Abbott's Mill ready to celebrate summer
After 35 years of providing programs and outdoor experiences for nature lovers, Abbott's Mill Nature Center in Milford is expanding its summer events.
“It's a great way for us to continue our mission of connecting people to nature,” said Abbott's Manager Matt Babbitt.
Last year's popular Run the Mill Trail 5K will return Saturday, June 3, providing runners with a scenic trail view at the Milford Millponds Nature Preserve.
Following the race, participants can enjoy a well-earned Dogfish Head craft beer, post-race eats by Arena's, and live music by 3CNorth. Also available are SUP/kayak rentals on the Abbott's Pond from Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, and visitors also can see the preserved grist mill at the visitor center in action.
“We want to take it beyond a place to just hike the trails,” Babbitt said. Registration is $30 and includes a complimentary race T-shirt, a Dogfish Head craft beer for those 21 and older and non-alcoholic beverages.
Babbitt said membership increased by nearly 50 percent following the inaugural Run the Mill Trail 5K during the center's 35th anniversary celebration in 2016. He hopes the race's return, and the addition of the summer Music at the Mill series, will inspire new members to join.
“We want to be as much of a part of the Milford community and surrounding communities as we can,” he said.
Music at the Mill is a free event held from 6-7:30 p.m. the second Thursday night in June, July and August featuring live music, Dogfish Head craft ales, lawn games, food trucks and more. Before each concert, Milford-based Lifecycle will host a 5:30 p.m. bicycle ride from its downtown location on Front Street to the mill.
Lincoln City, a 1970s cover band, will be the first to perform June 8 and will be joined by Vittles food truck. On July 13, the performance will be by bluegrass-style band Flatland Drive, while bluegrass band Free Range will perform Aug. 10. Po'Boys Creole & Fresh Catch food truck will be on hand for the July and August performances.
While more than 12,000 people each year enjoy the eagles, woodpeckers and native plants at the center, Babbitt said he hopes the new family-friendly events will attract more visitors and members.
“We want to gather and nurture the personal connection with nature,” he said. Babbitt said he hopes that connection will inspire people to do more to benefit the environment back home, like planting native plants or installing rain gardens.
Abbott's Mill, a Delaware Nature Society center, features more than 300 acres to explore at its main location on Abbotts Pond Road and educates nearly 8,000 local students every year.
For more about the Run the Mill Trail 5K, go to DelNature.org/RunTheMill. For more about Music at the Mill and other programs, go to DelNature.org/AbbottsMill.
