June 6 was National Trails Day; more than 1,500 events were held nationwide to encourage people to get outside and explore trails. Here at Delaware Nature Society, no special events were planned but it was, as usual, a busy day.
As morning dawned, a Brownie troop tumbled out of their beds in the Ashland Nature Lodge and set off for a pre-breakfast hike on the Treetop Trail. By 8 a.m., a group of hikers had gathered at Bucktoe Creek Preserve to search for the 20 or so species of ferns that grow there, including uncommon varieties such as maidenhair and netted chain.
Meanwhile, at Abbott's Mill Nature Center, in Milford, a group of runners tackled the 3.1 mile cross-country course. And the magnificent June weather had brought dozens of hikers out to explore the other trails there that run past woods, meadows and a mill pond.
I'm pleased that the American Hiking Society sponsors National Trails Day and hope that more Americans experience trails and their surrounding natural areas as a result of this event. But here at Delaware Nature Society, we don't hold any special events for National Trails Day - or Earth Day or Arbor Day, for that matter. Our approach has always been to focus on the things we've been doing, day in and day out, to foster a better understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the natural world.
As diverse as our activities were last Saturday, they represent just the tip of the iceberg of all that Delaware Nature Society has to offer. Last year, we reached more than 50,000 people statewide with our public, group and school programs.
Bird walks and campfires as are as popular today as they were when we offered our first program, at our founding in 1964. But we also have created new programs and activities to respond to the unique needs of our times. For example, last year we formed a partnership with Nemours that brings overweight children from the Camp Xperience program to Ashland for nature activities.
Delaware Nature Society's youth programming doesn't stop when kids become teens. As anyone who has parented a teen knows, it's vital to keep adolescents engaged in meaningful, constructive activities. Like the ones available in our Teen Naturalists, Young Naturalists or Young Waterfowlers programs.
I am particularly proud of our outreach efforts to underserved youth and their families through NatureLink, an outdoor education initiative. In operation since 1995, the program has grown to reach almost 1,700 individuals annually.
We also provide youth programs at community centers under a contract with the City of Wilmington. And a freshwater aquatic biology camp that was held last summer for the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League's Achievement Matters group was so successful that it will be repeated again this summer.
We'll be able to create more linkages with underserved youth -- and new populations we haven't yet reached - when the DuPont Environmental Education Center opens its doors Oct. 10. Located on the edge of the 212-acre Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, where the city, river and marsh meet, the center will offer free and low-cost programs for students, youth groups, adults, families and teachers.
Come out and explore our trails - at Ashland, Abbott's Mill, Cooch-Dayett Mills, Coverdale Farm Preserves and soon at Wilmington's waterfront. You'll discover for yourself that every day is trails day at the Delaware Nature Society.
Mike Riska, Executive Director, Delaware Nature Society
