Thanks for a great year! Mt. Cuba Center is closed for general admission for the season and will reopen on April 3, 2024.
This program has been canceled due to weather as of August 30. Calling all dogs and nature lovers for this exclusive opportunity to enjoy Mt. Cuba’s trails with your pup! Take in the scenery and enjoy the “golden hours” before sunset while beating the daytime heat. Bark Before Dark takes place on August 16, 23 […]
Get lost in a book in Mt. Cuba’s gardens. Families are invited on Thursday mornings to listen to stories from nature-themed children’s books intended for children ages five and under. Story Time Sprouts typically takes place outside in Bluey’s Woods. This program will be moved indoors in cases of inclement weather. We recommend bringing a […]
Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Local food trucks will be on-site, and beer and wine will be available for purchase. For more details, visit mtcubacenter.org/twilight. Music: Soul Chalice(Rock/Funk) Food Trucks: Zaikka & Delaware Provision This program takes place in-person (at […]
Usher in the cool days of autumn with a colorful assortment of plants that provide late-season interest to your garden and much-needed food for resident and migrating pollinators. Susan Dixon, Perennial Plant Buyer and Department Manager at Gateway Garden Center, discusses design principles, plant and container selection, and proper planting and maintenance tips, after which […]
Increase your range of motion, core body strength, and flexibility through the practice of yoga in a lovely garden setting. Focus on stretching techniques that safely promote proper spinal position, balance, and joint health. No experience is necessary. Bring a yoga mat, towel, and wear comfortable clothing. (Ages 18 and over) This program takes place […]
Come walk and talk through the recently unveiled Woodland Glade from none other than the horticulturists who take pride in the design, planning, and installation of Mt. Cuba's new entrance garden. From the soloists that wow to the chorus of ground-covering plants, and architectural backbone of the trees and shrubs, Susan Boss, senior horticulturist, and […]
See Mt. Cuba Center in a new light – no light, that is! Embark on a guided Night Hike to experience the stars and sounds of our natural lands after dark. Listen as the night comes alive with the chatter of owls, frogs, crickets, and maybe even a fox or two. Learn about the nocturnal […]
Take an in-depth look at our gardens with a friendly Educator. Discover how to contribute to ecological transformation in your community through sustainable gardening practices. Learn about environmental topics such as climate change, systems-thinking, and consciously sourcing native plants for your region. This tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk and is […]
An introduction to the native orchids most often encountered in the mid-Atlantic region, this presentation will discuss how to find, identify, and help protect them. More than four dozen taxa are beautifully illustrated in situ. Seldom seen by the casual observer, the intricate beauty of these often tiny subjects is revealed through the magic of […]
As fall approaches, different elements become important in the garden – both visually and for providing habitat. This month we will talk about how to incorporate Eco-Gardening principals into your management practices. Discover an array of fruiting trees and shrubs that add beauty to your space and provide wildlife forage. This program takes place in-person […]
Focus your mind and fine-tune your sensory awareness as you engage in the sights and sounds of nature. Experience the impression of the land beneath your feet, absorb the warmth of the sun, and enjoy the ambient noises around you during these contemplative walks. Take the first steps towards reduced stress and a more mindful […]
Native plants of the mid-Atlantic region are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning […]
This introductory level, easy-to-learn set of 20 movements helps dissolve tension, reduce chronic pain, and improve balance. Based on the ancient Chinese principles of activation and circulation of energy (chi), T’ai Chi Chih is an easily adaptive and enjoyable program that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Comfortable clothing is […]
Enjoy drawing and painting in the company of others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Begin a new work of art, continue working on pieces already started, or simply refresh your drawing skills in this dedicated studio time. Explore a variety of techniques and mediums used in creating botanical art while the instructor provides individualized direction. […]
Transform your landscape into a garden that attracts a wealth of beneficial wildlife, including birds, butterflies, a wide variety of insects, and amphibians. Unlock the important connections between the roles of pollinators and the plants and habitats they require. Explore Mt. Cuba Center’s naturalistic gardens to observe native bees in action and discover the best […]
Don’t let weeds get the upper hand this season! Learn how to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The spring section focuses on early season weeds; the fall section covers species that should be removed before winter, making next year’s garden more maintenance free. […]
High levels of white-tailed deer populations have detrimental effects on native ecosystems. The sound management and harvesting of these animals has been shown to be the best way to reduce large herd numbers. Join Mt. Cuba for an evening to observe and experience how Nate Shampine, natural lands manager, utilizes the different cuts of meat […]
See Mt. Cuba Center in a new light – no light, that is! Embark on a guided Night Hike to experience the stars and sounds of our natural lands after dark. Listen as the night comes alive with the chatter of owls, frogs, crickets, and maybe even a fox or two. Learn about the nocturnal […]
With Mt. Cuba’s gardens as the muse and Randall Graham as your en plein air instructor, artists can overcome the challenges of landscape painting by creating a plan. Learn color-mixing, drawing, composing, and basic set-up tips in a skillful and encouraging environment. Enjoy a brief lecture and quick demonstration outlining the step-by-step procedures to ensure […]
Hitch a hayride deep into our natural lands before adventuring on foot for a behind-the-scenes experience of Mt. Cuba’s wilder side. Hike to the far corners of the property and discover how Mt. Cuba applies “gardening on a higher level” in natural areas. Learn about ever-evolving land management strategies, conservation efforts and research, and the […]
Bring the family out for a scenic hayride through Mt. Cuba’s stunning natural lands. Arrive at a bonfire where you can kick back and relax or explore your surroundings. Enjoy fireside snacks, s’mores, and adult and family-friendly beverages while the sun sets. Advance registration required. Space is limited. Sunset and S'mores takes place on September […]
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 […]
September is a great month for foraging for fungi. Starting a sketchbook of mushrooms can be a wonderful way to document your finds, enhance your observational skills, and refine your drawing technique. We’ll discuss how to begin a fall fungi sketchbook. Graphite, archival pens, or watercolor - or all three…it’s up to you. Basic mushroom […]
Are you ready to take the next steps in exploring the world of nature photography? Join professional photographer David Greaves to learn advanced techniques such as using different lighting to your advantage to express emotion in your photos, telling stories through your photos using varying angles, and more tips to further develop your skills in […]
The first book printed featuring photographic images was made in 1843 by Anna Atkins, an English botanist and photographer. Atkins pioneered the use of the cyanotype process to capture images of algae, ferns, flowers, and other plants. Cyanotype is a camera-less photographic printing process that allows the artist to explore shape, light, and an appreciation […]
See trees in their autumn glory and learn how they add beauty and value to our landscapes. Enjoy unique family-friendly programs, live music, hayrides, and more. Pack a picnic or feast on food truck fare. Native plants available for purchase while supplies last. This program takes place in-person (at Mt. Cuba Center) Saturday, September 24, […]