Study tree identification during the dormant season through this Zoom lecture and field trip to Flint Woods Preserve. Become more proficient in identifying oaks, hickories, maples, and other trees by examining fallen leaves, buds, bark and twigs. Flint Woods Preserve is one of the best examples of old-growth forest in the Delaware Piedmont, with rolling hills, and a high biodiversity of plants and animals.
Zoom lecture:
Field trip:
Adults | $35 | Sign in for Member discount
Join our monthly Book Club for lively discussions and a shared love of stories centered on food, eco-farming, and nature. We explore a variety of genres—from fiction and nonfiction to mystery and more! This welcoming group is perfect for both new and seasoned readers. Enjoy great conversation, make new friends, and sampling delicious snacks (book not included). Sign up for one month—or join us every month!
Adults | $18.00 per class | $50.00 for the season | Sign in for Member discount
Choose your own adventure as we make stories come to life! Read or listen to a story. Write or illustrate your own personal storybook. It is up to you but take inspiration from the beautiful surroundings at Coverdale. Pre-registration recommended but not required. You can also register when you arrive if there are still spaces available.
Family | $25 | Sign in for Member discount
Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature activities outdoors with our professional team of Teacher Naturalists.
Preregistration required.
Registration includes one child and one adult.
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Who doesn't love a snow day! We'll have fun enjoying snow, no matter if its natural, pretend or created. Engage all of your senses as we enjoy the afternoon.
Children | $13 | Sign in for Member discount
It's “Groundhog’s Day!” Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? We'll make a groundhog puppet, visit an outdoor burrow, play games and look for our own shadows! Price per person.
Family (all ages) | $15 | Sign in for Member discount
Take a naturalist guided boardwalk stroll to look for wildlife and meet our live Animal Ambassadors. Just drop in or let us know you're coming by registering now. | Free!
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
All Ages | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Welcome to another exciting season of Knee Highs at Abbott's Mill Nature Center! This spring and summer we will have a learning adventure on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Our theme is biodiversity (native plants and animals, and habitats). This season will be full of hikes, observations, and fun learning activities for kids 2-5 with a parent. Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature discovery together outdoors with our Teacher Naturalists. Led by Teacher Naturalists.
Registration required. Adult participation required, free of charge.
Preschoolers (ages 2-5) | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Help plant over 550 trees at Ashland Nature Center in an effort to re-forest a large section of the floodplain. We'll show you how to plant a tree, then grab a shovel, plant, water, and tube trees for the morning. We are turning an area of invasive plants into a creekside forest that will be used by countless native insects, birds, and other wildlife. Come make a difference with Delaware Nature Society!Led by Joe Sebastiani.
Registration required. Children are welcome but each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers (ages 6+) | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
April Fools! Learn about all the ways animals trick and fool you using camouflage. Try to spy some secretive and hidden creatures in the forest, and make your own creature craft to bring home.
Registration is required. This event is expected to sell out. Adult participation required, free of charge.
Children | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Discover how everyday moments outdoors can nurture healthier, happier children. This workshop helps parents and caregivers understand the powerful role nature plays in child development—from boosting creativity and confidence to supporting emotional well-being for people of all ages.
We’ll explore simple, age-appropriate ways to introduce nature, from sensory experiences for infants to hands-on discovery for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Learn realistic strategies to weave outdoor time into daily routines, encourage safe exploration, and build meaningful nature connections wherever you live.
Whether you’re new to the outdoors or looking to deepen your family’s connection, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to help your child grow through the wonder of the natural world.
Registration required.
Adults | $38.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Step outside and explore the beauty of the farm! This relaxing guided hike invites families and friends to connect with nature, discover local plants and wildlife, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Perfect for all ages, this hike encourages curiosity, fresh air, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.
Registration required.
All Ages | $5.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Hop on over for story time with our friendly bunnies! Children will enjoy a fun, engaging story, followed by a light snack for both kids and bunnies.
Registration required. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Children | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Preschoolers and their grown-ups are invited to a hands-on cooking adventure using simple, fresh ingredients from the farm. Together, you’ll mix, measure, and taste while exploring early math, science, and sensory skills. With safe tools and gentle guidance, little chefs build confidence and curiosity in the kitchen.
Each class ends with a tasty snack made side-by-side, giving children the joy of sharing something they created themselves.
Please note: This program is only for registered participant and 1 grown-up. We cannot accommodate siblings outside the age range.
Registration required. Registration includes one child and one adult.
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) | $25.00 | Sign in for Member discount
A hands-on preschool program where little learners explore the amazing world of weather! Discover the wonder of rain! Make rain art, learn about the benefits of rain in the world around us, and watch water in action.
Registration required. Adult participation required, free of charge.
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Get ready, teens! Teen Chef Challenge is a hands-on cooking experience where you’ll test your skills, experiment with flavors, and get creative in the kitchen. Work in teams to tackle fun cooking challenges, learn new techniques, and compete in exciting cook-offs. Whether you’re a budding baker or a savory superstar, this program is all about teamwork, tasty creations, and showing off your culinary skills!
Registration required.
Teens (grade completed 7-9) | $75.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Join us to read a story together and then participate in an extension activity, such as art, crafts, or exploration walks around the marsh.
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Children (ages 3-6) | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Bring the whole family and get a closer look at our marsh landscape and a unique view of the city skyline. Immerse yourself in the grassy domain of Great Blue Herons, American Beavers, and other marsh creatures on a paddle along the tidal Christina River. No paddling experience required. Instruction and equipment provided. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen! The perfect weekend activity that is fun for all ages. Adult participation required. Cost is per person.
Pre-registration ends 24 hours before event. Capacity is limited.
Families (ages 8+) | $35.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Consisting of approximately 1.1 million acres of land in South Jersey, the Pinelands National Reserve is our nation's first National Reserve. Join DelNature’s Director of Education, and a local Pinelands trail guide, for a lively winter thru-hike to learn about this unique land management success story on a brisk 7-mile exploration along one of the Reserve's newest trails through forest, meadow, and swamp. Further details will be provided closer to the program date. We will be meeting in the Ashland Parking lot for prompt departure. Led by Todd Klawinski. Van transportation is provided.
Preregistration is required due to limited capacity. Registration closes 5 days before the event.
Adults | $50.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Most people think of New Jersey as a suburban-industrial corridor that runs between New York and Philadelphia. Yet in the low center of the state is a near wilderness, larger than most national parks, which has been known since the seventeenth century as the Pine Barrens. Consisting of approximately 1.1 million acres of land in South Jersey, the Pinelands National Reserve is our nation's first National Reserve. Join DelNature’s Director of Education, and St. Joe’s University Professor Christine Flanagan, for a driving and walking tour after reading The Pine Barrens by American writer John McPhee. McPhee’s book explores the history, people and biology of the New Jersey Pine Barrens that originally appeared in The New Yorker in 1967. We will learn about this unique land management success story through profiles of contemporary residents, local history and culture, unique geography and environment, and issues facing the region both then and now. Further details will be provided closer to the program date. We will be meeting in the Ashland Parking lot for prompt departure. Led by Todd Klawinski. Van transportation is provided.
Preregistration is required due to limited capacity. Registration closes 5 days before the event.
Adults | $100.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Experience sunset serenity on the Christina River! Immerse yourself in our beautiful wetlands while watching herons, beavers, bald eagles, and more. All participants must have one previous canoeing or kayaking experience. For beginner sessions, please search our programs calendar. Equipment provided; bring water, appropriate footwear, and sunscreen. Ages 14+.
Please remember that you need to have some prior experience in a canoe or kayak -- a minimum of one hour with ability to move the boat forward, backward, and turn. If you have questions, please reach out promptly.
Preregistration is required. This event is expected to sell out.
Adults (ages 14+) | $35.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Join our herbalist and craft your own traditional cordials! Sample tonics that aid digestion, focus, and circulation. Discover which ingredients are used to support the body, mind, and heart, then blend your own recipe using herbs, fruit, and spices. What a great holiday gift! Led by Sue Bara.
Adult (age 21+) | Member $20 | Non-member $25
Discount....
Spring has sprung, so we'll explore what emerges from the ground together. Discover the wonders of nature with your little one! Enjoy hands-on nature discovery outdoors with our Teacher Naturalists.
Registration required. Adult participation required, free of charge.
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
One of the most exciting signs of spring is the appearance and courtship flights of the American Woodcock. Join us as we explore Coverdale Farm Preserve at dusk to see and hear these odd, plump members of the shorebird family conduct their displays. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of wine to toast the exciting bird also known as the "Mudbat". Enjoy Aldo Leopold's wonderful description of the experience to get a taste of what we hope for: Knowing the place and the hour, you seat yourself under a bush to the east of the dance floor and wait, watching against the sunset for the woodcock’s arrival. He flies in low from some neighboring thicket, alights on the bare moss, and at once begins the overture: a series of queer throaty peents spaced about two seconds apart, and sounding much like the summer call of the nighthawk.
Suddenly the peenting ceases and the bird flutters skyward in a series of wide spirals, emitting a musical twitter. Up and up he goes, the spirals steeper and smaller, the twittering louder and louder, until the performer is only a speck in the sky. Then, without warning, he tumbles like a crippled plane, giving voice in a soft liquid warble that a March bluebird might envy. At a few feet from the ground he levels off and returns to his peenting ground, usually to the exact spot where the performance began, and there resumes his peenting. It is soon too dark to see the bird on the ground, but you can see his flights against the sky for an hour, which is the usual duration of the show. On moonlight nights, however, it may continue, at intervals, as long as the moon continues to shine…
Adults | $30 | Sign in for Member discount
Price is per family.
Families | $30.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Bring a packed lunch and join us for an unforgettable experience at Ashland! Help us feed the animals, enjoy a captivating story, and have lunch surrounded by friends. Meets in the Visitor Center. Free for all! Adult participation required.
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register. Adult participation required, free of charge.
Children | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Enjoy celebrating Valentines Day out in nature! Join us at Coverdale Farm for a night hike led by Ian Stewart through our 377-acre preserve on the search for Owls and other nocturnal wildlife! After the hike, enjoy refreshments and s’mores making while enjoying the sites and sounds of the farm at night! This is a Members only event and will run rain or shine. Led by Ian Stewart.
This is a Members only event.
Special Event (ages 21+) | Free!
Experience a scenic, mid-impact hike that changes weekly based on participant interest. Explore the farm or venture into the preserve to discover the natural beauty of the land. Enjoy fresh air, peaceful views, and a deeper connection with nature. Hikes occur every week from April to Mid-November but will vary based on participant interest. A minimum of 2 participants is required.
There is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register.
Adults | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of marsh ecosystems! Use dip nets to get up close and personal with tadpoles, fish, snails, and more. This is 30 minutes of hands-on fun you don't want to miss!
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
All Ages | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Rock out at Abbott's Mill with live music, food trucks, community fun, and more. Proceeds benefit education, conservation, and advocacy at Abbott's
This community event is made possible thanks to the financial support of our Members. If you aren't yet part of the DelNature community, please join us.
There is no cost to this event, however registration is preferred.
Members FREE | Non-member Adults $10 | Non-member Children (ages 5+) $5
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Winter brings many new secrets to explore at Ashland. Learn how native animals survive in the winter, build forts to keep warm, and discover the world of maple sugaring. Gather round a campfire for s'mores and stories. Play and explore on this winter adventure!
Preregistration is required. This event is expected to sell out.
Children (grade completed K-3) | $70.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Shop our Native Plant Sale for plants for a variety of growing conditions that help you Garden for Water and Wildlife.
Adults | Free!
Registration via application only...
Craving creativity? Tired of crafting alone or zoning out in front of the TV? Connect and mingle with fellow makers, share your skills, and spark new ideas in a fun, welcoming space. Bring a craft project from home- or just bring yourself! Want to bring extra materials to share? Optional but always appreciated. Whether you're a seasoned creator or a curious beginner, there's a spot for you. Craft, chat, and unwind with light refreshments and great company. Led by Isi Schweiger and Staci Pinkowitz.
Registration required.
Adults | $7.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Children | $000.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Enjoy a gentle guided hike along the Middle Run Birding Trail in search of migrating and nesting birds. Beginners welcome!
Meet at the Middle Run Valley Natural Area parking lot at the end of the gravel trail accessed by turning left from Possum Hollow Road off Route 72 in Newark, DE.
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register.
Adults (ages 16+) | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Learn how to contact and meet with elected officials, present your issue, and keep in touch. These are tools and techniques anyone, including non--voters, can use to influence positive action on the issues that matter most to them. Led by Mark Nardone and Robin Glazer.
Registration required. Adult participation required with minors.
All Ages (ages 12+) | Free!
Since 1990, surveys have been conducted of horseshoe crabs spawning in Delaware Bay. Despite the horseshoe crab's importance to the ecology of the Delaware Bay, little is known about its population status. Spawning surveys give scientists an index of the population to assist them in the management of the species. Now, every spring on several peak spawning days, volunteers donate their time to count crabs on key beaches in Delaware and in New Jersey.
The Delaware Nature Society at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Milford, will once again be coordinating the annual Slaughter Beach horseshoe crab spawning survey.
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center staff will give training on Slaughter Beach, at Marvel Drive. For those who are interested in assisting with the count this year. Volunteers will learn how to conduct the survey, how to properly record data, and how to distinguish between male and female horseshoe crabs, and to sign up for dates and times. Participants who are interested in other beaches are more than welcome to attend our training and will be referred to the appropriate beach leader for further information. An adult must accompany volunteers under age 18.
If you have taken the training previously you do not have to take it again.
To register for the training, please complete the form below. For more information, please contact Elliott Workman or Mike Rivera, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center at (302) 422-0847.
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey Dates & High Tide Times, Slaughter Beach
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Please note that volunteers should arrive approximately 1 hour prior to the high tide so they can do the preliminaries necessary for the survey and walk to the beach starting point. A minimum of 3 volunteers will be assigned each night.
Visit www.delawarebayhscsurvey.org to learn more about other survey sites and research. Capacity is limited to 30 people.
All Ages (ages 5+) | Free!
Moths are the butterflies of the dark, and come in a huge array of colors, sizes, and lifestyles. Join us as we hold a nocturnal survey of moths at DuPont Environmental Education Center. Use black lights and a vapor lamp to attract them to "mothing stations" where you can view, photograph, and identify them for an iNaturalist Biodiversity project. Jim White, retired Director of Land and Biodiversity, will lead this experience. We'll send more preparatory information by email prior to the event.
Pre-registration ends 24 hours before event. Capacity is limited.
Adults | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Embark on a culinary adventure with our Young Chefs Cooking Class! Tailored for budding chefs, grades 3-6, this program provides an exciting opportunity to explore the world of cooking. Participants receive a new cookbook and cook several recipes while learning fundamental kitchen skills, experimenting with ingredients, and creating tasty dishes. Join us for a delicious journey!
Led by Farm Staff.
Pre-registration ends 24 hours before event. Capacity is limited.
Children (grades 3-6) | $50.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Bring your family and enjoy a guided stroll around the farm! This low impact hike offers a chance to explore the happenings on the farm, visit with the animals, and take in the natural beauty. Perfect for all ages, this relaxing adventure provides a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Feel free to join us every Saturday from April to mid-November.
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register.
All Ages | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Explore Monarch butterflies and awesome animals that call the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge home. The event is free and open to the public – no registration required, just show up! Enjoy activities for all ages:
- see live butterflies, turtles, and frogs
- tag and release monarch butterflies
- view nature center exhibits
- try beginner canoeing
- and more!
Registration is not required, but we will send email updates to those who have pre-registered.
All Ages | Free!
2024 marks the start of the 3rd Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, a 5-year project in which the state is divided into hundreds of blocks which are surveyed for breeding birds. The atlas is intended to show the current distribution of the state’s breeding birds and indicate which species are increasing or decreasing or changing their range. Come out to this beautiful private preserve to enjoy the birds and help us contribute atlas data by identifying which species are breeding. We will do this safely and with minimal disturbance to the birds. Led by Ian Stewart. Pre-registration is required and ends 24hrs prior to event. Capacity is limited.
Note: We'll send you an email with preparations for the field trip the week of the program. if you don't see it, please view your spam folder.
Adults | $15.00 | Sign in for Member discount
An evening of owls! Learn about their calls and incredible night senses. Read “Owl Moon”, then take a night hike in search of owls. Led by Courtney McKinley.
Family | $14 | Sign in for Member discount
Shake off those mid-winter blues and start dreaming about a garden filled with bees and butterflies! We will share a simple method of growing native wildflower seeds during the winter so your dream garden can become a reality. All materials provided. We will end with a walk around Ashland to search for winter birds. Led by Ian Stewart.
Preregistration is required due to limited capacity. Registration closes 24 hours before the event.
Adults (ages 16+) | $25.00 | Sign in for Member discount
Engage in the art of growing and cooking vegetables from seed to spoon. Each month join our team in the field discovering how to sprout, nurture, and harvest nutrient dense plants. Follow the path to the kitchen learning how to fabricate freshly harvested whole food into rewarding, delicious dishes. Each month we will feature a “spotlight” vegetable that shines in our regional foodshed. Led by Patrick Eggleston, Logan McCabe, Michele Wales Quinlan.
Adults | $100 | Sign in for Member discount
Enjoy a gentle guided hike through the meadows and woods of a beautiful private preserve in search of migrating and nesting birds. Beginners welcome!
Meet in the parking lot at 432 Sharp Road, Avondale PA.
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register.
Adults (ages 16+) | Free!
By registering, you agree to DelNature's liability waiver and policies.
Celebrate the end of summer at Ashland Nature Center. Sip, snack, and savor the beauty of a late summer evening. Food, beer, and soft drinks available for purchase. Live music and activities for all ages. Picnic blanket or chairs encouraged. Free entry for all!
Registration is not required, but we will send email updates, prior to the event, to those who have pre-registered.
All Ages | Free!
Join us for a DEEC Day of Service! Come together to restore urban marshlands, protect wildlife, and foster a greener future. Let's make a positive impact on our environment!
Thanks to DelNature Members there is no cost to the program, however we kindly ask that you register. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
All Ages (ages 5+) | Free!
Grown-Up and Me programs bring grown-ups and children together with a range of outdoor experiences.
A program designed for landowners and property managers, as well as Wood Thrush afficionados. Learn about our Wood Thrush research and how to manage your woods to attract this beautiful bird. Led by Ian Stewart.
Preregistration is required. This event is expected to sell out.
Adults | $20.00 | Sign in for Member discount