On a breezy spring afternoon, the Friends of Fort DuPont hosted our very first nature education event—and it was a resounding success.
Our Wild Bird Presentation, held on-site at the Fort, drew an enthusiastic crowd of families, bird watchers, and curious residents eager to learn more about the feathered neighbors that call Delaware home. The event featured an engaging talk by a professional wildlife educator who brought with them several live birds of prey, including a red-tailed hawk and a majestic barred owl.
Attendees were fascinated by the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close while learning about their habitats, diets, migratory patterns, and conservation needs. The speaker also emphasized simple ways people can make a difference—like planting native shrubs, reducing pesticide use, and participating in local bird counts.
For many guests, especially children, the event was their first chance to connect wildlife science with real-life encounters. It was heartening to see so many attendees inspired to explore and protect the natural world around them.
We heard again and again: “Please do more of this!” And we will. The success of this inaugural program has sparked new ideas and possibilities for ongoing educational initiatives at Fort DuPont, blending environmental stewardship with community engagement in powerful ways.