- Home
- Departments
- Parks & Recreation
- County Parks & Golf Course
- Scotland Run Park
- Nature Center & Programs
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 an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Rowan University and Naturalist for Scotland Run Park. He has published research papers on new methods for species discovery, biodiversity science, and molecular phylogenetics.
Dr. Duran has described 12 new species of insects, previously unknown to science. 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. Dr. Duran is a co-author of the book "A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada, 2nd Edition."
-
Educational Programs
Gloucester County Parks and Recreation offers educational lessons on various nature topics.
Link to page -
Spring & Fall Paddles
The Scotland Run Park Nature Center offers guided canoe and kayak tours. Come and explore beautiful Wilson Lake and the many wonders it has to offer. Both canoes and kayaks are available. In order to participate in the event you must be able to operate a canoe or a kayak. 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 leads nature walks in the spring and fall. 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!
Link to page -
Bi-Monthly Bird Walks
The Scotland Run Park Nature Center and the Gloucester County Nature Club host bird watches!
Link to page -
Nature Detectives Camp
Campers are 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 each 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.
Link to page -
Nature at Night
Nature at Night is held monthly on a Thursday night. Nature at Night is a special nature presentation open to the public Presentations are full of beautiful images and real animals are on display. This program is free but due to limited space registration is required.
Link to page