Public Programs at the James Farm Ecological Preserve

Address:
30048 Cedar Neck Road
Ocean View, DE 19970
View printable directions
Phone:
Maddie Fox, Environmental Education Specialist, (302) 226-8105 Ext. 721
Email:
Maddie Fox, Environmental Education Specialist, mfox@inlandbays.org
Hours:
Sunrise to Sundown
365 days/year
Admission:
Free of charge.
Trash:
This area is Carry-in/Carry-out.
Visitors are expected to take their trash home for disposal.
Discover our beautiful Inland Bays in new ways by joining us at the James Farm Ecological Preserve during one of our many public programs.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the Inland Bays and all the creatures that call this place home? Do you have questions about the native plants that grow alongside the trails and water? Join us for a program to learn more!
There’s something for everyone of all ages to enjoy, we offer specially curated programs, Kid’s Days, for young learners! And best of all, our programs are FREE to attend! You just need to register first. We hope to see you along the trails.
There’s so much to learn at the Preserve and we don’t want you to miss a thing. Check out our events calendar, follow us on Eventbrite, & stay up to date on our social media pages.
Public Program Descriptions
All About OystersBay Health
Creature Feature: Forage Fish
Creature Feature: Horseshoe Crabs
Discovery Bay
Hiding in Plain Sight
Kid's Day: Discovery Bay
Inland Bays Birding
Mammal Mania
Mysteries of the Marsh
Nature Journaling
Nature's Recyclers
Powerful Pollinators
Seasonal Walking Tours
Sensational Senses
Thankful for Nature
Tons of Turtles
Tracks on the Trails
There’s so much to learn at the Preserve and we don’t want you to miss a thing. Check out our events calendar, follow us on Eventbrite, & stay up to date on our social media pages.
Discovery Bay Volunteer Opportunities
Public Program Overview
The Center’s public programs are free environmental education programs that participants of all ages are welcome to join in on. These programs are hosted by the Center’s education team at the James Farm Ecological Preserve in Ocean View. The Discovery Bay programs focus on the various organisms that live in the Inland Bays, such as forage fish, horseshoe crabs and oysters. Participants get an opportunity for hands-on learning as they explore the Indian River Bay searching for aquatic life. As a group we identify and discuss the different organisms that we find.
What being a Discovery Bay Volunteer is all about
As a Discovery Bay volunteer, you will be assisting Center staff as they lead summer public programs. Groups consist of children of all ages, parents, grandparents and guardians, so there is opportunity to interact with people of all different ages.
Expectations & Goals
- Assist during public programs, which includes helping participants check-in and crowd management
- Engage with participants by talking to them about the plants and animals they’re seeing at the beach, educating people about the Center and its mission, and encouraging them to explore the Bay.
- Passion for the outdoors, which includes some comfort talking about the common species found in the Inland Bays and about the Center more broadly (or a willingness to learn!)
- Comfortable being outside & walking/standing for 2+ hours in the summer. Special accommodations can be made if/when necessary.
- Some familiarity with the James Farm Ecological Preserve (or a willingness to learn!)
Day-Of Specifics
- Arrive around 9:30 am and leave around 12:15 pm; program runs from 10am -12pm
- Programs will always on be held on weekdays in the summer (June – September)
- What to Bring: Center gear (if you have any); shoes that can get wet and sandy (must be closed-toe shoes); sunscreen/sun shirt; hat; water & refillable water bottle; bug spray; nametag
- The Center will provide pocket field guides that will stay at the Preserve
Steps to Become a Volunteer
Step 1: Read through the program overview and expectations to see if this is something you may be interested in.
Step 2: Register for our hybrid (in-person and virtual attendance options) training & orientation session
Step 3: Join our training & orientation in-person or virtually via Zoom or watch the video online
Step 4: Complete the necessary paperwork (waivers and sign-up form)
Step 5: Join Center staff for an in-person orientation & training session at the James Farm Ecological Preserve
Step 6: Volunteer for as many programs as you’d like from June through September
Registration
Our initial hybrid training will be held on Wednesday, April 26th in-person at the Center’s office and virtually via Zoom from 6 – 7:30 pm. Those who cannot attend may watch the recorded training at a later time. Please register HERE!
Once you have completed the initial training & orientation, and you are interested in being a volunteer for this program, please fill out this short questionnaire. Click the link HERE! Our second, mandatory, in-person training will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd at the James Farm Ecological Preserve from 10am -12pm.
FAQs
Will I be responsible for leading the program?Do I need to be able to identify all of the species in the Bay?
What do I need to bring?
Where should I document my volunteer hours?
What do I do if there’s inclement weather?
What happens if I can’t make my shift?
What if I cannot reach Maddie?
Training Video
Coming soon!
Sign-Up Form
The first training for Discovery Bay will take place virtually and in-person at the Center’s Office from 6 – 7:30pm on Wednesday April 26th. Registration is required. Please click the link below to register if you haven’t already:
https://forms.gle/XkMbjd1NnAYZD96G7
Once you have completed the initial training in-person, virtually or by watching the video, complete the form below to let Center staff know your contact information, availability, and other details. The form can be found HERE!
Waivers
All volunteers must fill out the Center’s 2023 Volunteer Waiver, which can be submitted online or in-person during your volunteer training session. All volunteers must be over the age of 18.
Get Involved
As the 2023 season approaches, additional information will be posted on social media and our website regarding training opportunities, assignments, scheduling, and other important details. All volunteers must be over the age of 18.
All volunteers must fill out the Center’s 2023 Volunteer Waiver, which can be submitted online or in-person during your volunteer training session.
If you would like more information about other volunteer opportunities, check out our volunteer opportunities page on our website!
If you would like to show your support for the Center’s mission by donating, you may do so HERE!
Additional Resources
- Events Calendar
- Public Programs Webpage
- Eventbrite Events Page
- James Farm Brochure
- James Farm trail map
- Center’s Brochure
- Economic Valuation of the Inland Bays
- Backyard Brochures
- Clean Water Delaware: Pollution Sources factsheet
- Clean Water Delaware: Drinking Water factsheet
- Clean Water Delaware: Open Space factsheet
- Visit the James Farm Preserve!
- James Farm Master Plan Webpage
- James Farm Master Plan Factsheet
- James Farm Master Plan (Full version)
Do you know young learners?
Check out our resource library geared just for kids HERE.
Other Educational Programs
The Center is proud to offer other environmental youth programs to interested schools and organizations. If you are interested in having your group engage in such an opportunity, please contact Jackie Knoll, Manager of Environmental Education, jknoll@inlandbays.org.