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Nature Center & Programs
The Nature Center features live animals such as snakes, aquatic ecosystems, frogs and more. Walking trails are located behind the Nature Center and also on the lake-side of the park. The Nature Center offers many programs throughout the year for both children and adults. The playground and picnic areas are across the street from the Nature Center.
For more information, see the Nature Center facility page
Park Naturalist Dr. Daniel Duran
Biography
Dr. Daniel P. Duran is a Lecturer at Rowan University, and Naturalist at Scotland Run Park. He is also President and co-founder of a non-profit insect conservation organization, The Mid-Atlantic Native and Threatened Insect Zoo (MANTIZ). He received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Stockton University in 1998, an M.S. in Entomology from University of Missouri in 2002, and a Ph.D. in Evolution and Ecology from Vanderbilt University in 2010. In between his degrees, he has also worked for the Natural History Museum, London, UK and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.
Currently, he teaches courses about a variety of topics pertaining to ecology, evolution, insects, and plants. His research is focused on the discovery of new species and advancing the field of integrative taxonomy, and examining the important roles of insects and plants in functioning ecosystems. Dr. Duran is a co-author of the book "A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada, 2nd Edition".
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Educational Programs
Gloucester County Parks and Recreation is offering virtual lessons on various nature topics.
Link to page -
Spring Paddles
The Scotland Run Park Nature Center will offer paddle trips this all beginning in September. Come and explore beautiful Wilson Lake and the many wonders it has to offer. Both canoes and kayaks will be available. Due to the limited amount of boats registration is required. This program is free to the public.
Link to page -
Guided Trail Walks
Dr. Dan Duran will lead a nature walk every Tuesday beginning in April. Join us as we explore the trails around the Nature Center and discover all kinds of animals, including birds, frogs, insects and more. We will also explore the native plant vegetation of the park, and how all of these species fit into the larger ecosystem. This program is free to the public. Adults and children are welcome! Call 856-251-6710 for more information.
Link to page -
Bi-Monthly Bird Walks
The Scotland Run Park Nature Center and the Gloucester County Nature Club are hosting bird watches!
Link to page -
Nature Detectives Camp
Campers will be immersed in a fun and active nature camp experience, with both structured activities and time for unstructured, self-led downtime and exploration. The theme of the week is explored through various art, activities, games, experiments, and observation each day, with opportunities to further delve into subjects and activities that campers are drawn to. Each week includes a tour of our newly renovated Nature Center. Please pack a lunch, reusable water bottle, sunblock and insect repellent, a hat, and a change of shoes and clothing.
Link to page -
Nature Tots
The Nature Tots Program is designed to create a space for children to experience nature in an exciting and interactive way!
Link to page -
Moth Night
Park Naturalist, Dr. Daniel Duran will host the second annual Scotland Run Park Moth Night on July 17, 2021. Dr. Dan offers tips on how to run your own Moth Night from your yard.
Link to page -
Nature at Night
Nature at Night is the newest program at Scotland Run Park, held on a Thursday night, once a month, from 7-8pm. Nature at Night is like a nature special that the public can come to! There will be presentations full of beautiful images as well as real animals on display.
Link to page