Seasonal Programs

Ashland Nature Center - Hockessin
Coverdale Farm - Greenville
Dupont Environmental Education Center - Wilmington

ASHLAND NATURE CENTER

Delaware Nature Society 2009 Travel Year-in-Review and Dinner
Program #: F09-034-AS    No Max    Location: AS
Wednesday, December 9, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $30/$46
Host: Joe Sebastiani and trip leaders

Enjoy a recap of the year in Delaware Nature Society travel programs through the photography of the trip leaders. A catered dinner and cocktails will be served followed by a scrumptious dessert. A short preview of the 2010 trips will be included.

New Year's Plant Count at Middle Run Natural Area     Max: 12
Program #: W10-018-AS
Sunday, January 10, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: Janet Ebert, Botanist and Derek Stoner

Just because it is winter doesn't mean you can't identify plants! Join botanist Janet Ebert on a walk around Middle Run Natural Area to do some winter botanizing. Identify trees, shrubs, dormant wildflowers, grasses and other plants as you stroll meadows, wetlands and forested areas. Learn how to identify plants based on berries and seeds that remain, as well as buds, bark and leaves. Dress warmly. This program meets at the Middle Run Natural Area. Difficulty Rating: 1

Serpentine Barrens Winter Botany Max 10
Program #: W10-019-AS
Sunday, March 28, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $15/$22
Leader: William Ryan and Jack and Janet Ebert

Walk portions of the Nottingham County Park, a National Natural Landmark and one of the best Serpentine Barrens ecosystems on the east coast, to identify plants in their winter state with expert botanists. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Difficulty Rating: 1

Thursday Evening Walk Series     Max: 14
Program #: W10-020-AS
6:00 - 7:30 pm

February 11 - Bucktoe Creek Preserve - Joe Sebastiani
February 25 - Burrows Run Preserve - Michele Wales
March 11 - Flint Woods Preserve - Mike Weaver
March 25 - Middle Run Natural Area - Derek Stoner
April 8 - Red Clay Reservation - David Pragoff
April 22 - Auburn Heights - Joe Sebastiani
Member/Non-Member: $40/$60

Round out your exercise routine with a healthy, enjoyable hike at several beautiful natural areas. Join a selection of DNS staff on these moderately paced hikes through old-growth forests, meadows of grass, and diverse and scenic properties. These hikes will be taking place in the dark or at dusk and you should hear calling owls, nocturnal mammals, emerging frogs and toads, as well as courting woodcocks. Good walking or hiking shoes are a must, as is a flashlight or headlamp. Meet at the sites listed above. Difficulty Rating: 2

Breakfast and the Great Backyard Bird Count     Max: 25
Program #: W10-021-AS
Friday, February 12, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Member/Non-Member: $15/$22
Leaders: Joe Sebastiani, Derek Stoner and Jim White

Enjoy a home-cooked country-style breakfast at Ashland Nature Center, then venture onto the trails to record birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Difficulty Rating: 1

Owls and Other Winter Raptors     Max: 10
Program #: W10-022-AS
Sunday, February 14, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $30/$45
Leader: Jim White

Join expert birder Jim White in a search for many of the eight species of owls and other birds of prey that can be found throughout the tri-state area. Search for Great Horned, Eastern Screech, Barred, Barn, and the more elusive Short-eared, Long-eared and Saw-whet Owls. In some years, one or two Snowy Owls are wintering in our area, and special effort will be made to locate this species if it is possible. Bring a bag lunch, binoculars and field guides if you have them. Dress warmly. Fee includes van transportation from Ashland Nature Center. Difficulty Rating: 1

Winter Hike in the Laurels Preserve     Max: 12
Program #: W10-023-AS
Friday, February 19, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leaders: Joe Sebastiani and Kevin Fryberger, Land Manager with the Brandywine Conservancy

Take a brisk hike of about 3-miles at the Laurels Preserve in Unionville, PA. Walk through mountain laurel thickets, along pristine woodland streams, across two covered bridges, and up and down some rolling piedmont hills. Enjoy hearing about the history and management of this 800-acre preserve. Difficulty Rating: 2

Winter Identification of Trees and Shrubs     Max: 14
Program #: W10-023-BK
Sunday, March 7, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: William Ryan

Visit the Bucktoe Creek Preserve arboretum, where you will learn the basics of identification of trees and shrubs during the dormant season. Take a leisurely walk through the property woodlands to test your newly developed skills and enjoy an informal quiz. Enjoy light refreshments during the middle of the program. Program meets at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Difficulty Rating: 2

Delaware Duck Day     Max: 10
Program #: W10-024-AS
Sunday, March 7, 7:30 am - 7:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $20/$30
Leader: Derek Stoner

Try to find over 25 species of ducks in one day, through Delaware, one of the best states in our nation for waterfowl. We will search all the hot spots on our "Big Duck Day", and who knows what else we might find? Join us for an all-day adventure that will provide lots of great views of sea ducks, puddle ducks, diving ducks, perching ducks and many more species of birds. Fee includes van transportation from Ashland Nature Center. Difficulty Rating: 1

Wine and Woodcocks     Max: 22
Program #: W10-025-AS
Session 1: Monday, March, 8, 5:30 - 8:00 pm; Session 2: Monday, March 15* 6:45 - 8:30pm
Member/Non-Member: $20/$30
Leaders: Joe Sebastiani and Mike Riska

Travel to "Peeent"sylvania for the male woodcock's spring ritual. He "peeents", spirals high into the sky, creating a zinging trilling sound with his wings. Then, at a few hundred feet in the air, he descends, fluttering, warbling and zigzagging back to the spot where he began. Dress warmly, bring a bag dinner if you wish, and a flashlight. Fee includes van transportation from Ashland Nature Center. At the end of the program, enjoy dessert and wine to toast emerging signs of spring. Difficulty Rating: 1

* If no Woodcocks display on the 8.

Chester County Waterfowl and Country Tour     Max: 10
Program #: W10-026-AS
Wednesday, March 10, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $20/$30
Leader: Joe Sebastiani

Visit Chester County, Pennsylvania on a country ramble, stopping at various lakes, ponds, and even a fish hatchery...anywhere that could hold waterfowl. Look for diving ducks like Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Redhead and Scaup in the deeper lakes, and dabbling ducks in smaller ponds. Enjoy traveling back roads through farmland and Amish countryside, scanning the sky for hawks and fields for Horned Larks and other open country birds. Fee includes van transportation from Ashland Nature Center. Bring binoculars and a lunch. Difficulty Rating: 1

Hoopes Reservoir Hike     Max: 22
Program #: W10-027-AS
Tuesday, March 16, 8:30 am - Noon
Member/Non-Member: $15/$22
Leaders: Sally O'Byrne and Joe Sebastiani

Join us for an exclusive nature and history hike around the historic and picturesque Hoopes Reservoir near Greenville, DE. Completed in 1933 as a water source for Wilmington, this area is owned by the City of Wilmington and has been closed to the public since 1971. Our group will hike from the 100-foot dam through the woodlands and around coves to Valley Garden Park. Bring a bag lunch, binoculars and wear sturdy walking shoes. Terrain is steep in several places and the walk is approximately 3 miles. Fee includes van transportation from Ashland Nature Center. Difficulty Rating: 3

Naturalist Certification Series (March to September)     Max: 25
A training course for the public, DNS Teacher Naturalists and Schoolteachers Program #: W10-028-AS
Member/Non-Member: $200/$250
Leaders: Joe Sebastiani, Derek Stoner, Ginger North, John Harrod and Jim White

Mammals: March 18, 6-9pm; field trip: March 21; Mammals 8am-12pm
Terrestrial Ecosystems: April 29, 6:30-9pm; field trip: May 1, 8am-2pm
Reptiles & Amphibians: May 20, 6:30-9pm; field trip: May 22, 5-10:30 pm
Birds: June 24, 7-9pm; field trip: June 26, 7am-11am
Insects: August 12, 6:30-9pm; field trip: August 14, 9 am-3pm
Wildflowers: August 25, 6-8pm; field trip: August 26, 5:30-7:30pm
Trees and Shrubs: Sept. 8, 7-9pm; field trip: Sept. 9, 5:30-7:30pm
Aquatic Ecosystems: Sept 15, 6:30-8:30pm; field trip: September 18, 9am-3pm

Aquatic Ecosystems: Study pond and stream life by learning the variety of macro-invertebrates that reside in our local waterways. Learn to identify aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, mollusk, and fish. Conduct a study on a local stream and pond to compare these living systems

Terrestrial Ecosystems: Study piedmont forest types and a meadow to learn about plant and animal relationships in each. Focus on plant succession from meadow to old growth forest and how wildlife changes at succession proceeds.

Mammals: Learn the types of mammals that exist in the Piedmont of Delaware. Study each mammal's features and natural history so you will be able to tell a short-tailed shrew from a meadow vole from a white-footed deermouse. Birds: Learn the identification and natural history of 40 species of birds in the Delaware Piedmont. Discuss the basics of the major families of birds that reside here at different times of the year.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Experience the snakes, turtles, salamanders and frogs that call Delaware home. Become familiar with the life cycles, identification and habitat preferences of the "herps", through a lecture and a field trip.

Trees and Shrubs: Learn the basics of identifying the trees and shrubs of northern Delaware. Become confident identifying the oaks, hickories, maples, viburnums and many others. Study the leaf, bark, fruit, and flowering characteristics of the major groups and individual species and learn the relationships between these woody plants and the insects and animals that feed on them.

Wildflowers: Wildflowers are an enjoyable way to study local biodiversity. Study the main groups of flowers that bloom in the forest, and visit a local wildflower hotspot for identification and practice with different field guides.

Insects and other invertebrates: Become familiar with the common orders of insects in our area and focus on butterflies that you can view through binoculars as well as insects that you can catch in a net.

Whether you are just beginning your interest in nature, or wish to gain greater depth of understanding of local ecosystems, take advantage of this spring through fall course! Learn about the ecology of the Piedmont region and the flora and fauna that reside here during eight lectures and field trips led by experts. Each participant will complete a field and classroom notebook successfully in order to become certified. Receive a certificate and patch upon completion of the course. Schoolteachers can receive 60 hours of in-service credit and free tuition. Contact us for details. Difficulty Rating: 2

Friday Spring Migration Birding Series     Max: 12
Program #: W10-029-AS

Shadowbrook Estate - March 12
Burrows Run Preserve - March 19
Middle Run Natural Area - March 26
Winterthur - April 16
Wyndmere Estate Wildlife Sanctuary - April 23
Flint Woods Preserve - April 30

Fridays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Member/Non-Member: $60/$90
Leaders: Joe Sebastiani and Derek Stoner

Visit 6 locations this winter and early spring to look for migratory birds at some of the most scenic locations in our area. These walks are especially suited to the beginner, but all skill levels are welcome. We will meet at all locations except the Wyndmere Estate, when we will meet at Ashland; directions will be provided. Difficulty Rating: 2

Ashland to Bucktoe Creek Preserve Hike     Max: 20
Program #: W10-030-AS
Friday, March 19, 1:00 - 5:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $15/$22
Leader: Joe Sebastiani

Hike from Ashland Nature Center to the Bucktoe Creek Preserve in Kennett Twp., PA. Cross a Delaware State Park and DNS land at Auburn Heights as well as several wonderful private properties. This 6.5-mile moderately strenuous hike will take you through private estates, rolling hills, meadows and forests that you don't get to see from the road. Stop at a historic border marker along the way. Take a van back to the Ashland Nature Center after the hike. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water. Snacks will be provided. Difficulty Rating: 3

Seeing Stars at Twin Lakes     Max: 15
Program #: W10-031-AS
Wednesday, March 24, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $30/$40
Leader: Sheila Vincent

Join us under the stars at the Twin Lakes Brewery for a naked eye and telescopic tour of the early spring sky. Though winter is officially over, Orion, with his ghostly nebula, still dominates the south and Sirius still blazes at his feet. Mars and a gibbous moon make a lovely pair high overhead, and Virgo, cradling brilliant Saturn, is rising in the east. Take a tour of the Twin Lakes Brewery and sample a variety of fresh and locally made brews as well as gourmet cheese and crackers. Difficulty Rating: 1

Canoeing Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge     Max: 12
Program #: W10-032-AS
Saturday, April 10, 7:45 am - 6:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $35/$50
Leader: Sally O'Byrne

Paddle a wilderness creek in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Paddle through woodlands and marsh enjoying the sights and sounds of this seldom-visited area. Bird migration is underway so we should see swallows, herons, egrets and Red-winged Blackbirds defending their territories. No canoeing experience needed. Bring a bag lunch, a hat and sunscreen. Participants from Ashland will leave the Ashland parking lot at 7:45am. Fee includes van transportation from Ashland Nature Center.

Tour of the Stroud Water Research Center     Max: 12
Program #: W10-033-AS
Tuesday, April 13, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $13/$20
Leaders: Kristen Travers and Ginger North

Take a walk into the natural areas of the Stroud Water Research Center, then tour the facility to learn about current research and monitoring projects being conducted on-site. Difficulty Rating: 1

Cypress Swamp Canoeing     Max: 10
Program #: W10-034-AS
Saturday, April 17, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $35/$50
Leader: Jason Beale and David Toman

Explore the Great Cypress Swamp in the Trap and Trussum Pond State Park area. Paddle through majestic cypress trees and expect to see and hear a variety of returning warblers and other neo-tropical songbirds.

Salamander Spree     Max: 10
Program #: W10-035-AS
Friday, April 16, 6:00 - 11:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $12/$18
Leader: Nate Nazdrowicz

Put on your boots, charge your flashlights and go on a salamander spree with one of Delaware's biggest authorities on these amphibians. Try to find all of our ten species in nearby wetlands, woods and water bodies. Will you be lucky enough to find the endangered Eastern Tiger Salamander? Visit a springhouse to observe a gathering of Long-tailed Salamanders and enjoy the special habitats where these creatures live. Difficulty Rating: 1

Violets of the Red Clay Valley (and Beyond)     Max: 12
Program #: W10-036-AS
Sunday April 25, 8:00 am - Noon
Member/Non-Member: $12/$18
Leaders: William Ryan and Janet Ebert

Take a trip to local woodlands and meadows to seek and identify the wide variety of violets that grow in our area including several rare species. Difficulty Rating: 2

Spring Wildflower Walk at Bucktoe Creek     Max: 15
Program #: W10-037-BK
Sunday, May 2, 9:00 am - Noon
Members/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: William Ryan

Venture out to Bucktoe Creek Preserve, a botanically diverse property. We will explore a number of plant communities, looking for wildflowers both common and rare. After the leisurely walk, enjoy refreshments in the arboretum amongst the sights and sounds of spring. This program meets at Bucktoe Creek Preserve and directions will be sent. Difficulty Rating: 2

Flint Woods to Granogue Hike & Dinner     Max: 12
Program #: W10-038-FW
Friday, May 7, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Members/Non-Member: $25/$37
Leader: Joe Sebastiani and Michele Wales

Take a 3-mile walk from the Flint Woods Preserve to the Water Tower at the famous Granogue Estate. Walk through old-growth forest, through meadows, and across the vast open spaces. Enjoy spectacular views atop the stone water tower at sunset. A supper, partially grown from Coverdale Farm will be served. Difficulty Rating: 3

COVERDALE FARM

Bread Making: Yeasted and Quick     Max: 10
Program #: W10-040-CF
Saturday, January 9, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $50/$65
Leaders: Jane Griffin and Bea Kaplan

There are so many different types of bread to make, bake and enjoy. Overcome your "rising" yeast anxiety forever and discover the simplicity of the quick bread. Plunge your hands into the dough learning to work with yeast, mix, knead and bake bread that is successful and delicious every time. Take home both yeasted and quick breads along with recipes to share with family.

Breakfast and Birding at Coverdale Farm     Max: 12
Program #: W10-041-CF
Friday, January 15, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Member/Non-Member: $15/$22
Leaders: Joe Sebastiani and Michele Wales

Enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast including Coverdale Farm chicken eggs, and then head out to search for wintering birds of the farm and the Burrows Run Preserve.

Cold Frame Construction     Max: 6
Program #: W10-042-CF
Saturday, February 13, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $60/$75
Leader: Jim Wolfer

Imagine harvesting fresh WINTER lettuce, spinach and other vegetables from your own cold frame. Construct a miniature greenhouse and discover the possibilities of "Four-Season gardening." Start your summer vegetable seeds, raise a salad and lengthen your gardening season by protecting plants and seeds from the moderately cold temperatures and drying winds of late fall and early spring. All materials included.

Gourds for the Birds     Max: 15
Program #: W10-043-CF
Saturday, March 13, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $20/$35
Leader: Michele Wales

Create a beautiful house for the wrens in your backyard. Start with a cured gourd, scour it, cut and sand it. Embellish the newly-constructed house using a variety of techniques such as pyrography, painting and sewing. Discover how you can raise gourds at home and learn about the wrens that call them home. All supplies included.

Sunset Yoga     Max: 20
Program #: W10-044-CF Monday, January 4,11,18,25 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Program #: W10-045-CF Monday, February 1, 8, 15, 22 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Program #: W10-046-CF Monday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Program #: W10-047-CF Monday, April 5, 12, 19, 26 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: January: $36/$44; February: $36/$44; March: $45/55; April: $36/$44
Leader: Stephanie Pascavage

Celebrate the end of the day at Coverdale Farm bringing your mind and spirit into harmony through Yoga. Learn the basics of breathing, posture alignment, strengthening and stretching as well as balance and body awareness. Bring a Yoga mat and dress for easy movement. Registration can be taken on a monthly basis or you may register for the 4-month block.

NOTE: this class will be held indoors during the winter months

Pilates in the Preserve     Max: 20
Program #: W10-048-CF Tuesday, January 5, 12, 19, 26 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Program #: W10-049-CF Tuesday, February 2, 9, 16, 23 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Program #: W10-050-CF Tuesday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Program #: W10-051-CF Tuesday, April 6, 13, 20, 27 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: January: $36/$44; February: $36/$44; March: $45/55; April: $36/$44
Leader: Stephanie Pascavage

End your day on a powerful note with Pilates in the beautiful setting of Coverdale Farm in the Burrows Run Preserve. This method of exercise builds body awareness, balance, fluidity of movement and strengthening of the "powerhouse" or core region of the body. Bring a thick mat (not a Yoga mat) and dress for easy movement.

NOTE: this class will be held indoors during the winter months

Coffeehouse Lecture: Local Food Revolution     Max: 60
Program #: W10-052-CF
Monday, April 26, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: Nick Farrell, Owner/Executive Chef, Sovana Bistro

Experience the delicious foodie revolution of local and seasonal eating with talented chef Nick Farrell of Sovana Bistro. Discover Chef Nick's passionate culinary mission of a "100-mile menu," dedication to supporting local farms, organic farming, eating in season and illustrating our local food ways through beautiful and simple fare. Join the delectable uprising with light refreshments, coffee and tea.

DUPONT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Copeland Native Plant Seminar     Max: 60
Program #: E10-NPS-DC
Saturday, April 17, 9 am - Noon
Member/Non-Member: $30/$40
Host: John Harrod

The Copeland Native Plant Seminar has a reputation for attracting highly regarded regional and national horticultural experts as guest speakers. Seminar attendees know they will come away with the latest, most up-to-date knowledge about native plants and sustainable horticulture . . . Click for Full Details

Twilight Yoga     Max: 20
Program #: W10-053-DC Tuesday, January 5, 12, 19, 26 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Program #: W10-054-DC Tuesday, February 2, 9, 16, 23 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Program #: W10-055-DC Tuesday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Program #: W10-056-DC Tuesday, April 6, 13, 20, 27 5:30 - 6:45 pm
Member/Non-Member: January: $36/$44; February: $36/$44; March: $45/55; April: $36/$44
Leader: Trisha Bodaghi

Erase the tension of the day with a rejuvenation session of yoga with breathtaking views of the city, river and marsh on the 4th floor of the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.

Wilmington's Night Sky     Max: 15
Program #: W10-057-DC
Friday, January 8, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: Sheila Vincent

Join us at DEEC for a telescopic and naked-eye tour of the frosty skies. Learn about and observe the bright winter constellations, then 'scope out a celestial beehive, a star nursery and a red planet rising.

Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Tour and Birding     Max: 10
Program #: W10-058-DC
Tuesday, February 9, 9:30 am - Noon
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leaders: Sally O'Byrne and John Harrod

Tour the Wilmington Wastewater Treatment plant to see what happens to our water once it goes down the drain. Look for ducks and other birds on the large settling ponds overlooking the Delaware River. This program meets at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Fee includes van transportation to the site.

March Migrants and Breakfast     Max: 15
Program #: W10-059-DC
Friday, March 5, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: Derek Stoner

Late winter is a great time to watch for migrating waterfowl returning to the marsh at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a good breakfast while taking in superb views of Wilmington and the marsh.

Winter Plant Identification     Max: 12
Program #: W10-060-DC
Wednesday, April 7, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Leader: John Harrod

In winter, do you ever wonder to what plant those bare twigs belong? Learn how to identify plants by their winter characteristics.

Coffeehouse Lecture : the Marsh     Max: 60
Program #: W10-061-DC
Thursday, March 18, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $10/$15
Speaker: Bob Meadows, DNREC, Environmental Scientist

Over the centuries, the marsh at Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge has been used and sometimes abused by people. Come enjoy tea, coffee and snacks while learning how DNREC is working to restore the marsh for the benefit of people and wildlife.