October 7th, 2010
The Seaside Nature Center, Cape Henlopen State Park, Activities, Events, Fantasy Trail, Delaware Beaches, 10/9/10 – 10/24/10
“The Beach is a Narrow World between the waves and the land.”
The kind of day we had today in the Delmarva Peninsula was one in a million. Bright sunshine, no humidity, 70 degrees and all you wanted to do was to be outside. And, so I was. Dishes not in the dishwasher, beds not made; I really did not care. Soon enough fall will turn into winter and we will be more indoors.
I had not been in some time to the Nature Center located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware. Right inside the Cape Henlopen State Park.
It has a shop as well as a museum/aquarium. You can read about the tides and watch the different types of fish that live in our area.
There is also a “petting” tank. The horseshoe crab came right up to me the moment I approached the tank.
The Park and the Nature Center offer a variety of recreational and historic opportunities for all of us. There are also rental facilities for groups, conferences meetings or other events. It is open daily, year round from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. It will be closed Oct. 18th until Oct. 26th, Nov. 25th, Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st.
For information on programs please call 302-645-6852 or visit www.destateparks.com.
So this is what’s going on: Please note that until November there is an admission fee for the Park. $4 instate and $8 out of state.
Saturday, 10/9 – Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Renters must have paddling experience. Bring water and sunscreen. Closed-toe shoes are required. Solo paddlers must be 13 years or older. Paddlers 8 – 12 years old must be in a tandem kayak with a parent. For more info. call 302-645-6852. $15 per person per hour.
Saturday, 10/9 – Hawks of Cape Henlopen at 11 a.m. Learn how to identify some of our common birds of prey that migrate overhead each fall. Then take to the Hawk Watch and see them for yourself. Limited to 20 people and pre-registration is required by calling 302-645-6852. $2.00 per person.
Meet at the Seaside Nature Center.
I was at the Cape Henlopen State Park today and I could not believe how many hawks I saw.
Saturday, 10/9 – Creatures of the Coast at 2 p.m. See live animals and learn about some of the cool and amazing creatures that call Delaware Bay their home. Limited to 40. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center. $2.00 per person.
Saturday, 10/9 – Battery 519 Museum Tour. Location? Fort Miles. Fort Miles was a key part of the nation’s coastal defense during and after WWII. In April 2005, Fort Miles was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Directions: On arriving at Cape Henlopen State Park, follow the “Fort Miles” signs to the Historic Area parking lot. Walk the paved road through the Cantonment Area to the Orientation Building, the last large building on your right.
Pre-registration is required; call 302-645-6852.
This program will start at 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. A historical interpreter will give you a guided tour of a WWII coastal defense gun battery. See the updates and renovations to this historic site as you learn about the history of Fort Miles and the future plans for the Fort Miles Historic Area. Limited to 30. $5 per person.
Saturday, 10/9 – Campfire Circle: Night Skies at 6:30 p.m. Join them for stories and other campfire activities. Learn about constellations and be part of the stories they tell. Bring marshmallows and sticks for roasting!! For ages 5 and up. It is Free!!
Thursday, 10/14 – Fall on the Move. 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. They will read James Kaczman’s A Bird and His Worm. Learn why many animals are on the move during the fall.
Please take your 3 to 5 year old to the Seaside Nature Center for learning fun. Secrets of nature will be discovered through games, crafts, outdoor adventures and the books of popular children’s authors.
Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Limited to 12 children. $3 per child.
This Program is offered on Thursdays until December 16th.
Saturday, 10/16 – Arachnophobia at 2 p.m. Get caught in a web of discovery while learning about our local spiders. They will teach you which ones to avoid and give you some great tips for sneaking up on them in the wild. For ages 5 and up. It is Free!!
Saturday, 10/16 – Hayrides through the Park. View the many wonders of Cape Henlopen from their hay wagon with a naturalist guide. Tickets go on sale at the Seaside Nature Center the morning of the trips on a first-come, first-served basis. For ages 8 and up.
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of 6 tickets per person. Limited to 18. $5/person.
Saturday, 10/16 – 5th Annual Wine, Cheese and Beer Tasting from 4 until 6 p.m. at the Officers Club. It is offered by the Friends of Cape Henlopen Events.
Tickets are available at the Park Office, Biden Center, Lewes Printing, Lewes Gourmet, Lewes Chamber of Commerce or call 302-858-6127. Please note that your ticket will be your entrance into the park.
Admission: $18 in advance or $24 at the door.
For more info. about Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park Events, volunteer projects or membership, please call 302-858-6127 or visit www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.
Sunday, 10/17 – Salt Marsh Spur Trail (3 miles) – At 11 a.m. Join their naturalist on a guided hike along some of the scenic and interesting trails in the State. Call 302-645-6852 for directions, more info. and to pre-register. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center, and then drive to the respective trailheads. It is free.
Special Event
Friday, 10/22, Saturday, 10/23, Sunday, 10/24 – It is the 22nd Children’s Fantasy Trail. Friday and Saturday from 6 until 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 6 until 7:30 p.m.
Take the kids (costumes are appreciated) to their 22nd Fantasy Trail. Trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters on their jack-o’lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening will include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Volunteers are Needed – To make this event better than ever you are needed. If you are interested in being a character or carving the many pumpkins that line the trail, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 302-644-5005 or the Seaside Nature Center at 302-645-6852.
Can you believe it? The above are just a few of the many events that will be going on in the Delmarva Peninsula in the fall.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….you know I will….
Tags: Activities, aquarium, Battery 519 Museum, Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Delaware Seashore State Park, Events, Fantasy Trail, Fort Miles, Hawks of Cape Henlopen, Hayrides through the Park, Lewes, The Seaside Nature Center, The State park, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
