Ashland Nature Center

Welcome to Scenic Ashland Nature Center

Ashland Nature Center serves as Delaware Nature Society’s headquarters with 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, marsh, the scenic Red Clay Creek, and 4-miles of nature trails to explore. A part of the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway, the site is open to the public year-round, features educational programs, a picnic area, Visitor Center and Overnight Lodge.

A Haven For Wildlife

Ashland is centered in the heart of the Red Clay Valley Important Bird Area. Discover wildlife at our Hawk Watch, Butterfly House, Bird Blind, and our Hummingbird Haven (a Garden for Wildlife showcase), and along our many pet-friendly interpretive trails. Discover how we carefully manage this land for biodiversity and clean water.

A Nature Getaway For You

Come visit our trails (hours and more below). We also offer nature activities for all ages year-round and programming for schools and public groupsFacility and meeting room rentals are available.

Check out our photo gallery and a video of our Succession Trail created with Relive to show elevation and photos of stops along the way.

Host An Event at Ashland

Host your business meeting, seminar, workshop, or retreat at Ashland’s Conference Room, Auditorium, or Overnight Lodge.

Facility Rentals

Programs For Your School or Group

Enjoy hands-on nature field trips (STEM- and scout-badge-friendly) and overnights at one of our locations or yours.

School Programs Group Programs

Upcoming Nature Activities

Join our nature discovery experiences for adults, kids, and families.

Awesome Autumn Saturdays
Activities CalendarTeensPreschoolers

See Wildlife at Ashland

Visit our Hawk Watch, trails, Bird Blind, and Butterfly House. You can also celebrate your birthday with us!

Butterfly House Hawk Watch Birthday Parties

Address

3511 Barley Mill Road
Hockessin, DE 19707

Follow Us

Visitor Center Hours

Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Weekends 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Closed for Holidays: Apr 7, Apr 9, May 29, Jun 19, Jul 4, Sep 4, Oct 9, Nov 23-24, Dec 26-30, Jan 1, Jan 16 (Winter Hours Nov-Mar: Wed-Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)


Business Office Hours (Call 302.239.2334)

Weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Weekends CLOSED

Closed on holidays listed above.


Trails & Grounds Hours

Open dawn to dusk every day.

Trail Maps

Full Ashland Trail Map Succession Trail Floodplain Trail Nature Walk Plant Checklist (legal-size)

Activities

Butterfly House Hawk Watch Activities Calendar Drop-in Activities School Programs Scout & Group Programs

Entry Fees

Members:

FREE

Nonmembers:

Child (age 2+) $3

Adult $5

Become a Member

Amenities

  • "Garden for Wildlife" Idea Garden Icon

    "Garden for Wildlife" Idea Garden

  • Accessible Areas

  • Bird Blind Icon

    Bird Blind

  • Drop-in Programs

  • Hiking Icon

    Hiking

  • Historical Features Icon

    Historical Features

  • Pet Friendly (leashed) Icon

    Pet Friendly (leashed)

  • Picnic Area Icon

    Picnic Area

  • Restrooms Icon

    Restrooms

  • Scenic Views Icon

    Scenic Views