Nature education fun for all ages

Moth Night is just one of the educational programs offered through Delaware Nature Society (Photo courtesy of Slava Taukachou Unsplash Media)

Both adults and children will enjoy the many educational programs offered through Delaware Nature Society this summer. Both Abbott’s Mill Nature Center and Dupont Environmental Education Center provide informative programs that are not only entertaining but also help individuals learn more about habitats, the environment and fund facts about Delaware’s outdoor creatures.

“One of our exciting programs is Moth Night where you can stay out after dark to see, photograph and identify many species of moths attracted to mothing stations at Abbott’s Mill,” Mike Valenti, Director of Abbott’s Mill, said. “Led by Jim White and myself, we provide a lecture on moths before the experience. Then, we document our findings in iNaturalist for a biodiversity project. You will see large, small, colorful, drab, each with their own story of what their caterpillar eats and how they live. We will even help you determine what plants will work in your yard to attract these beautiful creatures.”

Moth Night is planned for August 13 from 8 to 11 PM at Abbott’s Mill. Additional Moth Nights are planned for Ashland Nature Center on August 20 and Coverdale Farm Preserve on August 27. Cost for the program is $15 with members receiving a 15 percent discount.

The Knee High Naturalists program continues at Abbott’s Mill on Wednesday, August 14 from 10 to 11:30 AM. Designed for children two to five, this program will focus on butterflies and moths in keeping with the theme of “wings” for the month. The program is led by Wendy Scott and children, accompanied by a parent, will take hikes and enjoy nature firsthand. The cost of the program is $15 and members get a 15 percent discount.

DuPont Environmental Education Center will offer two free programs on August 17. The first is Netting the Marsh from 1 to 1:30 PM where participants can use dip nets to get up close and personal with aquatic life. The program is for all ages and although registration is not required, it is suggested to reserve a spot. Then, from 1:30 to 2 PM, the center will offer Meet Marsh Animals where attendees can stroll with binoculars to view animals in their natural habitat.

To register for any programs or learn what is coming up at other areas managed by the Delaware Nature Society, such as Coverdale Farm Preserve or Ashland Nature Center, visit them online.