No need to pre-register for these free and low-cost nature programs and activities – just stop on by and discover nature with us! For a deeper dive into nature, check out our full Activities Calendar.
Drop-in Programs That Have Resumed
Ashland Hawk Watch
Daily 9 am – 4 pm (September – November) | Ashland
Visit Ashland’s Hawk Watch Hill for the 10th annual Ashland Hawk Watch to scan the skies for migratory hawks, eagles, falcons, and many other birds. Better yet, join our volunteer team to help record data and look for birds on the move! Led by our Hawk Watch Coordinator and Hawk Watch Volunteers.
All ages | Entry fee: Members FREE, Non-members $5 Adult $3 Child
Bird Walks at Bucktoe, Ashland, Abbotts & Middle Run
Sundays 8 am – 11 am (August – October) | Bucktoe
Tuesdays 8 am – 10 am (September – October) | Middle Run
Thursdays 8 am – 10 am (September – October) | Ashland
Thursdays 8:30 am – 10:30 am (September – October) | Abbott’s
Join us on a walk and enjoy sighting resident and migratory birds. Learn basic bird identification skills while exploring our streams, forests, and field habitats.
All ages | Free for everyone
Netting in the Marsh
Saturdays & Sundays: 2 pm – 2:45 pm | DEEC
Come see what we catch in the marsh. How many fish and other critters can you identify?
All ages | Free for everyone
Running of the Mills
3rd Saturdays (March – November) 2 pm – 3:30 pm | Abbott’s
Take a guided tour of historic Abbott’s Mill. Learn about the unique history of the mill, dating back to 1795. Experience the rush of the water through the turbine and feel the rumble of the mill stones.
All ages | Members Free, Non-members $5 adults, $3 children
More about our Historic Working Grist Mill
Many Other In Person Programs Have Resumed
Check out our virtual and in person summer camps and activities for a variety of ages.
Our trails at Ashland, DEEC, and Abbott’s remain open. Coverdale is closed to the public.
On Hold
Lunch with Live Animals
Saturdays, 12 pm – 12:30 pm | DEEC
Join us as we feed our animals. Learn fun facts like what they eat and how they eat it.
All ages | Free for everyone
Meet Marsh Animals
Saturdays & Sundays: 1 pm – 1:45 pm | DEEC
Take a naturalist-guided stroll to look for animals and see our live animal collection.
All ages | Free for everyone
Bird Banding
Wednesdays (April – December) 8 am – 11 am | Bucktoe
Watching a bird bander work, learn about feather molt, how to age a bird, migration, feeding, and bird conservation. Photographers: great opportunity for bird close-ups.
All ages | Free for everyone
Learn About Our Bird Banding Project
Wild Weekends
Saturdays (April – October) 10 am & 2 pm | Ashland Sundays (April – October) 2 pm | Ashland
Join a nature program when you arrive at the Visitor Center at the above times. Different activities each day. Naturalists are present Sat 10 am – 3 pm and Sun 12 pm – 4 pm to answer your nature questions.
All ages | Free for everyone (Non-members pay trail entry fee at Ashland: $5 adults, $3 children)
Farm Market Days
Dates/Times TBD | Coverdale
Join in on Family Fun & Delicious Food.
All ages | Members Free, Non-members entry fee $5 adults, $3 children
Discover Our Farm Market Days
Nature Mobile on the Wilmington Riverfront
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | On Wilmington’s Riverfront
Stop by the Nature Mobile and chat with our roving naturalist about the local waterways, wildlife, plants, and history of Wilmington. This FREE pop-up education station is packed full of fun, engaging activities for adults and children!
All ages | Free for everyone