Delaware Nature Society

Courses, Conferences & Awards

Environmental Institution Management
January 5 - 27, 2009, Ashland Nature Center
Application deadline: November 7, 2008 (received)

Through first-hand experiences in seminars, field trips, group projects and preparation of individual reference manuals, participants obtain invaluable practical, management information. Now in its 21st year, this unique course draws students and professionals from throughout the country. A six-credit, graduate course - MSST-467/667 - offered by the Delaware Nature Society and University of Delaware Museum Studies Program.

Note: U of DE Museum Certificate Program students can apply 3 credits of the EIM course to their program.

Course Content: In seminar sessions with Delaware Nature Society staff and 35 guest lecturers including attorneys, financial experts and museum administrators, the course will coverGoal definition and long-range planning conservation and preservation roles, programming, fundraising, financial management and budgeting, staffing and personnel policies, coordinating volunteers, publicity and marketing, publications, legal considerations Field Trips: Students will visit renowned environmental institutions in the Delaware Valley such as the New Jersey Aquarium at Camden, the Brandywine Conservancy and the Tyler Arboretum to gain insights into operations by in-depth, on-site interviews with administrators.

Application Form (PDF)

Professional Leadership Institute
January 13-18, 2009 - Ashland Nature Center
Application deadline: December 12, 2008 (received)

Co-sponsored by the Delaware Nature Society and the Association of Nature Center Administrators, Professional Leadership Institute provides directors and administrators with insight and expertise in the key components of operating an environmental institution. Here is an opportunity to network and share with colleagues your successes and lessons learned from experience, to acquire techniques in recognizing and preparing for challenges, and to refresh and focus your vision. Topics include management skills, science and environmental education, conservation and preservation issues, membership development, fund raising, facility and exhibit planning, personnel and office management.

Details & Application Form (PDF)

Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Awards
Each year, The Delaware Nature Society honors outstanding Delaware public and private school teachers in the field of environmental education. Teachers may nominate themselves or be nominated by fellow teachers, principals, administrators, university instructors, officials of state natural resource agencies, Department of Education personnel and others. Recipients receive an original, personalized certificate of achievement, $300 certificate towards Nature Society programs for personal enrichment or towards a class trip, a one-year Nature Society Individual membership, and statewide recognition through press releases, our school brochure and our newsletter. Categories are elementary, middle, and high school. Teachers and their principals will be honored at the Delaware Nature Society's Annual Meeting in April.

Click for More Information.

Application deadline: Feb. 20, 2009

2008 Recipient:

Beenu Gupta, Charter School of Wilmington

U of DE Summer Graduate Teacher Courses
Two-three week courses taught at Ashland and Abbott's Mill Nature Centers. Registration begins April 12. Click here for details (PDF) or contact University of Delaware Special Sessions, 302-831-2852.