Home » Public Programs at the James Farm Ecological Preserve
Public Programs at the James Farm Ecological Preserve

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.

Trail Map

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 Oysters
Discover the power of the oyster! Sometimes referred to as “nature’s engineers” or “vacuums of the bay,” oysters play a critical role in keeping our bays clean. They also provide structural support for reefs for additional marine life. Participants will get a closer look at these bivalves in action, watching as they filter water. People will also explore the beach, where they will catch and observe other filter-feeding organisms.

 

Bay Health
Explore the trails of the James Farm Ecological Preserve and the Indian River Bay. Participants will have an opportunity to act as scientists and learn about the health of the Bay by performing a series of water quality tests. We will examine temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and a few other metrics to learn about how the Center measures the water quality within the Inland Bays watershed.

 

Creature Feature: Forage Fish
Learn about the different forage fish & minnows that live in the shallow waters of the Indian River Bay. This program dives into the ecology &  anatomy of forage fish. Participants will explore the Bay to hopefully find living fish before  determining what species they are!  

 

Creature Feature: Horseshoe Crabs
Discover the life of this prehistoric creature up close and personal at the James Farm Ecological Preserve. Learn about horseshoe crabs, why they make their way onto the beaches of the Inland Bays, and participate in a demonstration survey. This program dives into the ecology, anatomy, and benefits of horseshoe crabs using a lifelike model (and hopefully a living organism!). 

 

Discovery Bay
Participants in this program get closer to the bays than ever before as they search in the shallow waters of the Indian River Bay for aquatic life. As a group, we identify and discuss different fish, crabs, and other plants and animals that we can find here at the James Farm Ecological Preserve! 

 

Hiding in Plain Sight
Participate in a short program to learn about the different ways animals use camouflage techniques for survival. Focusing on patterns and colors, participants  spend time observing the landscape while learning about categories of color and pattern adaptations for organism survival: camouflage, mimicry, warning, and attraction. Students apply these concepts as they participate in a hide and seek simulation.  Then, participants will embark on a search for real critters in the area, using their new  skills to discover how patterns and coloration might help the organisms survive in their habitat.

 

Kid's Day: Discovery Bay
Perfect for participants of all ages! Kid’s Days allow children of all ages to connect with nature! Learners will get the opportunity to explore the James Farm Ecological Preserve and learn about many of the plants & animals that call this place home. Activities vary throughout the year, but will always include hands-on learning opportunities. Please note: participants under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present at all times. 

 

Inland Bays Birding
Learn the basics of birding techniques and how studying birds can help us understand the health of the environment. Use your newfound skills to find and identify local avian species and hear more about each bird group  as you move through each of the seven habitats at the James Farm Ecological Preserve!

 

Mammal Mania
Mammals are over here, under there, they are practically everywhere! Discover different mammals found around the world and here at the James Farm Ecological Preserve. This is a chance to see replica skulls, learn about animals’ different teeth types, and learn what these adaptations mean for each organism.

 

Mysteries of the Marsh
Participants will walk towards the marsh at the James Farm Ecological Preserve and learn why marshes are one of the most important habitats in our Inland Bays watershed. We’ll also talk about the Center’s various research and restoration projects that focus on salt marshes!

 

Nature Journaling
There is no better way to get close to nature than to journal about it! Learn the steps to tactile nature journaling and how the power of observations can expand your understanding of the world around us. This program will then put those skills into practice at the James Farm Ecological Preserve with a fun activity that will challenge your perspective. Participants need to bring their own journals and writing utensils.

 

Nature's Recyclers
Did you know there are built-in recyclers within the environment? Join us for a hike through the James Farm Ecological Preserve as we explore the trails and learn about some of the local decomposers and scavengers.

 

Powerful Pollinators
Focusing on bees, butterflies and birds, students will examine special aspects of these creatures’ anatomies and life cycles, identify their needs for species survival, and engage in an interactive experience, which highlights how these tiny organisms play a critical role in creating and maintaining our current food supply.

 

Seasonal Walking Tours
Some of our seasonal walking tour offerings include Gardening with Native Plants, Sunset Strolls, Watershed 101 Walks, and Winter Walks.

 

Sensational Senses
Engage your senses as we explore the James Farm Ecological Preserve. Participants will hike the trails and make stops along the way to put your senses to the test! There will be an opportunity to explore each of the 5 senses through games and other exercises.

 

Thankful for Nature
Connect with nature by creating your own art project using materials found in the environment. Participants will create multiple simple crafts, such as bark owls and leaf rubbings. People will also learn about many of the inhabitants of the James Farm Ecological Preserve.

 

Tons of Turtles
Did you know that the Inland Bays watershed is home to both land and water-dwelling turtles? Join Center staff and learn about the diverse species that can be found here, their importance, adaptations, and role-play as Terrapin hatchlings during a Terrapin life-cycle game.

 

Tracks on the Trails
Search the trails at the James Farm Ecological Preserve for animal tracks. Participants will learn about the different animals we regularly see at the Preserve including mammals, reptiles, birds and more! We’ll examine the skulls of some of these critters to learn about what characteristics they have that make them perfectly adapted to live and thrive in our watershed.

 

 

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?
Nope! For the Discovery Bay Program, Center staff will be responsible for leading the program. If you have interest in leading another program, in the spring or fall, about something you’re knowledgeable and passionate about like insects, birds, native plants, ect, please contact the Center’s Environmental Education Specialist, Maddie Fox, at mfox@inlandbays.org.

 

Do I need to be able to identify all of the species in the Bay?
No, there will always be a Center staff member present, who can help identify species. We will also provide species guides so you have a resource to look up what organism it may be! 

 

What do I need to bring?
Center gear (if you have any), shoes that can get wet & sandy (must be closed-toe shoes), sunscreen, sunshirt, hat, water & a reusable water bottle, bug spray, nametag, & anything else you think you may need for the day. 

 

Where should I document my volunteer hours?
We will have a sign-in/out sheet at the Preserve for you to document your hours. 

 

What do I do if there’s inclement weather?
Please use your best judgment. If there is inclement weather, oftentimes programs will be canceled. We try to cancel programs at least 24 hours in advance, and we will contact you to let you know. If you are ever unsure about if a program is still happening, please feel free to reach out to the Center’s Environmental Education Specialist, Maddie Fox, at mfox@inlandbays.org or call/text (302) 226-8105 ext. 721. 

 

What happens if I can’t make my shift?
If you cannot make your shift, no worries! We understand that the summer is a busy time and sometimes things pop up. If you can’t make your shift, please contact the Center’s Environmental Education Specialist, Maddie Fox, at mfox@inlandbays.org or (302) 226-8105 ext 721 at your earliest convenience. If it’s short notice, please text Maddie Fox at (302) 226-8105 and be sure to include your name and Maddie’s name in the text message. 

 

What if I cannot reach Maddie?
If you cannot reach Maddie, please contact Jackie Knoll at jknoll@inlandbays.org or (302) 226-8105 ext 708. 

 

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

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.