Killens Pond Nature Center

Killens Pond Nature Center


Killens Pond Nature Center

Visitors to the park’s nature center experience live animal exhibits featuring native reptiles and amphibians. The Pileated Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler and Barred Owl can often be heard in the woods at the park - explore the surrounding wooded trails along the pond's edge or simply take in the sights and sounds from the covered deck. This facility is also available for special event rentals.


Upcoming Events

First Hike of Spring!

Saturday, March 25, 2023

1:00 PM

Join naturalists for the final hike of the winter hiking series on our first hike of spring! This week's hike will be 3.1 miles long and will begin at sports complex parking lot. Dogs on leash welcome. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to pre-register and for more information. Free

Add to Calendar 3/25/2023 1:00:00 PM 3/25/2023 2:30:00 PM America/New_York First Hike of Spring! Join naturalists for the final hike of the winter hiking series on our first hike of spring! This week's hike will be 3.1 miles long and will begin at sports complex parking lot. Dogs on leash welcome. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to pre-register and for more information. Free Killens Pond

Live Reptile and Amphibian Show!

Saturday, April 1, 2023

1:00 PM

They are scaly, slimy and alive! Meet some of our native reptiles and amphibians for an afternoon of family fun and learning. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/1/2023 1:00:00 PM 4/1/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Live Reptile and Amphibian Show! They are scaly, slimy and alive! Meet some of our native reptiles and amphibians for an afternoon of family fun and learning. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child. Killens Pond

Invasive Species Removal

Saturday, April 8, 2023

10:00 AM

Learn about local invasive species and how to remove them. This will be a two-part event: a brief educational program about invasive species followed by an opportunity to help remove them! The program will meet at the nature center. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 4/8/2023 10:00:00 AM 4/8/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Invasive Species Removal Learn about local invasive species and how to remove them. This will be a two-part event: a brief educational program about invasive species followed by an opportunity to help remove them! The program will meet at the nature center. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Naturalist Nature Hikes

Saturday, April 15, 2023

10:00 AM

Join naturalists once a month to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 4/15/2023 10:00:00 AM 4/15/2023 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Naturalist Nature Hikes Join naturalists once a month to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Leave it to Beavers!

Saturday, April 15, 2023

1:00 PM

Have you ever seen a tree that was chewed on by beavers and wanted to learn more about them? Join a naturalist to learn all about beavers! The program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 4/15/2023 1:00:00 PM 4/15/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Leave it to Beavers! Have you ever seen a tree that was chewed on by beavers and wanted to learn more about them? Join a naturalist to learn all about beavers! The program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Eco-Explorers: Cool Critters

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

1:00 PM

Did you know, for every human, there are more than 200 million insects?! This month in the Awesome Animal series, we will focus on the largest family in the animal kingdom- Insects! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/18/2023 1:00:00 PM 4/18/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Eco-Explorers: Cool Critters Did you know, for every human, there are more than 200 million insects?! This month in the Awesome Animal series, we will focus on the largest family in the animal kingdom- Insects! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student. Killens Pond

Friends of Killens Pond Photo Contest Drop Off Begins

Saturday, April 22, 2023

10:00 AM

Support the Friends of Killens Pond by participating in their Annual Photo Contest. Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals or man-made structures or items. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed; cropping is ok. Photos should be submitted with white matting and outer dimensions not to exceed 16x20. All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center between April 22 and 29. All submissions should include your name and phone number on the back. Photos will be judged by artists from the local community and will be on display in the nature center during the month of May. Please contact the Killens Pond Nature Center by calling 302-284-4299 or emailing DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov with any questions. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check only). All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park.

Add to Calendar 4/22/2023 10:00:00 AM 4/22/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Friends of Killens Pond Photo Contest Drop Off Begins Support the Friends of Killens Pond by participating in their Annual Photo Contest. Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals or man-made structures or items. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed; cropping is ok. Photos should be submitted with white matting and outer dimensions not to exceed 16x20. All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center between April 22 and 29. All submissions should include your name and phone number on the back. Photos will be judged by artists from the local community and will be on display in the nature center during the month of May. Please contact the Killens Pond Nature Center by calling 302-284-4299 or emailing DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov with any questions. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check only). All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park. Killens Pond

Tales and Trails

Saturday, April 22, 2023

11:00 AM

Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/22/2023 11:00:00 AM 4/22/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Tales and Trails Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child. Killens Pond

Tales and Trails: Signs of Spring

Saturday, April 22, 2023

11:00 AM

Spring has sprung! Spend Earth Day at the park looking for and learning about signs of spring through storytime and hands-on exploration. Program will be held at the nature center. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/22/2023 11:00:00 AM 4/22/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Tales and Trails: Signs of Spring Spring has sprung! Spend Earth Day at the park looking for and learning about signs of spring through storytime and hands-on exploration. Program will be held at the nature center. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child. Killens Pond

Beginner Birding Hike

Saturday, April 22, 2023

6:00 PM

Join naturalists on a beginner birding hike to look for birds returning to the park for summer. The hike will start at the nature center and be about 1.5 miles. Binoculars are recommended, but a few pairs will be available to borrow. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 4/22/2023 6:00:00 PM 4/22/2023 7:00:00 PM America/New_York Beginner Birding Hike Join naturalists on a beginner birding hike to look for birds returning to the park for summer. The hike will start at the nature center and be about 1.5 miles. Binoculars are recommended, but a few pairs will be available to borrow. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Habitat Hikes: Magnificent Microhabitats

Sunday, April 23, 2023

1:00 PM

Not all habitats have to be huge—some can be small, or even microscopic! Join us to learn what makes a microhabitat and how organisms survive there. We will be doing log rolls and looking under rocks, so be prepared to get a little dirty! The program meets at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 4/23/2023 1:00:00 PM 4/23/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Habitat Hikes: Magnificent Microhabitats Not all habitats have to be huge—some can be small, or even microscopic! Join us to learn what makes a microhabitat and how organisms survive there. We will be doing log rolls and looking under rocks, so be prepared to get a little dirty! The program meets at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Friends of Killens Pond Photo Contest Drop Off Ends

Saturday, April 29, 2023

10:00 AM

Support the Friends of Killens Pond by participating in their Annual Photo Contest. Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals or man-made structures or items. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed; cropping is ok. Photos should be submitted with white matting and outer dimensions not to exceed 16x20. All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center between April 22 and 29. All submissions should include your name and phone number on the back. Photos will be judged by artists from the local community and will be on display in the nature center during the month of May. Please contact the Killens Pond Nature Center by calling 302-284-4299 or emailing DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov with any questions. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check only). All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park.

Add to Calendar 4/29/2023 10:00:00 AM 4/29/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Friends of Killens Pond Photo Contest Drop Off Ends Support the Friends of Killens Pond by participating in their Annual Photo Contest. Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals or man-made structures or items. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed; cropping is ok. Photos should be submitted with white matting and outer dimensions not to exceed 16x20. All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center between April 22 and 29. All submissions should include your name and phone number on the back. Photos will be judged by artists from the local community and will be on display in the nature center during the month of May. Please contact the Killens Pond Nature Center by calling 302-284-4299 or emailing DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov with any questions. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check only). All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park. Killens Pond

Preserving Petals

Saturday, April 29, 2023

1:00 PM

Looking for a new art piece for you wall? Learn how to press and preserve flowers for years to come. Some flowers will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. You will get to take home your own flower press. Program meets at the nature center. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4229. $20 per participant

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/29/2023 1:00:00 PM 4/29/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Preserving Petals Looking for a new art piece for you wall? Learn how to press and preserve flowers for years to come. Some flowers will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. You will get to take home your own flower press. Program meets at the nature center. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4229. $20 per participant Killens Pond

Naturalist Nature Hikes

Saturday, May 6, 2023

10:00 AM

Join naturalists once a month to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 5/6/2023 10:00:00 AM 5/6/2023 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Naturalist Nature Hikes Join naturalists once a month to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Endangered in Delaware

Sunday, May 7, 2023

11:00 AM

Some of Delawares species are close to being lost forever, but there are things that can be done to help them. Join one of our naturalists as we learn about Delawares endangered species and what is being done to help them. The program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 5/7/2023 11:00:00 AM 5/7/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Endangered in Delaware Some of Delawares species are close to being lost forever, but there are things that can be done to help them. Join one of our naturalists as we learn about Delawares endangered species and what is being done to help them. The program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Beginner Fishing

Saturday, May 13, 2023

10:00 AM

Want to learn how to fish? Now's your chance! Join us as we guide you through the basics of fishing, like casting, baiting hooks and reeling one in. We will provide rods, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. A valid Delaware non-tidal fishing license will be required for any participant ages 16-65. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4229. $10 per participant

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/13/2023 10:00:00 AM 5/13/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Beginner Fishing Want to learn how to fish? Now's your chance! Join us as we guide you through the basics of fishing, like casting, baiting hooks and reeling one in. We will provide rods, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. A valid Delaware non-tidal fishing license will be required for any participant ages 16-65. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4229. $10 per participant Killens Pond

Wild Flower Walk

Sunday, May 14, 2023

11:00 AM

Take a hike with a naturalist to look for spring wild flowers. We will discuss important characteristics used to ID flowers. The hike will be about 0.5 miles. Some field guides will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. (This is the best way to get familiar with your own resources.) The hike will start at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 5/14/2023 11:00:00 AM 5/14/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Wild Flower Walk Take a hike with a naturalist to look for spring wild flowers. We will discuss important characteristics used to ID flowers. The hike will be about 0.5 miles. Some field guides will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own. (This is the best way to get familiar with your own resources.) The hike will start at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry. Killens Pond

Eco-Explorers

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

1:00 PM

Eco-explorers programs are a combination of presentations, hands-on activities and hiking. Program will start at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. Child fee listed, adult free.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/16/2023 1:00:00 PM 5/16/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Eco-Explorers Eco-explorers programs are a combination of presentations, hands-on activities and hiking. Program will start at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. Child fee listed, adult free. Killens Pond

Eco-Explorers: Prized Pollination

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

1:00 PM

This month we will be focusing on the process of pollination! In the last installment of our Awesome Animal homeschool series, we learned all about insects. This month, we will continue our knowledge by learning about the process of pollination, the animals and plants involved in the process, and why it is important! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/16/2023 1:00:00 PM 5/16/2023 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Eco-Explorers: Prized Pollination This month we will be focusing on the process of pollination! In the last installment of our Awesome Animal homeschool series, we learned all about insects. This month, we will continue our knowledge by learning about the process of pollination, the animals and plants involved in the process, and why it is important! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student. Killens Pond

Tales and Trails

Saturday, May 20, 2023

11:00 AM

Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/20/2023 11:00:00 AM 5/20/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Tales and Trails Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child. Killens Pond

Tales and Trails: Hidden in Small Places

Saturday, May 20, 2023

11:00 AM

Things in nature often come in small packages. Join us while we explore the smaller side of our environment through a story and outdoor exploration. Program will be held at the nature center. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/20/2023 11:00:00 AM 5/20/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Tales and Trails: Hidden in Small Places Things in nature often come in small packages. Join us while we explore the smaller side of our environment through a story and outdoor exploration. Program will be held at the nature center. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3 -6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child. Killens Pond

Live Reptile and Amphibian Show!

Monday, May 29, 2023

11:00 AM

They are scaly, slimy and alive! Meet some of our native reptiles and amphibians for an afternoon of family fun and learning. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/29/2023 11:00:00 AM 5/29/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Live Reptile and Amphibian Show! They are scaly, slimy and alive! Meet some of our native reptiles and amphibians for an afternoon of family fun and learning. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child. Killens Pond