The Bethany Beach Nature Center, located at 807 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26) about ½ mile west of Route 1 on the right just past Grotto’s Pizza, will be open seven days a week through mid-August from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Town of Bethany Beach and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays have partnered to provide nature experiences and education at the Nature Center to introduce residents and visitors to the unique habitats of the Inland Bays. The 26-acre conservation area includes three acres of forested uplands, nine acres of freshwater wetlands, and fourteen acres of tidal wetlands.

Inside, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including “Our Inland Bays...A Delicate Balance,” which allows visitors to “virtually” explore the Inland Bays watershed from the headwater streams, through the maritime forests, across the salt marshes to the bays using a state-of–the-art presentation called an “I-Wall.”

Outside, visitors can make a similar exploration through forest and marsh along a handicap-accessible boardwalk with has been built to lead you through each habitat with educational signage to keep you informed along the way.

The popular Saturday morning children's progam continues this summer from 10:30 a.m. until noon every week and adults are invited to a new Monday morning outing, "A Walk at the Pond every Monday at 10:15 a.m.

There is no charge for the either event, but children must be accompanied by an adult at the Saturday morning program.

The Bethany Beach Nature Center opened in 2009 in the historic Addy Cottage, one of original Bethany Beach cottages that was moved to the site and restored by the town. The Bethany Beach Nature Center trail is open daily from dawn until dusk. For more information call the BBNC at 537-7680.

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