Friends of Prime Hook Events



The gates of Prime Hook NWR are open every day of the year

from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.


Our administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4:00pm. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm and Saturday & Sunday from 11am-3pm. Both are closed on national holidays.



Questions? Contact us at (302) 684-8419



WANDERING REFUGE AMBASSADOR

June: pop-up on cooler Saturdays
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Accessible Trails





On cooler Saturdays in June, look for John Knapp lurking among the mosquitoes on either the Dike or Boardwalk Trails. John will be available to help you with bird identification, refuge information, instruction, and more.


John Knapp has been enjoying birds for over 35 years, both here and abroad. For many years he led beginning birding walks for NJ Audubon, National Audubon, as well as NJ Fish and Wildlife. He participated in numerous Christmas bird counts, bird nesting surveys, and hawk watches in his home state of New Jersey. With all of this John never considers himself anything other than just a man who enjoys birdwatching, nothing more.



SECOND SATURDAY BIRD SAUNTER
June 14, 2025 - CANCELLED





CANCELLED DUE TO INJURY



INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING

Saturday, June 14 ~ 1 pm - 2 pm with Q&A
Prime Hook NWR Multifunction Room
Presenter: Sharon, DE Beekeepers Assn.





Bring the whole family to this introduction to beekeeping. This presentation will include a description of honey bees and their jobs in the hive as well as what to look for when doing an inspection. Sharon will also discuss bees as pollinators. She will bring an observation hive so attendees can actually see the bees in action.


REGISTRATION REQUIRED​


REGISTER

BAT WALK WITH JULIE

June (date & time TBD)
Meet at deer check stand inside refuge





Join Julie McCall for a short sunset walk along Turkle Pond Road to watch Eastern Red Bats emerge from the woods and swoop through the trees looking for moths. We should also hear the chuck-will's-widows calling just after sunset. Julie is a member of the Friends and is also a volunteer for the Delaware Bat Spotters Project. She will share information about Delaware bats and their behavior on the short walk along the road to observe the bats in flight.


Children are welcome. Long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellant are recommended. Meet at the deer check stand which is just beyond the refuge gate on the righthand side of the road (across from the road to the ponds). You can park in the main lot at the new refuge HQ or near the check stand.


Photo of Eastern Red Bat courtesy of Mike Marcketta.



AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING ON THE PATIO

Friday, June 20 ~ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Prime Hook NWR Patio
Bring your camp or beach chair





The Friends of Prime Hook have been granted special permission for an after-hours gathering on the new patio to share otherworldly stories & ghostly experiences. Tell us a tall tale or a ghost story by the light of our lanterns. We’ll give you 5 minutes to scare us or make us laugh. Our resident cryptid expert will tell you about the Prime Hook Swamp Cryptid! She'll make you wonder what’s lurking in the wetlands of Prime Hook—is it a real cryptid or just a story? You decide! Perhaps Mothman will even make an appearance. Let’s have some fun!


(Tweens & teens welcome when accompanied by parent or guardian.)

Registration is required as space is limited.


REGISTER

TRI-STATE BIRD RESCUE OUTREACH PROGRAM

Saturday, July 19
1:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm
Prime Hook NWR Multipurpose Room





Have you ever found an injured bird on your property or seen a raptor in distress on the side of the road? Did you know what to do or where to turn for help? Delmarva residents are fortunate to have Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research nearby and willing to help in these crises.


Marie Maiura, Tri-State’s outreach manager, will talk about the history and work of this special organization that operates a full-time wildlife rehabilitation and research facility caring for ill, injured, and orphaned wild birds. She’ll also discuss ways in which we can help prevent injuries to wild birds.


No live birds will be present but there will be a hands-on part to the program.


REGISTRATION REQUIRED


REGISTER

UPCOMING PROGRAMS



We're busy finalizing plans for several programs. Stay tuned for more details.



SAVE THE DATES!

  • September 6: Bird/Wildlife Photography Class ~ Ed Norman
  • September 6: Judging Wildlife Photography Workshop
  • September 27: Spotlight Delaware Family Fun Day

DATES NOT FINALIZED

  • Mid-June: Purple Martin Program
  • Identifying Butterflies and Moths
  • Our Beneficial Bugs
  • All About Bats
  • Dragonflies and Damselflies
  • Programs on the Patio




Friends of Prime Hook NWR
12322 Turkle Pond Road
Milton, DE 19968
(302) 684-8419
info@friendsofprimehook.org