Mt Cuba Center
Tour at Mt. Cuba Center.
Enjoy Fall at Mt. Cuba Plan Your Visit Plan Your Visit
Mission

Our mission is to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.

People sitting around a fire at Mt. Cuba's hay bales and brews
Join Us for Fun Fall Events This Season! LEARN MORE LEARN MORE
HOURS

The gardens and trails are open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.

An ecological gardening certificate student completes a Native Plants of Fall exam in Mt. Cuba Center's naturalistic gardens.
Ecological Gardening Certificate Learn More Learn More

Classes offered year-round. Learn to garden in harmony with nature, take an art class, attend an event, and more!

New Research: Mt. Cuba Moth Survey Learn More Learn More
Trial Garden

Mt. Cuba Center evaluates native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value.

Gift a Membership Learn More Learn More
MEMBERSHIP

Enjoy unlimited general admission, member discounts, guest passes, and more!

Pink flowers surrounded by green foliage.
Join a Mt. Cuba Giving Society Today Giving Societies Giving Societies
Support Mt. Cuba's Mission

Direct your gift to the area of greatest need or to a specific area you'd like to support.

close
Mt Cuba Center
Back to Classes & Events
October 9 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Event

Venison, A Field to Fork Dining Experience

Candles burns on a table set with a native plant arrangement at Mt. Cuba Center.

Experience an unforgettable evening on the Mt. Cuba main terrace, where sweeping views of rolling hills set the stage for an exclusive after‑hours learning and dining experience. High populations of white‑tailed deer can place significant pressure on native ecosystems, and responsible management—including ethical harvesting—remains one of the most effective ways to restore ecological balance.

Join Mt. Cuba’s Natural Lands Manager Nate Shampine as he guides you through the journey from field to table, demonstrating how different cuts of venison can be transformed into flavorful, creative dishes. Throughout the evening, you’ll savor expertly prepared venison courses, each highlighting a unique preparation and perspective on sustainable wild‑sourced food.

Perfect for conservation‑minded guests, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a rare behind‑the‑scenes experience, this event blends education, ecology, and exceptional cuisine in a setting like no other. Beer, wine and spirits available for purchase. Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks will also be available. (Ages 21 and over)

This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, October 9, 2026.

🥬 Gift or take home

About the Instructor:
Nate Shampine, CERP, is Mt. Cuba Center’s Natural Lands Manager responsible for implementing land conservation practices through the creation and maintenance of healthy, functional ecosystems. He is a graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and he is also a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner through the Society for Ecological Restoration.

REGISTER NOW:

General Public

Individual+ & Dual+ Members

Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members