Nestled between the serene Indian River Bay and the formidable Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (CIB) has been at the heart of environmental stewardship for three decades. Founded in 1994, this beacon of conservation owes its existence to the grassroots efforts of scientists, environmentalists, and community members who recognized the critical need to protect Delaware’s treasured Inland Bays. As the Center celebrates its 30th anniversary, it’s worth looking back on its origins, achievements, and the path forward.
From Crisis to Conservation
The journey began in July 1984 when the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control published a magazine highlighting a dire warning: Delaware’s Inland Bays were in crisis. This call to action resonated with the local community and environmentalists, who rallied together to address the growing threats to these vital ecosystems. By 1988, their efforts bore fruit as the Inland Bays were designated a National Estuary Program, a federal initiative aimed at preserving estuaries of national significance.
In a landmark moment on July 26, 1994, then-Governor Tom Carper signed the Inland Bays’ Watershed Enhancement Act into law, officially establishing the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. This Act marked the culmination of decades of work by dedicated individuals who couldn’t have predicted the profound impact their efforts would have over the next 30 years.
A Living Legacy
Today, the CIB office sits at the Indian River Inlet, bridging the calm, shallow Indian River Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The landscape has changed significantly over the past three decades. Stories of islands and sandbars that once dotted the Bays are now the stuff of legend among old salts, while the Center’s staff, many too young to remember those days, work tirelessly to preserve the remaining beauty and biodiversity.
“It’s not just about teaching people; it’s about inspiring them to respect and protect our environment.”
Delaware’s three Inland Bays–the Rehoboth, the Indian River, and the Little Assawoman– are living, breathing ecosystems teeming with life. They’re not just pretty backdrops for beach selfies; they’re vital for the local economy and way of life. Whether it’s crabbing, fishing, or simply enjoying a day on the water, the Bays are a cornerstone of Delawarean culture. Yet, the Bays’ pristine waters and abundant wildlife are not guaranteed. The Center’s work is crucial in maintaining these ecosystems for future generations.
Summer at the Center: Boots-in-the-Mud Conservation
Every summer, the Center’s staff and volunteers dive into action, conducting fish and terrapin surveys, tagging horseshoe crabs, and monitoring water quality. Trucks are loaded with saplings for reforestation projects, oyster shells ready to be recycled into new reefs, and coir logs waiting to be placed at new living shorelines. Each critical project to help improve the Bays isn’t completed by the Center alone. Countless volunteers, community partners, fellow environmental organizations, donors, and others work tirelessly together to protect the Bays and, in turn, all of us.
Longtime volunteer, Lois Takara, shares her experience: “There are so many diverse ways to volunteer and contribute with the Center, and so many interesting and fun people to work with. I am now retired, so volunteering for the Center is my opportunity to get out and interact with people and with nature, and the Center provides this opportunity in a welcoming and supportive environment.”
Education and Engagement at James Farm
Just across the Bay from the Center office, the James Farm Ecological Preserve serves as the educational hub for the CIB. Donated by Mary Lighthipe and managed by the Center since 1998, this 150-acre preserve is a mosaic of seven distinct habitats. It’s a place where over 20,000 students have swapped classroom desks for nets and waders, exploring the wonders of the estuary firsthand.
The Preserve is also a popular spot for locals and visitors. Over 33,000 people connected with the Inland Bays at the Preserve last year, whether they were relaxing on the beach, observing an osprey nest, walking their dog, or flipping a horseshoe crab.
The Future of James Farm: Phase II Master Plan
The James Farm Ecological Preserve is currently undergoing a significant transformation with the implementation of Phase II of the James Farm Master Plan. This ambitious project, ten years in the making, aims to reimagine how the Preserve can serve as a catalyst to connect people with nature, allowing them to fully step into their intrinsic role of responsible stewards of the environment.
Phase II includes trail system improvements that address stressors on the environment, interpretive signage, new maintenance buildings, habitat restoration staging areas, and more. The most significant improvement is the construction of the Susie K. Ball Environmental Education Center. This three-season building will have the capacity for 70 people and serve as a space where the community can learn and explore together, in a space fully equipped for programs and lab activities.
Christophe Tulou, the Center’s Executive Director, explains, “The Susie K. Ball Environmental Education Center is a game-changer for us. It provides a dedicated, all-weather learning space, allowing us to engage more deeply with students, teachers, and the community. It’s not just about teaching people; it’s about inspiring them to respect and protect our environment.”
Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future
Reflecting on the past 30 years, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays has made remarkable strides in conservation. The path ahead is filled with challenges, but also opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The same spirit of partnership that has driven the Center’s success will be crucial as they navigate the next three decades.
One of the Center’s key strategies moving forward is to leverage technology for conservation. This includes using drones for aerial surveys, employing advanced water quality monitoring systems, and developing interactive digital platforms for education and community engagement.
As you enjoy the summer sun and the beautiful waters of Delaware’s Inland Bays, remember the dedicated efforts of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays. Their work ensures that these vital ecosystems continue to thrive, supporting the diverse life forms that call the Bays home and providing enjoyment and sustenance for future generations.
To learn more about or support the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, visit inlandbays.org or find them on Instagram or Facebook @deinlandbays. Let’s continue to protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.
