips in the Teen Naturalist files, dating back 15 years. Each day will be a different activity, including hiking, geocaching, watersports, and other surprises. Adventure and Nature Study are what being a Teen Naturalist is all about, so try it out for yourself in this exclusive camp for older youth. 

Summer Camp | Daily, Mon-Fri | Member $350 | Non-member $400

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Join DelNature Ornithologist Ian Stewart at Abbott's Mill for a bird-tastic morning. Help us set up mist nest to safely capture migratory birds. Assist Dr. Stewart in identifying, measuring, and banding birds for his research. Open to all, recommended for ages 5+. 

Family (age 5+) | Free to all!

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Assist Dr. Ian Stewart, DelNature's ornithologist, in identifying, measuring, and banding our Purple Martin colony. Open to all, recommended for ages 5+. Date TBD for end of June/early July based on nesting cycle of birds. Registration required. All Ages* (5+) | Free to all!

Beginning Urban Beekeeping - an Online Lecture Series

Wednesdays 5:30pm to 7:00pm; May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10

Beekeeping is centuries old profession that is a surprisingly accessible hobby as well. Honeybees are necessary pollinators of some of our favorite of plants and produce highly valued products like honey. Hives in urban areas can be some of the most productive. In this 4-part on-line interactive Zoom lecture series, learn how to set up your own beehive with Dr. Dan McDevit, a professor of biology of the University of Delaware. The 4-evening interactive beekeeping sessions, which you participate in real-time, will be run live from urban hives.

Note: After registration, you will receive Zoom meeting invitations for the lectures.

Agenda

if   May 20: Learn about honey bee biology. You have to know the bee to keep the bee.

May 27: Equipment and basic beekeeping skills. What you need to get started in beekeeping, and the skills to do it right.

June 3: General colony inspections. Inside the hive - know what you are looking at and what it means.

June 10: Getting bees. Delve deeper into keeping a happy hive, including safely dealing with pests.

Suggested Reading

The Backyard Beekeeper: https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Beekeeper-4th-Absolute-Beginners/dp/1631593323 

The Beekeeper’s Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/Beekeepers-Handbook-Diana-Sammataro/dp/0801476941 

Enjoy a guided tour through Southern Delaware's cultural history while exploring turn of the century engineering with a seasoned mechanic.

Ainsworth Abbott's historic grist mill underwent major repairs this winter and has now been cleared for reopening. We are resuming our monthly Guided Mill Tours on the 3rd Saturday of each month, March thru November 2021. The Mill’s restored 1919 Fairbanks Morse light-diesel engine will also be running as a part of the tour. 

Tours are limited to 6 people max from one individual household. Masks will be required to be worn by all participants and staff while inside the Mill. 

No walk-ins, pre-registration required.

All Ages | Member FREE | Non-member Adult $5 | Non-member Child $3 (ages 5+)

Join Abbott’s Mill Staff as we explore the headwaters of our hometown Mispillion River Watershed by canoe. Enjoy sunset weeknight and afternoon weekend paddles while searching for natural wonders in the millponds, creeks, and DelNature Preserves that feed the mighty Mispillion. Pack a picnic to enjoy pre-/post-paddle and we’ll provide all the equipment and instruction. Masks will be required during canoe instruction, during launching and landing the canoes, and at times when social distancing cannot be maintained, to protect staff and participants. Canoe seats are greater than 6 feet apart. Limited to 14 people max/trip, ages 8+ (minors must share canoe with adults).

Meets at Abbott's Mill Nature Center.

All Ages (8+) | Member $15 | Non-member $20

Explore the outdoors through the art of journaling with Dakin Hewlett, naturalist and creative writing major, and the Trail Ambassadors, DelNature's youth naturalists! This four-part series will engage your sense of wonder and creative side by slowing down and getting in tune with your surroundings. Each session participants will learn about a new environmental topic and writing style, be guided through nature observations, and create a personal artistic journal from their findings.

Session dates: Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4, Nov 11

Children (ages 9-12 ) | Member $30 | Non-member $40

Member Discount will be applied in the Shopping Cart (must be signed in)

Tuesday and Thursday. 3:00PM - 6:00PM

Calling all nature lovers and explorers! Enjoy GREEN Time to balance SCREEN Time this fall. Unplug and reconnect with fresh air, friends, and fun in nature. Get outside with us as we hike, explore streams, woods, fields, and wetlands in search of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals at Ashland Nature Center. Spend the afternoon making new friends and experiencing all nature has to offer.

Children (kindergarten-5th grade) | Mon, Wed | Member $70 | Non-member $95

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Get fully immersed in everything Coverdale - learn and explore farming, nature, art, hiking, and more! Campers will meet some of the farmers that grow produce and raise poultry for our local community.

Mon - Fri | Member $325 | Non-member $375

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

NOTE: This is a two week camp.

Mon - Fri | Member $650 | Non-member $750

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts 

Join DelNature Ornithologist Ian Stewart and see birds up close as we safely capture them in mist nets then band them to track their movements before releasing them back to the wild.

Please note that bird banding will not take place in windy or wet weather out of concerns for the birds’ safety. 

Masks and social distancing will be required for all participants. Recommended for ages 5+. Limited to 25 people based on updated State of DE COVID guidelines.

Free for everyone! ¡Gratis para todos!

Registration required.

All Ages (ages 5+) | Member FREE | Non-member FREE

Discounts....

Tuesday and Thursday. 3:00PM - 6:00PM

Green Time after Screen Time! Spend your afternoons making friends, meeting turtles and snakes, and exploring outdoors!

Children (ages 8-12)) | Tues, Thur | Member $65 | Non-member $85

Members: You must be signed in to receive discounts

Parent and child explore with a naturalist, complete a science project to take home and continue your backyard investigations with a packet of activities. Programs meet outdoors, so dress for the weather, in Milford, DE at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center or Marvel Drive (Slaughter Beach).

Children (ages 5-9) | Member $15 | Non-member $25

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