Delaware Nature Society

Public Group Programs

Abbott's Mill Nature Center - Outreach

Welcome! Delaware Nature Society's Group Programs provide opportunities for your group to experience close encounters with nature.

Locations

Abbott's Mill Nature Center, surrounded by 76 acres of meadows, forests, streams and ponds - ideal settings for a wide variety of field studies. Facilities include restrooms and a picnic area.

Your Site - We offer a variety of Outreach Programs especially designed to be brought to your location.

Natural History & Cultural History Programs

Abbott's Mill Historic Grist Mill Tour
Step back in time with a guided visit through Abbott’s Mill. The mill encompasses over 200 years of Southern Delaware history. See the giant mill stones and roller mills. Visit the mill pond and stream and discover the ingenious mechanical systems that powered the mill through its unique history. Hear stories about life at the mill and try your hand at grinding corn to feed the birds.(A)

Animals in Winter?
Who hibernates? Who stays awake? Who goes south where it is warm? Find out the answers to these questions with live specimens, taxidermy and a story. (O)

Animal Tracking and Behavior
Learn how to read the tracks and signs of Delaware’s mammals. Track finding, identification, and interpretation are covered to provide a thorough overview of fundamental tracking skills. Behaviors and habitats of common mammals are explored to examine their relationship to the ecosystem.

Around the Pond
Discover what makes the Abbott's Pond interesting and important. Learn to identify plants and animals that belong to the pond habitat. Seine and dip in the mud bottom of the pond to catch incredible aquatic creatures. (A)

Canoeing on Abbott's Pond
Learn to use the canoe and then take your new skills out on Abbott's Pond. While paddling along, learn about the ecology of the pond. (A)

Insect Safari
Use your senses to seek out and identify insect characteristics and compare their life cycles. With nets, collect and observe insects found in meadows, forests and streams, and examine the insects you find to see how they are adapted to their environment. This program focuses on insect parts, function, and types of metamorphosis.

Native Americans
Explore the culture of the early inhabitants of Delmarva. Follow a day in the life of the coastal plain Native Americans and discover how they lived in harmony with the world around them. (O)

Native Wild Animals
Inspect mounted and live wild animals that make their home in the Delmarva region, including the rarely seen gray fox and otter. Instructors guide participants in close examination of the habitats and characteristics of these mammals, noting their similarities and differences. (O)

Owls of Delaware
Learn about four species of owls common to Delaware. Examine their adaptations and calls using mounted specimens and tape recordings. Optional: dissect owl pellets, $1/person extra. Reptiles & Amphibians
With live specimens, examine the differences between reptiles and amphibians. Learn the significance of their unique adaptations and their differing life cycles. (O)

Skull Study Handle and classify a variety of real skulls from native mammals, birds and reptiles. Examine teeth and other structures for clues to how animals survive. Use keys as a method of identification. (O)

Aboriginal/Primitive Technology Programs

Bark Baskets
Program Time: 3 hours (March-October only)      Cost: $15 per person
Make your own Native American-styled bark basket from a tulip tree. Tree identification, harvesting techniques, and construction methods are covered. Each participant takes home their own hand-made basket.

Cordage and Crafts
Program Time: 3 hours (March-November only)      Cost: $15 per person
Make a variety of Native American-styled items from natural materials including (varies with each season): rope, a sunhat, paint brushes, a fan, and children’s toys from natural materials. Learn how to identify and harvest suitable plants with a conservation-minded approach. Each participant take home a minimum of three different handmade crafts from native materials.

Porcupine Quill Necklaces
Program Time: 2 hours      Cost: $10 per person
Make a Micmac-styled porcupine quill necklace. This beautiful necklace is constructed from artificial sinew, beads, buckskin, and black and white porcupine quills. Participants will learn about the ecology of the Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) and how to safely work with the barbed quills.

Primitive Firemaking
Program Time: 3 hours       Cost: $15 per person
Delve into the world of fire-by-friction and learn how to make a fire without matches. This program focuses on the hand drill and bow drill. Participants learn how to identify, harvest, and construct their fire kits using a knife or primitive tools. Detailed instruction helps you develop the proper technique to light your fire. Each participant takes home a bow and hand drill set.

Survival Shelters and Dwellings
Program time: 3 hours Cost: $15 per person
Explore the essential survival skill of shelter-building. Participants will learn how to construct all-season shelters with tools and from all natural materials. Semi-permanent dwellings and plans will also be discussed. This program also includes a visit to Abbott’s Mill Nature Center’s Lenni Lenape-styled Longhouse replica. Participants will take home the knowledge to survive the elements in any season.

Policies

Time & Cost
Field Studies at Abbott's Mill Nature Center - 2 hours, $6/participant, chaperones free (1 every 15 participants required)
Outreach Programs at your site - 1 hour, $5/participant + $25 travel fee
Payments: Full payment (non-refundable) is required 30 days prior to the program; payable by check or credit card. There is a minimum charge for 15 participants.

Reservations
Advance reservations by phone is required. Call 302-422=0847, Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please have the following information:
Type of program
Name of program
Number of participants (minimum 15)
Name, address and phone number of contact person
Advise us at this time about children with special needs.

Group Size
Minimum 15 participants (smaller groups accepted but must pay the 15 participant minimum).

Cancellation Policy
If group cancels of participant numbers are reduced within 30 days of the program, fees are not refunded.

Program Location Key
A = Abbott's Mill Nature Center
O = Outreach