Come discover what we’ve uncovered!

Look to the south and you’ll see marsh grasses blowing in the breeze across the fresh water tidal wetlands. The view northward changes to city skyline, including new office buildings, restaurants and residences on the Riverfront. To the east, the Christina River rambles by, passing industrial yards on the opposite shore.

At the center of it all –– where the city, river and marsh meet –– is the new DuPont Environmental Education Center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge.

Visitors to this unique destination will be captivated by the sprawling tree sculpture and “hobbit” house, waterfall and botanical gardens that greet them when they arrive. Across an arching pedestrian bridge and walkway is the four-story education center, which features interactive exhibits, multi-media presentations, a marsh wet lab, and a multi-purpose space with sweeping views of river, marsh and city. Visitors can venture into the refuge on a quarter-mile boardwalk that surrounds a tidal pond, where education stations extend into the water for hands-on activities. The boardwalk also features seating areas and observation decks overlooking the Christina River.

Programs
The Delaware Nature Society (DNS) operates educational programs on site for children and adults as well as school and community groups. Participants in both free and low-cost programs presented by DNS will have an opportunity to look, listen, and touch residents of the marsh wetland, using binoculars, dip nets, and microscopes. Click here for more information on programs.

From the Riverwalk
The DuPont Environmental Education Center is located at the south end of the Riverwalk, which now extends beyond the Shipyard Shops, through a botanical garden to a new “flyover” bridge that arches above the railroad tracks and slopes gently down to the building’s third-story entrance. The refuge is accessible via the Riverwalk from dawn to dusk.

Arriving by Car
Additional parking is available in several Riverfront parking lots. A small parking lot is available on site at the foot of the flyover bridge and in several Riverfront parking lots located at the end of Justison Street, south of Frawley Stadium. Click here for driving directions.

Hours of Operation
Summer Hours:
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday