DNREC and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays host an annual Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale at the James Farm Ecological Preserve, in Ocean View. The event highlights the work of each organization to improve Delaware’s wetlands, water, and recreational shorelines.

The 2023 Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale, on May 6, was a great success. Stay tuned for information about the 2024 event, coming next spring!

What’s It All About?

The Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale, which started in 2019, is free and family-friendly. It features “feet-wet, hands-dirty fun,” outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, multiple exhibits, food trucks, and a native plant sale.

Organizations and nonprofits gather at James Farm and offer a variety of activities and exhibits.

Staff from local plant nurseries are on hand to answer questions on the importance of native species and offer a variety of native plants for sale to the public.

Educational exhibits help people explore environmental topics such as seagrass, shellfish, waves, beaches, wetlands, tax ditches, rain gardens, and more.

Throughout the event, a series of short talks cover diverse topics such as diamondback terrapins, invasive species, coastal ecology, plants and more. And there are family activities including horseshoe crab tagging, fish seining, bird identification and a guided walk through the Preserve’s trails.

For more information on the event, please contact Olivia Allread, by email at olivia.allread@delaware.gov, or at 302-739-9939.

Exhibitors, Sponsors, and More at the 2023 Event

The 2023 Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale featured exhibits and presentations from nature-based organizations and nonprofits, providing environmental education for all ages.

Attendees explored hiking trails, took guided bird walks, or even tried paddle boarding and kayaking.

New to the 2023 event was music by the Homestead Bluegrass Band.

Food And Beverages

Interested in sponsoring this event? For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mark Carter, by email at mcarter@inlandbays.org, or at 302-226-8105 (x 717).

Related Topics:  education, family, fest, inland bays, native plants, shorelines, watershed, wetlands