Ashland Nature Center - Hockessin
Coverdale Farm - Greenville
Dupont Environmental Education Center - Wilmington
ASHLAND NATURE CENTER
Families Unplugged: Outdoor Cooking Series Max: 12 each program
Leaders: Michele Wales, Derek Stoner, and Judy Montgomery
The best flavors and best eating experiences take place outdoors. Learn how to cook simple, delicious meals in beautiful outdoors settings under the guidance of experienced chefs. Enjoy tastes from the garden and the wild! Each session includes a nature walk and complete dinner.
Your Goose is Cooked
Program #: F09-129-AS Location: CF
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Saturday, December 19, 3:30 - 6:00 pm
Test your taste buds: try domestic goose roasted in the traditional holiday style, and savor the flavor of broiled wild Canada Goose in a delicious marinade. Cook in the new Coverdale Farm kitchen!
Gourd Houses and Feeders Max: 15
Program #: W10-113-AS
Saturday, January 23, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $12, Child $6/Adult $18, Child $9
Leader: Wendy Toman
Gourds make wonderful homes and feeders for our feathered friends in the stark cold of winter. We'll go for a brisk hike to collect natural items for embellishment, and then warm up by the fire while crafting one-of-a-kind homes and feeders. An experienced birding fanatic will be on hand to answer all your feathered-friend questions.
Maple Sugaring and Pancake Breakfast Max: 15
Program #: W10-114-AS Saturday, February 20, 10:00 am - Noon (Please note date change!)
Program #: W10-115-AS Saturday, February 20, 10:00 am - Noon (Please note date change!)
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Sarah Hendrickson
Work up an appetite while walking to our maple trees to learn how Native Americans developed the technique of producing sugar from certain trees. Discover why settlers relied on this source for many years and how syrup farmers make this product today. See how we tap trees at Ashland. Then boil down some sap into syrup and taste it before returning for a pancake and maple syrup brunch. This program is offered twice, register for one course.
Wolves and Waterfowl Max: 13
Program #: W10-116-AS
Sunday, March 14, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adults $25, Child $15/Adult $35, Child $20
Leaders: Derek Stoner and Judy Montgomery
Have you ever heard a wolf howl or watched thousands of snow geese swirl like a blizzard? Join us for a unique wildlife adventure in southeastern Pennsylvania! First we will stop at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County to watch for eagles, waterfowl and deer. Thousands of migrating birds spend the winter here and we'll use scopes to get a closer view. After lunch, visit a nearby private wolf sanctuary and watch packs of gray, timber and tundra wolves roaming a wooded enclosure. Bring a bag lunch and dress for the weather.
Birdhouse Building Workshop Max: 15
Program #: W10-117-AS
Sunday, March 21, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Gordon Fisher
House wrens and chickadees are fun birds to attract to your backyard. Invite these birds to your yard and help reduce insect populations and enjoy watching the parents busily feed hungry babies. Craft your own bird house using simple hand tools. Hang your creation in a tree at home and wait for nesting birds to arrive with spring weather! Finish the program with a "bird" snack. Materials included.
Nature Scrapbooking Max: 15
Program #: W10-118-AS
Saturday, March 27, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Wendy Toman
Want to learn creative ways to preserve your memorable experiences with Mother Nature? Bring along your photographs from camping trips, overnights at the lodge, swimming at the lake, canoeing on the river, or any fun times in nature that you would like to keepsake. We'll have all the other archival quality materials you need to start a very special scrapbook with a natural flare that you will be able to add onto in the future.
Owling for Families Max: 15
Program#: W10-119-AS
Tuesday, April 6, 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Member/Non-member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Joe Sebastiani
Walk portions of the Bucktoe Creek Preserve to find Great Horned and Eastern Screech-owls. Enjoy a fun owl-snack. Bring a flashlight. Meet at Bucktoe Creek Preserve.
Amphibian Adventure Max: 15
Program #: W10-120-AS
Saturday, April 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Sheila Vincent
Who is making all that noise at night? Walk down to our marsh to discover wood frogs, spring peepers and other nocturnal creatures. Learn how amphibians survived the winter and about the challenges they face as they come out of hibernation. Listen for the high-pitched peeps and trills that these tiny frogs produce. Look for eggs and use triangulation to find those noisy frogs. Wear boots and bring a flashlight. Children must be at least 6 years of age.
Brandywine River Canoeing Max: 13
Program #: W10-121-AS
Saturday, April 17, Noon - 5:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $20, Child $10/Adult $30, Child $15
Leader: David Pragoff
With spring bursting forth all around, enjoy a relaxing canoe trip on the scenic Brandywine River. Learn about the variety of wildlife and plants that make this area their home. Bring along a picnic lunch packed in waterproof containers. Children must be 8 years old and accompanied by an adult. No previous canoeing experience is needed. Wear water shoes or sneakers that can get wet. Fee includes van transportation, canoes and preservers.
C&D Canal Fossiling Max: 13
Program #: W10-122-AS
Sunday, April 25, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $12, Child $6/Adult $18, Child $9
Leader: Tokie Horn
Take home part of Delaware's distant past as we explore an ancient sea bed that is now the C&D Canal near St. Georges, DE. Rich in Cretaceous marine fossils, this area has belemnites, pelecypods, clam shells and other treasures to be found. Dress in comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a hat, collecting bag and gloves if you wish. Van transportation provided from Ashland.
COVERDALE FARM
Winter Holiday Crafts (children age 5 and up)
Program #: F09-136-CF Max: 20
Sunday, December 13, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leaders: Bea Kaplan & Michele Wales
Join us down on the farm as we create seasonal decorations for your home, your family and your resident wildlife. We'll take a winter hike through Coverdale "harvesting" crafting materials from the farmstead. Take home goodies to hang, gift and enjoy for years to come. All materials are included in cost. This program is suited for families with children ages 5 and up.
Winter Hike & Warming Munchies
Program #: F09-137-CF Max: 20
Sunday, December 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Michele Wales
Welcome winter with a wonderful hike through Coverdale Farm and Burrows Run Preserve. Bundle up for our outdoor adventure then warm up with some delicious mid-day snacks that we prepare together. A fantastic way to spend an afternoon!
Cooking for the Birds Max: 30
Program #: W10-123-CF
Sunday, January 10, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Michele Wales
Hike around the farm to discover our wild and domestic feathered friends of winter. Learn what they eat during the chilly months of the year then make tempting snacks just for the birds. Working with suet, seeds and dried fruits you'll leave with all the tools you need to be a winter backyard birder. All materials and supplies included. Come dressed to be outdoors for a portion of the program and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Great Gourmet Coverdale Popcorn Treats Max: 20
Program#: W10-124-CF
Friday, January 29, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10 Child $5/Adult $15 Child $7
Leaders: Michele Wales
Apple cinnamon, butterscotch, buffalo spicy, chili, Cajun, chocolate, hot mustard, classic kettle, pizza and crazy mixed up scrambled are a few of the many ways to make ordinary popcorn gourmet. Spend a delicious evening of transforming Coverdale organic popcorn into fantastic treats. We'll start by shelling the kernels off of the ears, popping LOTS of corn, and then creating scrumptious delights to devour at your next family movie night.
From Tree to Table: Maple Sugaring at Coverdale Max: 20
Program #: W10-125-CF
Saturday, February 20, 9:00 am - Noon
Member/Non-Member: Adult $12, Child $6/Adult $18, Child $9
Leaders: Jane Griffin and Michele Wales
Enjoy a hearty farm breakfast that you help make from scratch. Collect sap from the sugar maples, turn cream to butter and mill wheat berries into flour to make the best pancakes in town! From tree to table and farm to fork, enjoy a family style feast on a wintry morning.
Extravagant Eco-Easter Eggs Max: 20
Program #: W10-126-CF
Sunday, March 28, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leaders: Michele Wales and Bea Kaplan
Enjoy an "Eco-Easter" using natural dyes to decorate beautiful holiday eggs. We'll make dyes and color eggs using spinach, beets, onion skins, red cabbage and other vibrant edibles. Visit with our resident hens to see what color eggs they lay and craft a basket to fill with your dazzling egg creations.
Family Farm Chores Max: 15
Program #: W10-127-CF
Saturday, April 24, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leaders: Michele Wales and Jim Wolfer
Put on your boots, roll up your sleeves and head out to Coverdale Farm. We'd love your help with our daily afternoon farm chores. Help milk the dairy cow; feed calves, pigs, chickens, chicks and sheep; bed pens; and wash milking equipment. We hope you'll lend a hand down on the farm!
Spring Garden Planting Party Max: 15
Program #: W10-128-CF
Sunday, April 18, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Michele Wales
Spring has sprung and it's planting time at the farm. Help us sow lettuce, radish, spinach, chard, onions, potatoes and other early spring vegetables in our organic garden. Make your own delicious container garden to take home and enjoy. See you in the garden.
DUPONT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Build a Bird Feeder as a Present (children age 8 and up)
Program #: F09-141-DC
Saturday, December 12, 1 pm - 2:30 pm Max: 15
Member/Non-Member: Adult $18, Child $15/Adult $23, Child $17
Find out what kinds of birds live in the city? Build a birdfeeder out of natural materials and give it to your favorite friend or relative as a gift. Children must be at least 8 years old.
Build a Bird House Max: 15
Program #: W10-129-DC
Saturday, January 16, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: John Harrod
Come discover winter birds along the cities edge. Build a bird house using simple hand-tools. Children must be at least 8 years old.
Winter Picnic Max: 15
Program #: W10-130-DC
Saturday February 27, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Lesley Bensinger
Warm up with a walk around the boardwalk with a naturalist. Then relax in the osprey room for lunch. The 360o view of the city and the marsh will make you feel like you are picnicking outside on a warm day! Bring a bag lunch; beverages and dessert provided.
Mythbusters Max: 15
Program #: W10-131-DC
Saturday Marsh 13, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: John Harrod
Separate truth from urban legends in this marsh mystery investigation. Bust myths related to bats, dragonflies, snakes and more and see live animals! Participants must be 5 or older.
Animal Tracks Max: 15
Program #: W10-132-DC
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am - Noon
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Lesley Bensinger
Early spring is an excellent time to look for evidence of animals in the marsh. Hike around DEEC with your family to look for footprints of marsh residents. Make a plaster cast of your favorite track to take home as a souvenir.
