Group Programs

General Information

Programs Overview
Reservations
Program Cost & Length
Staff Contacts
Policies, Deposits & Payments

The Delaware Nature Society provides safe, educational, outdoor experiences for children and adults from faith-based groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, community and recreation centers, professional organizations, and other groups. Committed to providing high-quality programming, we offer a low student-teacher ratio and the finest indoor and outdoor facilities in the area. We welcome new members to the Delaware Nature Society and believe that becoming a member offers special benefits far beyond the membership fee. Join DNS Today!

PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

Multiple Choices for Your Nature Experience Education programs with the Delaware Nature Society are designed to be hands-on, inquiry based, and age-appropriate. We offer programs for a broad range of topics, times, and costs and can customize programs to suit your needs. Programs can be scheduled for weekdays or weekends, and at a time that is convenient for your group.

Field Trip Programs
...at Abbott's Mill Nature Center, Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, or the DuPont Environmental Education Center.

Field trips are a great way to engage in hands-on investigations and have a safe, fun and education outdoor experience. Choose a program from the list or ask us about custom-designed programs.

Overnight and Extended-Day Programs
...at Abbott's Mill Nature Center or Ashland Nature Center.

Overnights and Extended Days are a special adventure for everyone! One to three day programs are developed collaboratively with group leaders, assuring that your group's goals and objectives are integrated into program design. A great kickoff or culminating activity for your group! A free planning guide will be sent to you upon reserving a date.

RESERVATIONS

Select your program from the field trip listings for each site or choose the location you would like to visit and contact the appropriate staff person, or E-mail and we will contact you.

Advance reservation is required. To reserve a program, please contact the staff person at the site of your program and have the following information ready:

Name, address, and phone number of contact person
Number of participants - minimum 15 (Smaller groups accepted, but you are charged for 15 participants)
Type of program (Field Study or Overnight)
Name of the program
Advise us at this time about children with special needs

PROGRAM COST & LENGTH

Field Trip Programs

Abbott's Mill Nature Center Field Trips

2 hours in duration - $5.00/participant
Chaperones free (one/every 15 participants required)

Ashland Nature Center Field Trips

1.5 hours in duration - $6.00/participant
Chaperones free (one/every 15 participants required)

Coverdale Farm Preserve Field Trips

1.5 hours in duration - $6.00/participant
Chaperones free (one/every 15 participants required)
2 hour program - $7.00/participant, Chaperones free (one/every 15 participants required)

DuPont Environmental Education Field Trips

1.5 hours in duration - $6.00/participant, Chaperones free (one/every 15 participants required)
2 hour program - $7.00/participant, Chaperones free (one/every 15 participants required)

Overnights

Abbott's Mill Nature Center

Primitive Camping (Outdoor Camping) Overnight (6:00 pm - 11:30 am) $15/participant, plus (2) chaperones free, $10/additional chaperone.
Minimum 12 participants.
Nature Center (Indoor Camping) Overnight (6:00 pm - 11:30 am) $20/participant, plus (2) chaperones free, $15/additional chaperone.
Minimum 12 participants.

Ashland Nature Center

Standard Overnight (6:00 pm - 11:30 am), $25/participant, $20/chaperone
Themed Overnight (6:00 pm - 12:00 pm), $30/participant, $25/chaperone

Coverdale Farm Preserve

Coverdale Farm Preserve Overnight (6:00 pm - 2:00 pm), $35/Participant, $30/chaperone

STAFF CONTACTS

Abbott's Mill Nature Center - Milford, DE

Jason Beale, Manager
Phone - 302-422-0847
E-mail

Ashland Nature Center - Hockessin, DE

Glynne Nagle, Education Program Assistant (registration)
Phone - 302-239-2334, ext. 110
E-maill

Sheila Vincent, Public Group Program Coordinator
Phone - 302-239-2334, ext. 125
E-mail

Coverdale Farm Preserve - Greenville, DE

Glynne Nagle, Education Program Assistant (registration)
Phone - 302-239-2334, ext. 110
E-mail

Michele Wales, Farm Program Coordinator
Phone - 302-239-2334, ext. 143
E-mail

DuPont Environmental Education Center - Wilmington, DE

Lesley Bensinger, Education Coordinator
Phone - 302-656-1490
E-mail

Delaware Nature Society Headquarters (Ashland Nature Center - Hockessin, DE)

Helen Fischel, Associate Director, Education
Phone - 302-239-2334, ext. 114
E-mail

David Pragoff, School and Group Programs Team Leader
Phone - 302-239-2334, ext. 133
E-mail

POLICIES, DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

Overnights
Non-refundable deposit of $260 (equivalent to 15 participants) is required to reserve an Overnight. Deposit is due within two (2) weeks of making the reservation. Balance is due 30 days prior to the program.

Field Trip Programs
Full payment (non-refundable) is required 30 days prior to the pro-gram; payable by check or credit card.

Cancellation Policy
If group cancels or participant numbers are reduced within 30 days of the program, fees are not refunded.

Weather and Program Attire
Programs are conducted rain, snow or shine. Dress for the forecasted weather conditions and wear clothing to keep comfortable and dry. Boots or old gym shoes are recommended. In the event of hazardous or severe weather, the Delaware Nature Society may cancel the program and every attempt will be made to reschedule the trip. If this is not possible, a full refund will be made.

Photographs
Delaware Nature Society reserves the right to use any pictures of program participants to promote our programs unless otherwise notified in writing by parents.

Overnight Programs

Field Trip Programs

Outreach Programs at Your Site

DEEC Group Tours!

Programs and tours for groups can be scheduled for weekdays or weekends at a convenient time. Advance reservation is required and most programs/tours require a 15 person minimum. To reserve a program, E-mail or call 302-656-1490, ext. 157.

Building/Boardwalk Exploration Tour
Listen to the history of the marsh, see plants currently in bloom, and look for animals that are active in the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. Bring your own binoculars or share ours to catch glimpses of great blue herons, bald eagles, and much, much more from our boardwalk and building! 1 hour, $6 per person.

Backyard Habitat Gardening Tour
Stroll through the DEEC botanic garden and see how beautiful native plants provide for wildlife in Delaware. What's more, learn how you can easily turn your property into a welcoming home for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. 1 hour, $6 per person.

DEEC at a Glance Tour
This tour will provide you with information about the origins of the DuPont Environmental Education Center, the Delaware Nature Society, and the many unique features of this site. Following the tour, explore the site independently with a more careful eye! hour, $3 per person.