Ashland Nature Center - Hockessin
Cooch-Dayett Mills - Newark
Coverdale Farm - Greenville
Dupont Environmental Education Center - Wilmington

ASHLAND NATURE CENTER

Monarch Migration
Program #: F09-115-AS    Max: 12    Location: AS
Sunday, September 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Sheila Vincent

Help to send the last generation of monarch butterflies on its way as you capture and tag these migratory insects. Learn about their amazing life cycle and their dependence upon the milkweed plant. Use butterfly nets and other equipment to take part in Project Monarch.

Family Pond Fishing
Program #: F09-116-AS Thursday September 24, 5:30 pm - dusk
Program #: F09-117-AS Friday, September 25, 5:30 pm - dusk
Max: 20    Location: AS
Member/Non-Member: Adult $7, Child$ 5/Adult $10, Child $7
Leaders: Jim Jordan, Managing Director, BVA and RCVA, and Derek Stoner

Try your luck at fishing for bluegill and bass at a nearby private pond while learning basic fish biology. Bring your own pole and tackle or use the Nature Center's. Bait and instructions provided. Bring a picnic supper or snack and, if you wish, and a container to take home your catch. Meet at the Ashland Nature Center to car pool to the nearby site. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Lums Pond Canoeing
Program #: F09-118-AS    Max: 12    Location: AS
Saturday, October 10, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $10/Adult $22 Child $15
Leader: Bradley Reynolds

Visit Lums Pond as autumn takes hold and marvel at the color of the changing leaves as we paddle along. Learn basic paddling techniques and improve your canoeing skills. 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. Fee includes van transportation, canoes and preservers.

Cape to Cape Adventure
Program #: F09-119-AS    Max: 10    Location: AS
Sunday, October 18, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $40, Child $30/Adult $50, Child $35
Leaders: Judy Montgomery and Derek Stoner

Climb aboard the Cape to Cape Express as we make a journey around the Delaware Bay! First stop: Cape Henlopen State Park, to visit the hawk watch and search for beach treasure. Then hop aboard the ferry for a ride across the Delaware Bay, where we'll watch for dolphins and other wildlife. Second stop: Cape May, New Jersey! Climb to the top of the lighthouse, catch migrating Monarch butterflies and tag them to help the scientists. Participants will receive a list of what to bring.

Bats, Rats, and Black Cats
Program #: F09-121-AS    Max: 15    Location: AS
Friday, October 23, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Judi Vanderwerff

Tour the Ashland grounds for a spooky pre-Halloween evening hike. Watch for bats, meet special spiders, and discover curious creatures that capture our imaginations. Scary-- or just misunderstood? Enjoy exploring the less-known animals that cultivate our sense of fear.

Nature Photography
Program #: F09-124-AS    Max: 15    Location: AS
Saturday, November 7, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Sarah Hendrickson

Discover different ways of seeing the natural world as you view nature through a camera lens. Walk Ashland's trails using photography both as a scientific study skill and as an art form. Learn the basics of photographic composition and how to convey a feeling through a photograph. Write a poem or description based on your best photo. This program is suitable for families with children ages 10 and up. Fee includes use of digital cameras.

Holiday Craft-Making    Max: 15
Program #: F09-125-AS Saturday, December 5, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program #: F09-126-AS Sunday, December 6, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leaders: Shannon Tilmon and Kristen Sensabaugh

Have some holiday fun creating your own crafts and decorations from natural materials. Make a wild grapevine wreath and weave in fragrant pine and hemlock boughs. Create a unique decorative glass ball filled with nature's treasures. Roll colored beeswax sheets to create holiday candles. Finish with a warm holiday snack by a crackling fire. Fee includes materials.

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.

COVERDALE FARM

Bread and Butter: From Field to Feast!
Program #: F09-130-CF    Max: 20
Sunday, September 27, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leaders: Jane Griffin & Bea Kaplan

Bring the family out to craft and snack on one of the best culinary combinations ever: bread and butter! Transform wheat from field to flour; then from dough to done; discover the wonders of butter from cow to churn. Finish the afternoon eating the wonderful food created by your family, straight from the farm!

Moon & Macaroni
Program #: F09-131-CF    Max: 20
Friday, October 23, 6 pm - 9 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leaders: Michele Wales & Sheila Vincent

Spend a delicious evening with the stars at Coverdale Farm! Prepare a family style meal of "not-your-ordinary" macaroni and cheese. While dinner is cooking, seek out the moon in the shape of a macaroni noodle; catch a glimpse of brilliant Jupiter and ghostly Andromeda. Finish the evening with a late meal together.

The Great Coverdale Farm Pumpkin Carve!
Program #: F09-132-CF    Max: 30
Sunday, October 25, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leaders: Jane & Melissa Griffin

Halloween is not complete without the traditional, spooky jack-o-lantern. Spend an October afternoon with our resident crafters, Jane and Melissa as they teach you how to take a twist on the time-honored holiday pumpkin. Nibble on seasonal snacks as you create glowing works of art.

Halloween Hike & Breakfast
Program #: F09-133-CF    Max: 20
Saturday, October 31, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $1
Leader: Michele Wales

Warm up your "trick or treating muscles" with a morning walk and breakfast at Coverdale. We'll make a healthy and simple farm meal together then lace up our boots for an hour- long autumn journey. A great way to start your day! Meal included in cost.

Thanksgiving Fest! Crafting for the Holiday
Program #: F09-134-CF    Max: 20
Sunday, November 22, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leaders: Jane & Melissa Griffin

Bring your family to the farm for an autumn afternoon of holiday crafting. Brighten your Thanksgiving with creative and unique decorations from nature for your table and beyond. All materials are included in cost.

Mozzarella Magic
Program #: F09-135-CF    Max: 20
Saturday, December 5, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $15, Child $9/Adult $20, Child $10
Leader: Michelle Johnson

From grass to milk and milk to mozzarella! Discover the world of cheese making as you travel from the Coverdale Dairy Cow to nibbling your very own ball of fresh mozzarella. Learn how you can craft this simple and delicious dairy delight in your very own kitchen!

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!

COOCH-DAYETT MILLS

Ghost Hunting at Cooch-Dayett Mill for Families (children age 8 and up)
Program #: F09-122-DM    Max: 15    Location: DM
Saturday, October 24, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $15/$22
Leaders: Delaware Ghost Tours

Join us at the historic Cooch-Dayett Mill, nestled in the historic Welsh Tract of Pencader Hundred, and just yards away from Delaware's only Revolutionary War Battlefield. After years of accumulating paranormal experiences during our outdoor tours, we've now been allowed unprecedented access inside the mill and its outbuilding. In partnership with Delaware Nature Society, we are now offering exclusive tours of the mill and surrounding area. We'll tell you tales of fires and treasure, battles and ghosts, and then allow you to investigate the grounds. Bring your digital camera, and use our equipment for a paranormal experience unlike any we've ever offered before! Meet us at the Mill.

Lantern Tour of Cooch-Dayett Mills
Program #: F09-123-DM    Max: 15    Location: DM
Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Kathy Szczerba

Take a lantern tour of the historic grounds and interior of Cooch-Dayett Mills. Get an opportunity to see some of the remarkable milling machines and learn about the workings of this historic building by lantern-light. Enjoy the crisp fall air as we enjoy s'mores by a campfire at the end of the tour.

DUPONT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

NEW! What's up Wilmington? (children age 8 and up)
Program #: F09-138-DC    Max: 15
Friday, November 6, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: Sheila Vincent

Join us under the dark skies of DEEC for a naked eye and telescopic tour of the fall sky. If the night is clear expect to view Saturn's rings!

NEW! Tricks and Treats (children age 8 and up)
Program #: F09-139-DC
Saturday, October 24, 6 pm - 8 pm Max: 15
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $7/Adult $15, Child $9
Leader: John Harrod, DNS Staff

Learn the tricks nocturnal animals use to find there way and feed at night. Learn how to identify several stars and constellations. Make a tricky craft and enjoy a treat.

NEW! Marsh Maneuvers (children age 6 and up)
Program #: F09-140-DC    Max: 15
Saturday, November 7, 1 pm - 3 pm
Member/Non-Member: Adult $10, Child $5/Adult $15, Child $7
Leader: John Harrod

Become a scientist for an afternoon. Use a cast net, water testing kits and a microscope to determine water quality.

NEW! 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.