Home Page

Abbott's Mill Nature Center
Abbott's Mill Nature Center offers nature education programs year-round for ages 18 months-18 years, adults and families. Programs for school classes and public groups. Short, easy walking trails through fields, pine woods and along a stream including the Lindale Tract and Marvel Saltmarsh. A historic grist mill. Tours are conducted during programs and Autumn at Abbott's Mill Festival. Under the administration of The Delaware Nature Society. Contact 302-422-0847 or visit online at www.delawarenaturesociety.org/abbotts/abbotts.html

Bald Cypress Nature Center
Featured in Trap Pond State Park, home of the northernmost stand of the Bald Cypress trees. Birdwatching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may spot a great blue heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, bald eagle or the elusive pileated woodpecker. (302)875-5153.

Barnes Woods Nature Preserve
Located south of Seaford, the preserve offers a self-guided nature trail through hardwood forests, along a tidal stream.

Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve
Located north of the city of Lewes, with vehicle access from Broadkill Beach. Most of this 129-acre barrier island is protected to preserve habitat for native plant and animal species, but surf fishing and beachcoming are permitted along the Delaware Bay shore. A satellite area of Cape Henlopen State Park. (302)645-8983.

Burton's Island
A short nature trail on Burton's Island affords scenic views of the salt marshes and bay islands, where gulls and terns gather in their noisy summer nesting colonies. Located in Delaware Seashore State Park, north of the Indian River Inlet. (302)227-2800.

Gordon's Pond Wildlife Area
Located at Cape Henlopen State Park features a unique saltwater Inpoundment. (302)645-8983.

Holts Landing State Park
The 203-acres area contains a variety of beautiful landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood forests. Located on Indian River Bay, it actually includes the 97 acre Assowoman Canal that connects the Bay with Little Assawoman Bay. (302)539-9060.

James Branch Nature Preserve
Located downstream from Trap and Trussum Ponds, the preserve features some of the largest baldcypress trees in the state.

James Farm Ecological Preserve
Located just off Cedar Neck Road about two (2) miles north of Rt. 26 near Ocean View. The James Farm was donated to Sussex County in 1992 by Mrs. Mary A. Lighthipe, in memory of her son, for the purpose of providing an area for environmental education and recreational activities. During the fall of 1998, the Center for the Inland Bays entered into an occupancy agreement with Sussex County Council to develop the site as an ecological preserve.

Little Assawoman Bay
The saltmarshes that line the bay are home to many species of waterfowl. Birdwatchers may spot nesting gulls and terns in the summer months; and osprey, herons, loons, and an occaisional bald eagle fish the bay waters. Ducks and geese are common to the area. The barrier dunes along the ocean are also valuable habitat for the piping plover, a federally protected species of shorebird. Located off and best accessed from Fenwick Island State Park. (302)539-9060.

Thompson's Island Preserve
A productive salt marsh habitat once common around the inland bays. Due to its importance to local wildlife, human activities on the island are limited, and there is no motor vehicle access or parking available at this time. Located in Delaware Seashore State Park, northwest of the Inlet. (302)227-2800.

Trussum Pond
Trussum Pond is nationally known for its scenic baldcypress. Located near Trap Pond State Park.

"Great Walking Dune"
Located at Cape Henlopen State Park are famous for slowly moving across the pine forests. (302)645-8983.