Since the late 1990s, the Center for the Inland Bays has utilized the James Farm Ecological Preserve for a variety of projects including reforestation, a warm-season native grass meadow, non-tidal wetland creation, a wildlife observation blind, eel grass restoration, oyster reef creation, and hard clam stock enhancement. Other projects have included nature trails, boardwalks, observation platforms, and interpretive signage.

Located on the east side of the James Farm Ecological Preserve, this project will involve the enhancement of 24 acres of a saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) marsh that was ditched for mosquito control purposes back in the late 1930s.

After thorough review, it was determined that the existing marsh lacks a diversity of
habitat types normally found in the Inland Bays and would benefit from enhancement. The goal is to restore a more natural flow of water into and over the marsh and to enhance the habitat by use of meandering creeks and pools.

The Center assisted in collecting baseline data on tide and groundwater levels, plants, as well as recorded data on birds and fish that utilize the existing marsh. This was done prior to the
enhancement project and will be used to help determine the success of the project.

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There is a strong educational component to this project and the Center will assist in monitoring success. The success of altering ditched marshes should help to promote this type of project elsewhere. Both Sussex County and the Center for the Inland Bays are listed as applicants on the state permit.

Project Partners include:
· Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Fish and
Wildlife, Mosquito Control Section.
· Conectiv Energy
· Sussex County
· Delmarva Power (formerly Delmarva Power & Light Company)
· National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
· U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
· Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Water
Resources
· Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Air and
Waste Management

Construction is anticipated to be completed by late spring 2009. Until then, the area will
remain closed until all work is completed for everyone’s safety. Construction activities on the
marsh can easily be viewed from the observation platform.

For more information, contact Eric Buehl, Habitat Coordinator, or EJ Chalabala, Wildlife Manager, at (302) 226-8105.

A newly-constructed creek meanders through the marsh. This will help re-establish a more
natural flow of water and increase feeding areas for wading birds.

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