The James Farm Ecological Preserve is a beloved oasis of wild land on the Indian River Bay, located just a short drive from Bethany Beach, Delaware on Cedar Neck Road in Ocean View.  Thousands of walkers, beachcombers, birdwatchers and nature lovers visit each year.

The Preserve is open everyday from sunrise to sunset and is free to all visitors.  While visiting the area, explore some of the lovely neighboring communities: Bay Forest Club, Bayside At Bethany Lakes, Bear Trap Dunes, Bethany Bay, Briarcliffe, Grandview Shores, Ocean View Beach Club, Quillens Point, Sandy Cove, and more!

The 150-acre James Farm property was a gift to Sussex County in 1992 from a late descendant of the James family, who had farmed the land for generations. It was given with the condition that the property be used for environmental education and recreational activities.  The preserve now features more than three miles of marked hiking trails, three observation platforms, a boardwalk beach crossing, wildflower gardens, an amphitheater, an informational kiosk, rest areas, and more than 4,000 trees purchased and planted in a reforestation effort.

From the sandy beach at low tide, you can walk the trails through seven distinctive habitats of salt marshes, a maritime forest, a hardwood forest and meadows that were once farm fields.  A freshwater wetland area has been created adjacent to the intersection of two of the trails. This is a good spot to see deer, ducks, reptiles and amphibians. Next to the wetland is an observation blind for viewing wildlife. Because of the diversity of habitats and open space, the James Farm is an excellent location for birding, particularly during spring and fall migrations.  (Source: Delaware Center for Inland Bays)

There’s nothing better than a beach vacation—except actually living at the Beach!  Contact Us and let us show you just how easy it is to make the beach your home!

Photo Credits: These photos were taken by our own Angela Yerton while hiking in the Preserve.