Upcoming Events
Every Saturday at 9am -Free Van Tours
Join local naturalists on a van tour around the refuge. Learn about refuge history, management actions, and wildlife. Every Saturday morning at 9:00. The tour leaves from the visitor center parking lot. It is limited to 12 people, so registration is required. sign up in person or by phone 302-653-9345
Any unreserved spots can be claimed the morning of the tour.
Sunday, May 5, 2024 8:00 am – 10:00 am Warbler Walk – The walk will be on one or two trails along the wildlife drive with expert birders Eileen McLellan and Terry Willis. This will be an excellent way to practice what you learned at the Warbler Program the day before or for anyone who wants to look for warblers.
Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am Beginning Birding – Shorebird Program - Eileen McLellan and Terry Willis will give a presentation about shorebirds, their amazing migrations, and simple identification techniques. After the presentation, participants will take the bus to the impoundments to practice their new skills (11:15 – 12:30). The presentation is open to unlimited participants. The bus is limited to 14 participants, pre-registration is required to reserve your spot. Any un-reserved spots will be available on the day of the event. Call 302-653-9345 to register.
2:00 – 3:00 Baby Animals of Spring The Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators (DCWRE)will present.Every spring, hundreds of baby wildlife arrive for care with wildlife rehabilitators. Often these animals have been picked up by a well-meaning person who thought they were abandoned or injured. In this program, local wildlife rehabilitators will discuss what to do if you find a baby animal, how to decide if it needs help or should be left alone, and who to call to get the animal help. They’ll also discuss what is needed to prepare the animal to return to the wild. You’ll learn the challenges of being a wildlife rehabilitation non-profit and how you can get involved to help.
Saturday, May 18, 2024 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Bird Identification Station Get a close look at the different bird species in the impoundments. Randy Murphy will be set up on the wildlife drive with scopes and binoculars to help you identify shorebirds, wading birds, and whatever else flies by. Look for the blue ID Station sign along the auto tour route.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Here come the Bugs! Join biologist Anthony Gonzon for a journey through the diversity of Delaware’s invertebrate life. Learn about life histories, identification, and fun facts. After the program Anthony will set up lights to draw in insects for observation and identification. Part of this program is outdoors after dark. Bring a headlamp/flashlight and dress appropriately.
Saturday, May 25, 2024 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Horseshoe Crab life history and ecology by Brandi Besecker Learn about one of the planets oldest migrations as we discuss the fascinating story of the horseshoe crab, and its critical role for both people and wildlife. We'll then take an excursion to Woodland Beach to get a close look at these prehistoric creatures. High tide at Woodland Beach is 12:12pm
Saturday, June 1, 2024 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Photo Workshop Join wildlife and landscape photographer Terry Willis for a Wildlife/Nature Photography Workshop. Learn how to optimize your camera for photographing wildlife and landscapes. In this workshop we will discuss camera settings, and how to go beyond the “Auto” setting on your digital camera. We will also begin to delve into editing your photos using software like Adobe Photoshop, beginning with the Raw Image and proceeding to the final version suitable for printing or using on the web. Call 302-653-9345 to register.
Sunday, June 2, 2024 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Bird Identification Station Get a close look at the different bird species in the impoundments. Randy Murphy will be set up on the wildlife drive with scopes and binoculars to help you identify shorebirds, wading birds, and whatever else flies by. Look for the blue ID Station sign along the auto tour route.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:00 am – 12:00 pm All About Purple Martins Local Naturalist Joel Martin will be presenting on the life history of the Purple Martin at 11:00 am. Following the presentation, he will conduct nest checks at the nesting gourds adjacent to the visitor center. Visitors are welcome to observe and may even get to participate