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.
Children’s Programs
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.
Through shared outdoor adventures, children and caregivers build lasting memories together and lay the foundation for a lifetime of exploration, learning, and environmental stewardship.
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.
Whether exploring forests, wetlands, farms, or streams, participants gain real world experiences that inspire discovery, teamwork, and environmental stewardship while creating memories that last long after the program ends.
Family Events
Families
Celebrate the seasons and create lasting memories with DelNature. From live music and festivals to farm fun and hands on nature discoveries, our family friendly events bring people of all ages together to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors across Delaware.
With experiences across Delaware throughout the year, there is always something new to discover, new traditions to begin, and new memories to make.
Adult Education
Adults
Whether you are looking to stay active, explore new places, or deepen your understanding of the natural world, our programs offer rewarding opportunities to learn, discover, and make a difference.
Reconnect with nature while learning something new through our diverse lineup of adult programs. From guided hikes with our naturalists and paddling adventures to hands-on education, volunteer opportunities, multi day Eco Tours across the country and around the world, or our programs with the University of Delaware, there are experiences for every interest and skill level.
Signature Program: RENEW
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 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.