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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 -
Fall 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 twice a month beginning in September. 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! Walks take place the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from September 1 through November 17, 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
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 hosted the second annual Scotland Run Park Moth Night on Sunday, June 19. Dr. Dan offered tips on how to run your own Moth Night from your yard. Happy moth hunting and don’t forget to share your findings with us on Facebook! Pictures of some of the moths you may find and video instructions can be found on the Scotland Run Park Facebook page.
Link to page