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A Milford eco-tour is highlighting Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, along with other Mispillion River historical favorites, in the recent article “Milford eco-tour highlights Mispillion River” by Ron MacArthur of Cape Gazette.
MacArthur introduces how this eco-tour is part of a greater effort to share local history:
“Milford officials are working to capitalize on the city’s rich history tied to the Mispillion River. The city grew up around the river thanks to the shipbuilding industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.
“The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Milford has teamed up with Delmarva Discovery Tours to offer “A River Runs Through It: A History Eco-Tour Along the Mispillion” on Wednesdays, which includes the Milford Museum, a history walk and talk along the riverwalk, and trips to DuPont Nature Center at the mouth of the Mispllion and Abbott’s Mill at the headwaters of the river.”
He goes on to tell the history of Abbott’s Mill.
“Abbott’s Mill, located a short drive outside of Milford on Abbotts Pond Road, is truly a step back in time. At one time, there were more than 40 operating mills in Sussex County. Abbott’s Mill, which has been completely restored, is the last remaining working mill in the region,
“Steve Childers, an expert on mills, said every pond in the county was manmade and used to operate mills using water power.
“Although a grist mill to make flour and feedstock at the location dates back to 1795, the restored mill of today was started by Ainsworth Abbott in 1919. He ran the mill as a one-man operation, except for deliveries, until he retired in 1963 at the age of 78.”
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center’s historic mill Abbott’s Mill Nature Center which sits on a 376-acre piece of Milford Millponds Nature Preserve and features beautiful trails.
Discover all that Abbott’s Mill Nature Center has to offer: hands-on nature education programs for people of all ages, trails, guided hikes, bird walks, summer camp, eco tours, a nature center and fun events to attend throughout the year, including Music at the Mill on second Thursday’s from 6 to 8 p. all summer long.