Center For The Inland Bays

A Decade of Accomplishment

Our first decade closes at a time of unprecedented growth in the Inland Bays watershed. The consequent stress on existing infrastructure and the changes to the landscape, both literally and figuratively, require renewed determination and innovative thinking to meet the challenges of rapid population growth, intensive residential and commercial development, and fundamental change in the economy and land use.

Click here to read our new brochure in PDF: The Inland Bays At A Crossroads

But the foundation of solid accomplishment and participation of stakeholders in our first decade will launch our second as we build on the past and continue our work to restore the health of the Bays.

We have a solid start, with many achievements in science and research, restoration of habitats, public policy and education. And we have organized the stakeholders in our watershed, extending our reach and raising the awareness and concern for our Inland Bays. We are positioned well to meet the growing challenges.

JAMES FARM ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE

An unanticipated gift in 1994 gave a great boost to our programming and to protection and restoration of an ecologically valuable property on Indian River Bay. The historic James Farm was donated to Sussex County and placed under the care of the Center for the Inland Bays. This generous gift from Mary Lighthipe in memory of her son, Harold, was given with the stipulation that the property would remain undeveloped and would be used for environmental education and recreational activities.

James Farm Ecological Preserve has 150 acres of upland forest, meadows, nontidal wetlands, salt
marsh and sandy shoreline on Cedar Neck near Bethany Beach and Ocean View. James Farm is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset every day. Walkers, birders, beachcombers, or seekers of solitude can find it on miles of hiking trails. There are three observation platforms, a boardwalk beach crossing and wildflower gardens. It has been the site of many of our restoration programs and habitat enhancement projects, and it is the location of our teaching program for middle school students in the Indian River School District.

Ten years ago, Cedar Neck was rural; today it is a fast growing residential community and this tract of rural landscape grows more precious; an oasis of wild land.

SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Provided over $1 million dollars in grant funding to support research and demonstration projects over the past eight years.

Published the Inland Bays Environmental Indicators Report in 2004 to report on the health of the Bays.

Conducted tagging of Horseshoe Crabs to gather baseline data to assess the population of this important species in the Inland Bays.

Conducted research on harmful algal blooms that could impact public health and the environment.

Carried out monitoring, research, and eradication of invasive species that threaten native species in our watershed.

Established the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee in 1989 to provide the Board of Directors with advice and information on watershed issues.

CIB has assisted in research and expertise to help address environmental issues in the
Inland Bays.
       - Dead-end Lagoons causing loss of species and degradation of quality of life.
       - Health issues related to emerging marine viruses and human pathogens.
       - Agricultural Best Management Practices to reduce nutrient contributions to waterways in the watershed.

RESTORATION

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration
The CIB has funded a project to restore underwater grasses at various sites in Indian River and Rehoboth Bays. Eelgrass has been harvested from the waters of Chincoteague Bay, Virginia, and transplanted into our Bays. The project has demonstrated that natural reproduction of eelgrass is occurring for the first time in nearly 40 years, creating important habitat for fish and shellfish.

Shellfish Restoration
With a pair of binoculars gazing to the southwest from our new center, you might be able to see the stakes that mark the man-made oyster reef, established by the Center for the Inland Bays Shellfish Restoration Program. A cooperative effort between the CIB, the University of Delaware, Sussex County Council and Volunteers, and a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this program brings together scientists and volunteers in an effort to restore the American Oyster to our waters.

This program produces many benefits:

Improves water quality through oyster filtration.

Creates habitat for other marine species which are the base of the food chain for fish, crabs and other organisms.

Protects spat (young oysters) giving them a chance to grow in better conditions.

Educates volunteers and the public about the ecology and value of a healthy oyster population.

REFORESTATION AND RESTORATION OF MEADOWS

Over 8,000 native trees have been planted at James Farm restoring former farm fields to
upland forest.

Former farm fields have been restored to meadows of native grasses and wildflowers
improving habitat diversity of plants and animals.

OUTREACH IN THE WATERSHED

Sharing news and information about the Watershed

Publishes the Inland Bays Journal, a quarterly newsletter, which informs tens of thousands of readers about the health of the Bays, the Center�s research and restoration projects and
other environmental topics.

Established the Citizens� Advisory Committee to be a citizens� advocacy group for the preservation and protection of Delaware�s Inland Bays, advising the CIB�s Board of Directors on matters of citizen concern including pollution of the Bays and waterways in the watershed, damage or loss of wetlands and wildlife habitat, and navigational hazards.

Participates in the Environmental Stewardship Program which promotes farm management practices that help protect the environment and improve water quality by rewarding the best stewards of the environment among agricultural operators in Delaware.

Maintains a presence on local radio to talk about issues and topics pertaining to the Inland Bays watershed.

Conducts turbidity monitoring of the Inland Bays at the annual Governor�s Wade In Event,
bringing public and governmental attention to this issue.

Offers workshops and a variety of events and programs to foster appreciation of, and concern for, the health and natural beauty of the Inland Bays watershed.

Sponsors community forums to bring citizens, experts and local officials together to inform them about legislative issues and changes, to address the challenges of growth and quality of life issues related to development, and work toward solutions that will contribute to
preserving and conserving the watershed.

Invites the community to visit our booth at environmental events, and participate in our
open house at James Farm, to learn about our Bays, to walk the shoreline, to take a kayak out,
or to take a bird walk or wildflower walk to learn about our native and migrating species.

EDUCATION

Invites Delaware teachers to participate in �Exploring our Inland Bays� workshops, earning
in-service credit and offering their ideas for integrating Inland Bays education into classroom curriculum.

Welcomes school children from the Indian River School District to James Farm in the spring and fall for a day-long field trip of hands on (and waders on) activities, learning about wetland and estuarine ecology and watershed studies.

Promotes greater awareness of the Inland Bays through participation in environmental
festivals, educational workshops for teachers, and talks for clubs and organizations.

PUBLIC POLICY

Organized the Tributary Action Teams program to reduce nutrients and restore habitat in
Delaware�s Inland Bays by involving stakeholders in resource management and the regulatory process.

Developed an Inland Bays water use plan to ensure that user conflicts and environmental
impact on the Inland Bays are minimized.

Participates on local and regional boards and committees to provide research and information on environmental issues.

GO BACK

Headwater stream in the Inland Bays watershed

Inland Bays Salt Marsh

Governor Minner collects "Sneaker Index" data at the 2005 Governor�s Wade-In Event

Many of our reports are provided in PDF format. If you do not already have Acrobat reader you may click here to download it for FREE.