Discover Delmarva: James Farm Ecological Preserve

OCEAN VIEW, Del. — If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature, look no further than James Farm Ecological Preserve. With 150 acres of pristine land, this preserve is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

“Here you can experience all different kinds of habitats so you can walk through lush meadows, dense forests. . . We have freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, then you can make your way down to the sandy beaches. There’s a lot to do here at the preserve,” Communications Specialist at the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Clare Magargal said.

You can explore miles of scenic trails and stop at the observation decks to take in the view. You might even spot some of the birds, terrapins, and horseshoe crabs that call the preserve home.

“We have about three or four trails that go into the woods and around to these different observation points where you can look over these habitats and really get connected to nature,” Development Coordinator at the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays Milan McWilliams said.

“You’ll see shore birds, forest birds, and field birds,” Volunteer Lois Takara said.

Or take to the water on one of Ecobay Kayak’s tours — you might even spot some dolphins along the way!

“We offer three tours a day, we offer a 9:00 a.m. one; it’s about an hour and a half to two hours. It’s a little bit longer, we go a little farther to see a bit more. We offer a one 1:00 p.m. one-hour short and sweet. . . And we also offer a sunset paddle nightly,” Owner of Ecobay Kayak Lisa Daisey-Defebo said. 

And learn about all the preserve has to offer at their new environmental education center.

“That serves as a place for our public programs that are free to the public to come and learn about the different habitats that make the preserve such an amazing place with estuaries, marshes, the meadows and all that,” McWilliams said.

Whether it’s birding, walking, kayaking, or just enjoying a picnic, James Farm Ecological Preserve offers something for everyone looking to experience nature’s beauty.

“This place is really just meant to connect people to nature and show them the beauty of Sussex County,” Magargal said.

To learn more, visit https://inlandbays.org/visit-the-preserve/