Abbot's Mill Nature Center
R.D. 4, Box 207 
Milford, DE  19963 
(302) 422-0847 
www.delawarenaturesociety.org/abbotts.html

Operated by the Delaware Nature Society, the Abbott's Mill Nature Center offers  self-guided hiking and canoe trails as well as a 23-acre pond and stream.  Abbott's Mill also features a beautiful historic grist mill that is the Center's namesake. 

Throughout the year the Abbott's Mill Nature Center hosts numerous activities, programs and field trips conducted by the Delaware Nature Society.  Many programs are conducted outdoors, especially during the warmer months, and include activities from nature hikes and bird watching to away trips such as white water rafting in West Virginia.  Programs are offered for all age groups, from three-year-olds through adult. 

During the summer children can enjoy overnight and week-long programs and away trips.  Interested parents should note that many of these programs fill up far in advance.  Make your plans early!  A fee is charged for programs.  Call for a calendar and details. 

The Delaware Nature Society is a membership organization and members receive a discount on general public programs as well as free admission to the grounds.. 

School Programs 
At Abbott's Mill Nature Center, school groups can choose from 33 different hands-on lessons about our native plants and animals.  Some programs may be conducted at nearby Redden Lodge (Redden State Forest) or Slaughter Beach.  Here are a few examples: 

Winter Survival grades pre-k - k 
Students walk the woodland trail and observe live and mounted animals to uncover the mystery of how plants and animals survive in the winter season. 

Native Americans of Delmarva grade 3 
Students walk the lands once inhabited by Delaware coastal plain Native Americans, exploring their customs, arts and lifestyle.  On the nearby Lindale Preserve, students visit a replica lodge where they investigate Indian tools, clothing, hunting methods, games and the way they used plants in everyday life.  An optional classroom introduction component is available with this program. 

Seashore, Saltmarsh & Sand Dunes grades 1 - 3 
Exploring three coastline habitats and their residential animals and plants, students discover the wonders of life at Slaughter Beach. 

Maple Sugaring grades 4 - 6 
Conducted only during the month of February, this program reveals the history of maple sugaring as students try their hand at tapping a tree, and collecting and boiling the sap. 

Exploring by Canoe grades 5 - 8 
This exciting four-hour program teaches students basic canoeing skills.  They then set out to explore the pristine Abbott's Mill Pond, home to beaver, turtles, wading birds and waterfowl.  Using various methods, students sample plant and animal life from the pond and take a close-up look with magnifying lenses and microscopes.

Other programs cover topics from animals to plants to ecology and history, including the life of the Lenape Indian.  Overnight programs are available at Redden State Forest and a Nature Society naturalist can visit the classroom to deliver any of a number of Outreach Programs.  Teachers should call for program pricing and details.  And call early!