Ashland Nature Center

Welcome to Scenic Ashland Nature Center

Ashland Nature Center serves as Delaware Nature Society’s headquarters with 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, marsh, the scenic Red Clay Creek, and 4-miles of nature trails to explore. A part of the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway, the site is open to the public year-round, features educational programs, a picnic area, Ashland Visitor Center, and Ashland Lodge.

A Haven For Wildlife

Ashland is centered in the heart of the Red Clay Valley Important Bird Area.

Discover wildlife at our Hawk Watch, Butterfly Habitat, Bird Blind, and our Hummingbird Haven (a Garden for Wildlife showcase), and along our many pet-friendly interpretive trails.

Discover how we carefully manage this land for biodiversity and clean water.

A Nature Getaway For You

Come visit our trails (hours and more below). We also offer nature activities for all ages year-round and programming for schools and public groupsFacility and meeting room rentals are available.

Check out our photo gallery and a video of our Succession Trail created with Relive to show elevation and photos of stops along the way.

NEW Trail Audio Tours

Listen Now:
Succession Trail Audio Tour
Floodplain Trail Audio Tour

Thanks to Kate Engleman of Girl Scout Troop 4923 for contributing these as part of her Gold Award project. Text version of guides: Succession Trail, Floodplain Trail.

Host An Event at Ashland

Host your business meeting, seminar, workshop, or retreat at Ashland. Learn about our Facility Rentals.

Schools or Groups

Enjoy hands-on School Programs and Group Programs including field trips, overnights, and Bring DelNature to You.

Upcoming Nature Activities

Check out our Activities Calendar for nature discovery experiences for adults, kids, teens, preschoolers, and families.

See Wildlife at Ashland

Check out our Butterfly House, Hawk Watch, Bird Blind, and trails.

Celebrate Birthdays

Plan a Birthday Party at Ashland. Choose from a range or themes and activities.

Address

3511 Barley Mill Road
Hockessin, DE 19707

Follow Us

Visitor Center Hours

Mon CLOSED

Tues 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wed 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thurs 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Weekends CLOSED

Closed on upcoming holidays: Oct 9, Nov 23-24, Dec 26-30, Jan 1, Jan 16. (Summer Hours Apr - Oct: Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)


Business Office Hours (Call 302.239.2334)

Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Weekends CLOSED

Closed on holidays listed above.


Trails & Grounds Hours

Open dawn to dusk every day.

Trail Maps

Full Ashland Trail Map Succession Trail Guide & Audio Tour Floodplain Trail Guide & Audio Tour Nature Walk Plant Checklist

Activities

Activities Calendar Drop-in Activities Hawk Watch Birthday Parties Scout & Group Programs School Programs Butterfly House

Entry Fees

Members:

FREE

Nonmembers:

Child (age 2+) $3

Adult $5

Become a Member

Amenities

  • "Garden for Wildlife" Idea Garden Icon

    "Garden for Wildlife" Idea Garden

  • Accessible Areas

  • Bird Blind Icon

    Bird Blind

  • Drop-in Programs

  • Hiking Icon

    Hiking

  • Historical Features Icon

    Historical Features

  • Pet Friendly (leashed) Icon

    Pet Friendly (leashed)

  • Picnic Area Icon

    Picnic Area

  • Restrooms Icon

    Restrooms

  • Scenic Views Icon

    Scenic Views