Abbott’s Mill Nature Center encompasses a picturesque pond surrounded by meadows, streams, woodlands, swamps, wetlands, a historic gristmill, and a modern education building. At the heart of Abbott’s is the 377-acre Milford Millponds Nature Preserve, where 5 miles of free trails wind their way through woodlands to meadows as wildflowers, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects flourish. Additionally, our 108-acre Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve, located in the Town of Slaughter Beach, is used for seasonal education programs and hosts a new pair of nesting Ospreys. Built in 1802, and on the National Register of Historic Places, Ainsworth Abbott’s Mill is a preserved, working gristmill run solely by a water turbine, and features both a stone & roller mill operation. Public tours of the Mill are offered every 3rd Saturday, March – November, from 2 – 3:30 pm. Educational programs for the public, schools, and scouts are offered year-round for all ages. Our Visitor Center is pet friendly and offers a variety of free exhibits including an aquatic touch tank. Abbott’s serves as a partnership between the Delaware Division of Historical & Cultural Affairs, the Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the Delaware Nature Society, a state-wide, 6,000 member, non-profit organization whose mission is to improve our environment by connecting people to the natural world through education, advocacy, and conservation. DNS members receive reduced pricing for programs, free canoe rentals on Abbott’s Pond, and discounts at local retail affiliates. We are located just 4 miles from downtown Milford, DE, at 15411 Abbotts Pond Road, off Rt. 36. The Visitor Center is open year round Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, and during April – November on Saturday & Sunday as well, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Trails are open for hiking, biking, and dog walking every day from dawn to dusk, including a 5K cross-country trail adjoined to Blair’s Pond.