conservation

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 “migrant traps”. Learn what you can do to support birds as they migrate southwards this fall. This program takes place in-person (at Mt. Cuba Center) Wednesday, September 21 (Rain Date: Wednesday, September 28) About the Instructor: Joe Sebastiani is the Ashland Nature Center Manager for the Delaware Nature Society. He is passionate about birds and wildlife, founded the Ashland Hawk Watch, and edits

After an introductory explanation of the iNaturalist app and its functions, Andrew Conboy, Morris Arboretum’s Martha S. Miller and Rusty Miller urban forestry fellow, will guide a tour through Mt. Cuba’s gardens and natural lands, logging observations of plants and wildlife found along the way. Leave inspired to continue to record observations in your own backyard, on your next hike or coordinate a community science initiative. Be sure to download the iNaturalist app before class. Dress for the weather, bring binoculars, and a water bottle. This program takes place in-person (at Mt. Cuba Center) Saturday, December 10, 2022 (Snow Date:

Are native cultivars as valuable in pollinator habitat gardens as straight native species? Native plants are generally recommended for supporting pollinators, but the growing demand for native plants, coupled with the horticulture industry’s desire for plants with unique characteristics, has led to the increased breeding and availability of native cultivars or “nativars.” Annie White was one of the first researchers in the country to evaluate native cultivars based on their ecological value instead of just their garden performance. Informed by both years of rigorous field research and real-world landscape design experience, Annie’s talk discusses both the benefits and challenges of

Even as scientists make discoveries about navigational and physiological feats that enable migratory birds to cross immense oceans or fly above the highest mountains, go weeks without sleep or remain in unbroken flight for months, humans have brought many migratory birds to the brink. Based on his bestselling new book “A World on the Wing”, author and researcher Scott Weidensaul takes attendees around the globe — with researchers in the lab probing the limits of what migrating birds can do, to the shores of the Yellow Sea in China, the remote mountains of northeastern India where tribal villages saved the

While Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens showcase how native plants can enhance formal and naturalistic gardens, behind the scenes, Mt. Cuba conducts conservation programs at many scales, ranging from individual species to whole ecosystems. We monitor and propagate rare plants, cultivate breeding habitat for bird species of conservation concern, and conduct a 100-year reforestation experiment. We collaborate with independent, university, and community scientists to learn more about the flora and fauna at Mt. Cuba, share the results with broader audiences, and contribute data to national community science projects. Dr. Ellen Lake, Mt. Cuba’s director of conservation and research, discusses the range

Rare plant conservation is a science that requires a high degree of expertise and knowledge of regulatory frameworks, such as botanical identification and species permits. Gain a deeper understanding of rare plants and the systems to classify and protect them with Élan Alford, Mt. Cuba Center’s conservation fellow. Explore the gardens with Élan as she highlights a selection of Delaware’s rare plants. Please dress for the weather and wear practical shoes for walking over uneven paths. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. About the Instructor: Élan Alford, Ph.D, is the Plant

Explore Mt. Cuba’s natural areas with Rowan Nygard, experienced mycophile. Scout and learn about the fungal diversity in the area. Be prepared for a lengthy hike through hilly, uneven, and occasionally steep terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. This program takes place in person in Mt. Cuba Center natural lands on Saturday, May 20, 2023 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 21). About the Instructor: Rowan Nygard grew up exploring the creeks and forests around the Eno River State Park in Durham, North Carolina. There he found a deep appreciation of nature, and a desire to know more

What we know about the nature of plant-pollinator interactions, and how this drives their evolution is the foundation of many of the management decisions and recommendations given to protect pollinators and biodiversity. Travel across the biology of pollination interactions and their conflicts with Anahí Espindola, PhD, from the University of Maryland. Learn about pollination’s importance to humans and ecosystems, the main forces of its evolution, and how scientists are able to transform the knowledge we have on them into applied ways to improve their conservation and survival. This program takes place online on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. About the Instructor:

The study and preservation of the iconic monarch butterfly is a focal area for the conservation and research team at Mt. Cuba. Join Ellen Lake, director of conservation and research, and Sam Hoadley, manager of horticultural research, who will introduce the monarch’s biology and interactions with milkweed and discuss the fascinating nature of their migration. Students will take a tour of the newly planted milkweed trial and compare several milkweed species. Please dress for the weather. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Wednesday, July 12, 2023 About the Instructor: Ellen Lake, PhD, is the Director of

Non-native invasive plants, like Japanese barberry and English ivy, damage our environment by invading natural areas and outcompeting native plants. To help stop the spread, the Delaware state legislature recently passed a law banning the sale of 36 invasive plant species. Join Leah Brooks as she presents beautiful native alternatives to these invasive ornamentals and explains how making these substitutes helps protect our ecosystems. A garden walk to view recommended plants is included. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, July 22, 2023. About the Instructor: Leah Brooks is Mt. Cuba’s Public Programs Assistant. She

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. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, November 1st,

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. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. About the Instructor: Eileen Boyle is the former Director of Conservation and Research at Mt. Cuba Center. She loves teaching, especially about plants and their

Pollinators in the woods? Explore the many ways wild bees nest and forage in woody habitats. Most native bees are solitary and have long evolutionary relationships with our beloved wildflowers and provide important pollination services which ensure the stability of many of our favorite fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In the northeastern US, up to 1/3 of our wild bee species prefer and rely on forest habitats. Some are specialized to only collect pollen and nectar from spring ephemerals on the forest floor, while others nest in rotting logs and in leaf litter deep in the woods. Join Kass Urban-Mead from

Large-scale, long distance bird migration has fascinated people for centuries. Joe Sebastiani, director of land stewardship at Delaware Nature Society and 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. Be prepared for a hike through hilly, uneven, and occasionally steep terrain. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and a water bottle. This program takes place in person in Mt. Cuba Center natural lands on Wednesday, September 18,

Beetles are the most diverse group of living things on the planet, making up nearly one quarter of all described species! Such diversity means that beetles provide a wide range of services for humans and our ecosystems, from nature’s clean-up crew to pollination to pest control and everything in between. Join us as we learn about the beauty, benefits, and biodiversity of our spectacular native beetles. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, October 5, 2024. About the Instructor: Samantha Nestory is the engagement manager at Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden in Villanova, PA. She holds

Learn about the important identifying features of our local fungi. Discover some of the crucial roles they play in our ecosystems. Discuss what you can do to preserve fungal diversity in your area through community science and land stewardship.The lecture and discussion will be followed by a guided exploration of Mt. Cuba’s natural areas. Scout and learn about the fungal diversity in the area. Be prepared for a lengthy hike through hilly (sometimes steep) and uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, October 16,