HOURS
Gardens and trails are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. Plan your visit today!
Program Guide
Classes offered year-round. Learn to garden in harmony with nature, take an art or wellness class, and more!
Trial Garden
Mt. Cuba Center evaluates native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value.
Ecological Land Management
Mt. Cuba conserves and stewards more than 1,000 acres including meadows, forests, streams and riparian corridors.
MEMBERSHIP
Enjoy unlimited general admission, member discounts, guest passes, and more!
HOURS
Gardens and trails are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. Plan your visit today!
Program Guide
Classes offered year-round. Learn to garden in harmony with nature, take an art or wellness class, and more!
Trial Garden
Mt. Cuba Center evaluates native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value.
Ecological Land Management
Mt. Cuba conserves and stewards more than 1,000 acres including meadows, forests, streams and riparian corridors.
MEMBERSHIP
Enjoy unlimited general admission, member discounts, guest passes, and more!
Upcoming
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Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
1 event,
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
-
Canceled: Yoga on the Trails: Section A
Canceled: Yoga on the Trails: Section A
This program has been canceled as of 9/20/23. Walk fully present through the Mt. Cuba natural lands loop with designated stops for yoga postures and meditation. John McElderry will help bring the spiritual path alive on the trail itself in the splendor of nature. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and yoga mat […]
$29
0 events,
1 event,
-
Weeds 101: Fall Section
Weeds 101: Fall Section
Think of what gardening would be like without the world of weeds. Learn how to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The fall section covers species that should be removed before winter, making next year’s garden more maintenance free. Ecologically friendly methods of managing […]
$29
5 events,
-
Best Woody Plants for Wildlife
Best Woody Plants for Wildlife
Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs! From willow and viburnum, to hawthorn and more, discover beautiful woody plants that give the most bang for your buck in terms of wildlife value! A garden walk to view the plants is included. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on […]
$29
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Hayride Through the Past
Hayride Through the Past
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 […]
$39
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Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
2 events,
-
Canceled: Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing: Section B
Canceled: Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing: Section B
This program is canceled as of 9/20/23. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is rooted in the traditional Japanese reverence for the natural world and dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and a sense of awe. Anisa George, a certified forest therapy guide, facilitates a series of interactions with nature that cultivate presence, calm, and profound joy. Discover […]
$39
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
0 events,
1 event,
-
Seed Collecting
Seed Collecting
Harvesting seeds is a cost-efficient and exciting way to increase the number of plants in your garden. Learn the best techniques for collecting and storing seeds produced by our native trees, shrubs, and perennials. Following a brief lecture, participants will head out to the gardens for some hands-on seed collecting. Take home a diverse array […]
$49
1 event,
-
Ecological Arboriculture
Ecological Arboriculture
Develop a deeper connection to trees by understanding their outsized role in our natural ecosystems. Trees provide habitat and food. They support nutrient cycling in forest systems through leaf-drop and decomposition, mediate temperatures, mitigate storm water, and soil erosion, and are culturally significant to the mid-Atlantic region. Examine the ecological features of trees while learning […]
$229
0 events,
2 events,
-
Fall Bounty Floral Arrangements: Section A
Fall Bounty Floral Arrangements: Section A
Celebrate the bounty of fall by creating a lush floral arrangement using fresh cut seasonal flowers from a local farm. Donna will teach you the elements of floral design and color theory using a variety of plant materials so you can produce a stunning autumnal centerpiece. All supplies are provided, but please bring hand pruners and a […]
$79
-
Night Hike
Night Hike
See Mt. Cuba in a new light – no light, that is! Embark on a guided Night Hike to experience the sights 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 animals […]
$8 – $15
7 events,
-
Garden Enthusiast Tour
Garden Enthusiast Tour
Take an in-depth look at the gardens and discover how to apply 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. Tours include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Tickets include admission […]
$4 – $19
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Canceled: Fall Bounty Floral Arrangements: Section B
Canceled: Fall Bounty Floral Arrangements: Section B
This program has been canceled as of 9/20/23. Celebrate the bounty of fall by creating a lush floral arrangement using fresh cut seasonal flowers from a local farm. Donna will teach you the elements of floral design and color theory using a variety of plant materials so you can produce a stunning autumnal centerpiece. All supplies are […]
$79
-
Lawn-less Yards
Lawn-less Yards
Reducing the American lawn is beneficial for everyone. We can add more native plants, reduce flooding in our watersheds, attract pollinators, and bring balance to our ecosystems. Dive into some example projects where lawns have been replaced by native plant solutions. With a focus on a variety of site conditions such as sunny slopes, low […]
$29
2 events,
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
-
Wild Game Over the Flame
Wild Game Over the Flame
It’s build your own taco night – with ecology in mind! Mt. Cuba’s natural lands support a variety of wild game, some of which have negative impacts on our native vegetation. Management of these species provides us with locally sourced, sustainable food. Join us for a casual evening around a campfire, grilling wild game meats and […]
$69
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
-
Hike the Mt. Cuba Trails and Ashland Hawk Watch Hill
Hike the Mt. Cuba Trails and Ashland Hawk Watch Hill
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 […]
$35
1 event,
-
Fall Fitness Walks in Nature: Section A
Fall Fitness Walks in Nature: Section A
Enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Cuba’s gardens, forests, and meadows this fall and winter as you experience the change of seasons – from autumn’s foliage to winter’s serenity. Become familiar with our native flora as you improve your health and explore the extensive walking trails in our natural lands. Each walk will be different […]
$29
2 events,
-
Autumn Groundcovers
Autumn Groundcovers
Switch from wood chip mulch to “green mulch” – native groundcovers! In addition to providing a visually appealing tapestry of textures and colors, native plants support moths, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the year. Learn a variety of attractive, tough, and versatile species that look great in the fall and help knit your landscape together. […]
$29
-
Night Hike
Night Hike
See Mt. Cuba in a new light – no light, that is! Embark on a guided Night Hike to experience the sights 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 animals […]
$8 – $15
8 events,
-
Helping Wildlife Through the Winter
Helping Wildlife Through the Winter
From fruiting shrubs to seed-bearing wildflowers, native plants provide essential shelter and forage that sustain our wildlife through the winter. Explore how to easily create overwintering habitat and learn about the animals that utilize it. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, October 21, 2023. About the Instructor: Leah Brooks […]
$19
-
Painting the Marvelous Hummingbird
Painting the Marvelous Hummingbird
Allow the vibrancy and charisma of the hummingbird to inspire your time painting and collaging a work of art with artist, Monica Lopez. Learn paintbrush usage, color mixing, and color application on canvas while finding your unique painting style. Monica will guide you through finding artistic expression with personalized instructions. Open to all levels of […]
$45
-
Workshop: Tree ID from the Trail – Fall Section
Workshop: Tree ID from the Trail – Fall Section
Take a hike through the woods with the Mt. Cuba Arboriculture Team and learn to recognize common native trees. Tree identification becomes quick and rewarding when using easy and practical identification tricks such as leaf shape, bark texture, silhouettes, and fruit and nuts found on the ground. Class will be held entirely outdoors, so dress […]
$35
1 event,
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
-
Botanical Watercolor: Next Steps
Botanical Watercolor: Next Steps
Preserve the beauty of fall through watercolor paintings with fresh specimens like colorful leaves, branches with berries, seed pods, and more from the garden as a source of inspiration. Take a deeper dive into the tools and techniques of botanical watercolor painting. Judy focuses on color theory and traditional dry brush methods that create form […]
$109
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
-
Building Drystack Walls
Building Drystack Walls
Are you interested in building stone walls in your garden? This one-day workshop introduces you to basic mortar-free masonry techniques. Start with a classroom introduction to the fundamental steps involved in stacked-stone wall construction, then get some hands-on instruction in setting stones on site. Bring work gloves, safety glasses, a water bottle, and lunch. This […]
$59
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
1 event,
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
-
Ecological Arboriculture: Section B
Ecological Arboriculture: Section B
Develop a deeper connection to trees by understanding their outsized role in our natural ecosystems. Trees provide habitat and food. They support nutrient cycling in forest systems through leaf-drop and decomposition, mediate temperatures, mitigate storm water, and soil erosion, and are culturally significant to the mid-Atlantic region. Examine the ecological features of trees while learning […]
$229
-
Owl Howl: Section A
Owl Howl: Section A
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 […]
$29
4 events,
-
Compact Composting
Compact Composting
Turn your trash to treasure with home-scale composting. Transform everyday kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich treasure (compost) that makes plants flourish. Learn the key elements of creating compost at home, what materials can be safely composted, and how to keep the compost bin from smelling. Storage bin options will be discussed and demonstrated. This program takes […]
$29
-
Nature Play Day
Nature Play Day
Discover the wild side of Mt. Cuba with a day of outdoor fun in our natural lands. Take to the open skies by flying a kite; touch-a-truck and tractor; navigate a nature obstacle course; and more! Embrace your inner explorer on a guided hike through rolling terrain. A variety of food and beverage selections available […]
Included with garden admission
-
Guided Trails Hike
Guided Trails Hike
Learn about Mt. Cuba’s approach to land management and the events that shape our past, current, and future landscapes. Become empowered to take ecologically beneficial actions to support native wildlife and habitats with the effects of climate change in mind. Bring water and be prepared to hike steep paths and uneven terrain throughout our natural […]
Free – $3