classes conservation

Fall Bird Migration

With Joe Sebastiani

Large-scale, long distance bird migration has fascinated people for centuries. Joe Sebastiani, an expert birder, presents research findings on the origins of and the triggers for migration, how birds navigate hazards along the way, and the importance of “migration trap.” Learn what you can do to support birds as they migrate south this fall.

Wednesday 9/13, 8:30 – 11:00 am | $29

(Rain Date: Wednesday 9/20)

Hayride Through the Past

With Nedda Moqtaderi

Uncover the past with local historian Nedda Moqtaderi as she reveals the rich legacy of Mt. Cuba, from the expansive family farms to active milling complexes. Explore three centuries of people and cultural landscapes through archival records, historic buildings, and on-site visits to our exceptional natural lands aboard our tractor-driven hay wagon. Be prepared for a lengthy hike through hilly and uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.

Saturday 10/7, 10 am - 1 pm | $39

(Rain Date: Sunday, 10/8)

Hike Mt. Cuba and Ashland’s Hawk Watch Hill

With Ellen Lake, PhD and Joe Sebastiani Reconnect with nature in this exceptional behind-the-scenes trek through the natural areas with Ellen Lake, Mt. Cuba’s director of conservation and research, and Joe Sebastiani, manager at Ashland Nature Center. Along the way, scout for birds, explore old-field meadows and woodland habitats, and learn about several natural lands projects and research experiments. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars, a water bottle, and lunch. Be prepared for a four-mile hike through hilly terrain.

Wednesday 10/18, 9 am – 1:30 pm| $35

(Rain Date: Wednesday 10/25)

Owl Howl

With Joe Sebastiani and Ian Stewart, PhD Many people have heard an owl, but few have ever seen one. Mt. Cuba’s varied landscapes and topography provide the ideal habitats for three of Delaware’s native owl species – the barred, great horned, and Eastern screech – and winter is the best time to spot them roosting in our trees. Owls are nocturnal so join us as we search for them just after dusk. Following a brief introductory lecture, we’ll head out into the garden and listen for their unique calls. Dress for the weather.

Section A: Wednesday 11/1, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow/Rain Date: Wednesday 11/8, 5 – 7:30)

Section B: Friday, 11/10, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow/Rain Date: Friday, 11/17)

Section C: Wednesday, 2/7, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow Date: Wednesday, 2/14)

Section D: Friday, 2/16, 5 – 7:30 pm | $29

(Snow Date Saturday, 2/23)

Hummingbirds: Dynamic Aviators

With Eileen Boyle

Get ready for hummingbirds! These amazing creatures will arrive this spring in your garden after traveling more than 3,000 miles from their Central American winter sites. Learn about their life cycle, migration patterns, and the plants that attract and sustain them. Then stroll through the garden to see potential food sources, nest materials, and former nesting spots for these dynamic aviators.

Saturday, 3/23, 1 – 3 pm | $29

Conserving Delaware’s Rare Plants With Élan Alford, PhD

Although a small state, Delaware has a collection of fascinating rare plants in need of conservation. Rare plant conservation is a science that requires a high degree of expertise, such as botanical identification. Gain a deeper understanding of rare plants and the systems to classify and protect them with Élan Alford, Mt. Cuba’s plant conservation scientist. Explore the gardens with Élan as she highlights a selection of Delaware’s rare plants.

Thursday 4/18, 10 am – 1:30 pm | $39

Learning the Language of Birds With Holly

Merker

Calling all bird lovers! When a bird sings, it tells you what it is and where it is. Increase your chances of successfully sighting and identifying songbirds “by ear” this spring using Holly’s intriguing strategies. Learn how, why, and when birds sing, and come away with foundational skills for understanding and learning the language of the birds right outside your own doors. Dress for the weather, bring your binoculars (some will be provided), and wear practical shoes for walking over uneven paths. Pace will be slow and accommodate most mobility levels.

Saturday 4/27, 8 – 11 am | $39

The Secret Lives of Spring Wildflowers

With Ellen Lake, PhD

Skunk cabbage, bloodroot, and trout lilies are among the first signs of spring and warmer weather ahead. Spring ephemerals and wildflowers must complete part of their life cycle before the tree canopy leafs out, reducing light levels at the forest floor. These plants face many challenges including unpredictable weather and pollinator availability. Spring wildflowers have special adaptations to overcome these challenges, and intricate relationships with pollinators and seed dispersers. Learn more about these wildflowers, their life histories, and plantinsect interactions, and look for them during a guided walk in the gardens.

Section A: Thursday 4/25, 1 - 3 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Friday 4/26)

Section B: Saturday 4/27, 10 am – 12 pm | $29

(Rain Date: Sunday 4/28)