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. The 26-acre conservation area includes three acres of forested uplands, nine acres of freshwater wetlands and 14 acres of tidal wetlands.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce residents and visitors to the unique habitats of the Inland Bays,” said Sally Boswell, education and outreach coordinator at the Center for the Inland Bays.

“We really welcome this outreach location in the heart of the watershed.”

The Bethany Beach Nature Center opened in 2009 in the historic Addy Cottage, one of the original Bethany Beach cottages that was moved to the site and restored by the town.

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 which has been built to lead guests through each habitat with educational signage to keep them informed along the way.

The Bethany Beach Nature Center trail is open daily from dawn until dusk. For Nature Center fall hours of operation call 302-537-7680.

The Center for the Inland Bays is a nonprofit organization working in four areas of mission - science and research, habitat protection and restoration, public policy, and education and outreach - to protect and restore the Delaware Inland Bays and their watershed.

For more information, visit inlandbays.org