Friends of Prime Hook Events

The gates of Prime Hook NWR are open every day of the year from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.

Please note: Parts of Fowler Beach, including the bay beach, dunes, and back-barrier portions, are closed to visitors from March 1 through September 30, 2026.

The administrative office is open M-F, 8am-4:30pm. The Hooked on Nature Store typically is open M-F, 9am-4pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm, or when the OPEN flag is flying. Both are closed on federal holidays. 

Questions? Contact us at 302-684-8419.

Protect Delaware's Future - One Pollinator at a Time!

Saturday, May 16, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Visitor Contact Station, Multipurpose Room

Join us for a fun and lively journey into the world of pollinator habitats. Discover how planting native blooms can turn your yard into a buzzing oasis. Learn clever ways to reduce pesticides and become a guardian of Delaware's natural wonders. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just love nature, you'll leave with practical tips, a smile, and the power to make a difference. Let's grow a healthier, more colorful Delaware - one buzzing habitat at a time. 

Registration is required; click on the below button to register.

Birds of Prime Hook with Carol Knapp

Sunday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Visitor Contact Station, Multipurpose Room

Let Carol take you on a guided video tour of the refuge trails and learn about the birds you can expect to find. The refuge is home to, or an important migratory stop for, up to 347 species across its 10,000 acres. You will not, of course, see all of these on the trails at one time, but come and learn just what is possible. We will cover a few refuge locations just to whet your appetite. Identification tips will be discussed as well. 

Registration is required; click on the below button to register.

Spring Migration Walk Series - Beginner Birding

Wednesdays: May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The location of (and meet-up location for) these walks varies:

• May 6: Dike Trail (meet in the parking lot at the end of Turkle Pond Road)

• May 13: Pine Grove Trail (meet at Turkle Pond)

• May 20: Dike Trail (meet in parking lot at the end of Turkle Pond Road)

• May 27: Boardwalk Trail (meet in parking lot at the end of Turkle Pond Road)

The 1-mile Dike Trail is crushed-gravel that's wheelchair-, stroller-, and walker-accessible. The 1-mile Pine Grove Trail winds through pine and hardwood forest adjacent to both ponds. The half-mile Boardwalk Trail is wheelchair-, stroller-, and walker-accessible, and winds through wooded canopies and out over the marshes. 

NOTE: It's biting bug season - insect repellant, long pants, and long sleeves are appropriate. Feel free to bring binoculars, scopes, and cameras. 

Registration is required; click on the below button to register. 

Wandering Refuge Ambassador

Saturdays: May 9, May 23, June 13, and June 27

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WEATHER PERMITTING

Look for John Knapp on either the Dike Trail or Boardwalk Trail, where he will be available to help you with bird identification, refuge information, instruction, and more. John has been enjoying birds for over 35 years, both here and abroad. For many years, he led beginner bird walks for New Jersey Audubon, National Audubon, and New Jersey Fish & Wildlife. He has participated in numerous Christmas bird counts, bird nesting surveys, and hawk watches in his home state of New Jersey. 

Purple Martins at Prime Hook

Purple Martin Team Nest Checks Are Underway!

Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.

Each year, beginning in April and after the Purple Martins have formed pairs, the Prime Hook Purple Martin Team begins weekly "nest checks" monitoring the colony to track egg laying, development of the young, and fledging, while also looking for parasites and predators. These nest checks are now underway this season, and will occur on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. Prime Hook welcomes interested people to view and/or assist with the nest checks. No previous experience is necessary. Be warned: You may end up falling in love with these amazing birds and start a colony of your own!   

No registration is required.

Refuge Listening Sessions

Julie McCall is a naturalist who has guided night walks and other programs at the refuge for many years. In 2026 she will be leading evening listening sessions at various places in the refuge. These sessions are for anyone who prefers walking slowly or doing a "sit," where they can spend some time sitting quietly and connecting with the nighttime world of Prime Hook. Julie will teach the group how to identify what's making the sounds of the night, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Watch our Facebook page for information about Julie's next session. 

Nighttime Trail Walks

Nancy Cunningham will lead occasional night walks along trails and other areas of the refuge. Nancy is an experienced birder who has spent years learning about the wildlife of the night from area naturalist Julie McCall. Nancy's walks will involve listening to the seasonal night sounds around the refuge: owls, woodcocks, frogs, and the simple rustling of leaves. Nancy is excited to share with others what she's learned from Julie. Watch our Facebook page for information about Nancy's next walk.