James Farm Docent Program

The James Farm Ecological Preserve (Preserve) is a 150-acre property on the Indian River Bay, owned by Sussex County and managed by the Center. Its diverse habitats, including maritime forest, salt marsh, and meadows, and a variety of outdoor recreation areas (e.g., over 3 miles of trails, 3 wildlife viewing stations, a boardwalk beach crossing) attract more than 25,000 people annually. In response to the growing number of visitations each year, the James Farm Master Plan was developed to provide a holistic approach to protecting the Preserve’s valuable ecosystems while enhancing environmental education and outdoor experiences for its visitors. The James Farm Docent Program started as an initiative of the Master Plan to help maintain and increase visitor engagement during the peak visitation season (May-August).
Learn more about the James Farm Master Plan »
What being a Docent is all about
The James Farm Docent Program plays a key role in helping to encourage visitors of the Preserve to immerse themselves in its beautiful habitats. Stationed at information tables, Docents will greet visitors, answer questions, and offer resources to the public. Docents will also share the history and mission of the James family’s farm.
- Encourage visitors to engage with the habitats, wildlife, and Bays at the Preserve
- Raise public awareness of the unique partnership between Sussex County and the Center
- Share the history and mission of the James family Farm and Preserve
- Raise donor funds for Preserve maintenance and Master Plan
- Explain the purpose and changes due to the James Farm Master Plan
- Promote visitor engagement with the Bays and the Center
By recording interactions with visitors, Docents also provide valuable information that is used to help meet the Center’s annual outreach and education goals and plan future efforts.
Get Involved
Interested in helping out with the 2023 Docent Program? Contact the Center’s Project Manager, Nivette Pérez-Pérez, at volunteer@inlandbays.org and join the James Farm Docent Program mailing list.
As the 2023 season approaches, additional information will be sent to all potential volunteers regarding assignments, scheduling, and other important details.
All volunteers must fill out the Center’s 2023 Volunteer Waiver and a COVID-19 Waiver, which can be submitted to the Center’s Project Manager, Nivette Pérez-Pérez, at volunteer@inlandbays.org.
If you would like more information about other volunteer opportunities, fill out the Center’s Volunteer Application. Another way to support the Center’s mission is by donating HERE!
STEP 1: Watch the Virtual James Farm Docent Program Training
STEP 2: Review the Frequently Ask Questions for the James Farm Docent Program
When do I fill the docent sign-in sheet?
When do I turn-in the docent sign-in sheet?
Are dogs allowed in the Preserve?
What do I need to bring?
How should I handle difficult questions?
How should I handle difficult situations?
What happens if inclement weather occurs?
What should I do if I can't make a shift?
Who should I call in case of an emergency?
STEP 3: Determine which days and shifts work best for you
Monday to Sunday from:
8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. OR 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday from:
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
STEP 4: Complete the sign-up form
Please complete this form no later than Thursday, March 24, for the 2022 Docent Program season.
STEP 5: Fill the 2022 Volunteer Liability Waivers*
COVID-19 Waiver: Please fill out and submit the completed form to Nivette Pérez-Pérez, at volunteer@inlandbays.org.
*Required for each participating individual. It should be completed prior to your first shift date. Please note: Individuals under the age of 18 must have an adult chaperone on-hand at all times.
STEP 6: Let’s Explore the James Farm Ecological Preserve!
Thank you for your support. If you would like more information about other Center volunteer opportunities, please complete our Volunteer Application. Another way to support our mission is by donating HERE!
Docent Resources/Documents
- Docent Binder
- Handouts
- James Farm Brochure
- James Farm trail map
- James Farm Ecological Preserve Scavenger Hunt
- Center’s Brochure
- Backyard Brochures
- Clean Water Delaware: Pollution Sources factsheet
- Clean Water Delaware: Drinking Water factsheet
- Clean Water Delaware: Open Space factsheet
- Additional Resources Online
- Education Programs