Transform your yard into an oasis for local birds with a private Forum lecture and tour at the Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, DE!

Join us on a field trip to the famous Mt. Cuba Center for a special class and tour just for Chesapeake Forum!  Our itinerary includes both a private class, “Supporting Backyard Birds with Native Plants” as well as a private tour of the gardens. 

Mt. Cuba Center is a renowned botanic garden committed to the conservation of native plants and their habitats. It is the former home and family estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela Cunningham Copeland. In 1935, the Copelands built a stately Colonial Revival manor house near the village of Mt. Cuba, outside of Wilmington, Delaware. By 1983, the Copelands expanded their horticultural endeavors to study native plants of the Appalachian Piedmont, the beginnings of a botanic garden on their private estate. In 2001, Mrs. Copeland died and Mt. Cuba Center became a public garden for all to be inspired about native plants. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.  A 2020 reader’s choice poll voted the Mt. Cuba Center the best botanical garden in the United States

Here is what our day will look like:

8:15am: Meet up at the carpool staging area near Target in Easton

NLT 8:30am: Leave Easton by carpool 

10am: Meet at the main entrance to Mt Cuba and enter as a group

10:15am-11:15am Private Lecture at a classroom reserved for us at the historic Copeland House, “Supporting Backyard Birds with Native Plants” with Leah Brooks 

This private lecture will focus on helping us transform our landscape into an oasis for our local birds! Join Leah Brooks as she explores how native plants that add interest and beauty to the home garden also serve as lifelines for our feathered friends. 

11:30-12:30: Welcome Walk 

This private tour lasts about one hour and brings Mt. Cuba Center’s mission of inspiring an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants to life. This introductory tour is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the history of our gardens, native plants, and conservation tips that can be applied at home. 

12:30: Lunch (bring your own picnic) on the grounds.   

Light refreshments are available for sale onsite, and guests may bring food and drinks. Take advantage of the shaded picnic area, find a seat in the gardens, or borrow a picnic blanket to use on the grounds. Guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste and support Mt. Cuba’s commitment to conservation.

1pm: free time to explore the gardens 

3pm: Head back to Easton (or visit one of the many plant nurseries in the area!) 

4:30pm: Approximate arrival in Easton. 

Feedback from our last trip to Mt. Cuba: 

“Enjoyed the whole trip.  Mostly enjoyed the area of the ponds and surrounding landscape which were part of our tour.  Also noted the peace and quiet.  The seminar was very informational and inspiring.  The young lady was confident and animated.  Loved caravaning as opposed to a bus; good fellowshipping time.  The only shortcoming was insufficient time to linger a little.”

“This was a great field trip. Very well organized. The guides at Mt Cuba were knowledgeable and engaging.  The afternoon plant presentation was very informative and interesting. A wonderful day!“

“It is a beautiful place, our docent Allen was excellent, so knowledgeable.  He made me feel comfortable about asking any question. Our class session was excellent, our instructor was so enthusiastic.”

What to Expect: 

We will carpool out of Easton from the vacant bank parking lot in front of Target. Look for Lynn Randle to coordinate who will be carpooling with whom. Please plan on arriving at the carpool staging area closer to 8am so that we can all depart no later than 8:30am!  (Mt. Cuba is an easy hour and a half drive from Easton)

• If carpooling with someone else doing the driving, be sure to let them know before leaving with them if you have to be back by a certain time. 
• It is customary for riders to contribute toward driving expenses.

Tours take place rain or shine. Please dress accordingly and remember to bring a picnic lunch and water. Due to our rolling terrain and mulched paths, wheelchair access is limited. Golf cart transportation to the Ponds and back is available upon request. We are paying for admission, the private lecture and tour in advance. 

Please note:  your registration fee includes entrance to the garden, lecture, lecture room, and tour charges, as well as a nominal Chesapeake Forum overhead contribution. *Seats for this program are giftable but not refundable unless there is someone on the waitlist who can take your seat.*

1 session | Friday | May 2 | 8:00am – 4:30pm | IN PERSON (3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE 19707) | $60