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: Through initiatives like Trail Ambassadors, Wilmington Youth Environmental Corps, Green Trail Blazers, Green Jobs, and Delaware Futures, youth in Wilmington can connect with nature, learn about environmental issues, explore career paths, and participate in community service projects. Participants gain valuable life skills while becoming agents of positive change in their communities.
- Urban Greening and Stewardship Programs: DelNature champions urban gardening projects for biodiversity, food security, and pollinators. We engage in park restoration and clean-up efforts to nurture community green spaces for wellbeing. Our commitment to clean water benefits both human health and local ecosystems and fosters sustainable urban environments.
RENEW is also expanding into new work-ready programs that train teens for future careers in science, environmental studies, and hospitality.
RENEW Programs
Neighborhood Naturalists encourages participants to become more comfortable outside, try new things, increase their knowledge of the environment, develop a sense of caring for the outdoor world, advocate for issues they care about, and become leaders in their communities. Programs can be conducted throughout the year, at schools, during the day or after-school, for community groups and organizations, and during summer camp programs.
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.
Engaging in outdoor activities like paddling and nature walks provides benefits for the spirit, mind, and body. Experience a sense of peace and connectedness, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function and physical health while spending time with others.
Community programs offer individuals the opportunity to learn more about how to advocate for environmental issues important to them and their communities, which fosters impactful, sustainable change.
Grants are available each year to individuals and organizations in the City of Wilmington to improve the environment in their community. Three grants of up to $300 are provided per year until funds are expended.
Thank You!
DelNature extends our sincere gratitude to the following foundations, organizations, and individual donors who have given their support to RENEW.
BlackRock, Chemours, Corteva, DuPont, PSEG Foundation, REI, William Penn Foundation, Brokaw Foundation and Guardian Donors June Peterson and Richard & Jessie Benjamin.
Thank you to our program partners: H. Fletcher Brown Boys & Girls Club, Kingswood Community Center, Wilmington Parks and Recreation, Hicks Anderson Community Center, Delaware Futures, Neighborhood House, and Riverfront Development Corporation.