Leading Environmental Education
For more than 60 years, Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) has inspired people of all ages to understand and care for the environment. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy green spaces and hands-on opportunities to learn from nature. Through a wide range of opportunities, we help children, adults, and groups across Delaware discover the connection between the health of our environment and the health of our communities. Visit our programs and events page for additional information on any of the programs mentioned below or go straight to our activities calendar to see what’s happening on a particular date or location.
Engaging Outdoor Experiences
Whether you are looking for a fun and engaging learning experience for yourself, your child or your family, DelNature has something for you. Enjoynature-focused activities for children, families and adults include educational, hands-on experiential programs and events such as summer camps, birthday parties and festivals and events.
Early Learners
Designed to meet the needs of our youngest (Pre-K) learners, our Knee-high Naturalists program helps preschoolers and caregivers explore the outdoors through stories, hikes, and play-based activities that build early learning skills and a love for nature. Classes are offered year-round at multiple sites.
Schools and Groups
DelNature hosts programs for schools and other groups including field trips and overnights, as well as outreach in the classroom, and activities designed for scouts and community groups. With a variety of topics to choose from, these programs are designed to align with the K-12 curriculum.
Adults
Our programs for adults cover a range of topics, locations and formats including hikes led by our naturalists, paddling programs, hands-on learning and volunteer opportunities at our sites, and multi-day Eco Trips to other parts of the country and world.
Signature Programs
RENEW (Reaching and Engaging Through Nature to Empower Wilmington)
RENEW Programs are anchored at the DuPont Environmental Education Center and are offered year-round to make nature accessible and engaging for people of all ages living in and around the City of Wilmington. By linking environmental education with STEM learning, recreation, career readiness, and community resilience, participants gain both confidence and life skills for appreciating and caring for nature in an urban environment.
Building Comfort and Confidence Outdoors through RENEW
Through repeat visits and year-long programs, RENEW helps youth develop a lasting comfort with nature. Participants discover how caring for their environment strengthens their community and their own well-being.
Signature RENEW programs include:
- Environmental Education Programs: Year-round, STEM-based programs offered at DEEC, partner sites, schools, community centers, parks, and public spaces. These experiences include nature exploration, paddling, gardening, water quality testing, food education, and environmental science activities.
- Youth Development Programs: A ladder of engagement for middle and high school students that builds leadership, confidence, workforce readiness, and environmental awareness through programs such as River Rangers, Green Trail Blazers, Trail Ambassadors, and partner-based internships.
- Urban Greening and Stewardship Programs: Hands-on projects that connect participants to pollinator gardens, food gardens, habitat restoration, park cleanups, water quality, and community-based environmental improvement efforts across Wilmington.
RENEW is also expanding into new work-ready programs that train teens for future careers in science, environmental studies, and hospitality.
RENEW Signature Programs
The RENEW pathway begins with Neighborhood Naturalists, which introduces preschool and elementary-aged children to nature through hands-on environmental education, outdoor exploration, gardening, water activities, and STEM-based learning. These programs help young learners become more comfortable outside, build curiosity, and develop care for the natural world.
As students grow, they can progress into middle school programs such as River Rangers and Green Trail Blazers. These programs deepen environmental learning through paddling, water quality testing, field studies, service projects, and community-based stewardship. Students gain stronger science skills, learn about local environmental challenges, and begin to see themselves as problem-solvers and advocates.
For high school students, the pathway continues through Trail Ambassadors and related youth development opportunities. These programs provide leadership training, workforce development, visitor engagement experience, restoration projects, and exposure to environmental career pathways. Participants apply what they have learned by supporting community greening, habitat care, public education, and stewardship projects.
Outdoor experiences like paddling and nature walks promote well-being and community connection. These programs encourage people to spend time in nature, reduce stress, and improve physical health.
Through advocacy education, participants learn how to speak up for environmental issues that affect their neighborhoods, creating long-term, community-driven change.
Knee-High Naturalists
Our Knee-high Naturalists program helps preschoolers and caregivers explore the outdoors through stories, hikes, and play-based activities that build early learning skills and a love for nature.
Classes are offered year-round at Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, with fun weekly sessions for children ages 2–5.
Knee Highs in New Castle County
This grownup-and-me preschool group encourages discovery through hiking, games, and sensory play. Activities help preschoolers develop skills like pattern recognition and sorting while learning about the natural world.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 10 AM – 11:30 AM, March–November
Ages: 2–5
Fee: Members $12.75 per class, non-members $15
Adult participation: Required, free of charge
Location: Ashland Nature Center or Coverdale Farm Preserve
Knee Highs in Kent and Sussex Counties
Families explore the outdoors through guided hikes and activities that nurture curiosity and movement.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 10 AM – 11:30 AM, March–November
Ages: 2–5
Fee: Members $12.75 per class, non-members $15
Adult participation: Required, free of charge
Location: Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Milford, DE
