Dagsboro Native Completes Season as Environmental Educator at James Farm Preserve

Jared Ryan, a Dagsboro resident, wrapped up his role as Environmental Educator at the Center for Inland Bays' James Farm Ecological Preserve after a transformative spring and summer season in 2021. Ryan led various public programs and youth activities while deepening his own connection to Delaware's coastal ecosystems before heading to graduate school in Texas.

A Dagsboro native recently concluded his tenure as an Environmental Educator at the James Farm Ecological Preserve, operated by the Center for Inland Bays, after spending spring and summer 2021 leading educational programs and connecting visitors with Delaware’s natural habitats.

Jared Ryan began his position in March 2021, when the 150-acre preserve was still dormant from winter. As spring arrived and new vegetation emerged, Ryan threw himself into developing engaging educational experiences for both public audiences and young participants.

Throughout his months at the preserve, Ryan discovered that the location became more than just a workplace. While leading visitors past native highbush blueberry bushes with their distinctive white, bell-shaped blooms and watching massive pileated woodpeckers hunt for insects on the forest floor, he found the preserve offered a sense of belonging and tranquility.

Standing on the observation deck overlooking the salt marsh, Ryan described feeling embraced by the maritime forest’s canopy, listening to marsh grasses rustling in the breeze, and watching sunlight dance on the bay waters as if welcoming him home. The natural beauty and diverse wildlife inspired him, but sharing these experiences with others brought him the greatest satisfaction.

The preserve’s 150 acres of diverse ecosystems provided continuous learning opportunities for both Ryan and program participants. During one “Birds of the Inland Bays: Marsh Bird” program, Ryan guided eight adults to the observation platform overlooking sporobolus grasslands. In a moment of complete silence, the group heard nature’s symphony unfold around them – male ospreys calling to their mates after successful fishing trips and clapper rails defending their territories in the grass. The experience taught participants that nature’s voices are always present for those who take time to listen.

Ryan’s programming wasn’t limited to adult audiences. “Kids Days” brought excited children aged 6 to 10 to explore the preserve’s wonders. One memorable program focused on turtle species found throughout the Inland Bays region, including the secretive Eastern box turtle known for its distinctive coloring. Children participated in box turtle scavenger hunts, learning how these reptiles camouflage themselves among fallen leaves and forest debris. Ryan valued this hands-on learning approach because it teaches investigation skills applicable to many life situations.

This investigative mindset helped Ryan develop deeper connections with nature during his “Bay-Friendly Native Plant Tour” programs. He demonstrated how native species support coastal Delaware’s wildlife ecosystem – from American holly berries feeding songbirds during winter months to loblolly pine needles providing ground cover and soil nutrients, and milkweed plants supporting monarch butterflies throughout their complete life cycle.

As his time at the preserve concluded, Ryan reflected on how the experience had transformed his relationship with nature, expanded his teaching methods, and strengthened his understanding of the coastal environment he came to consider home. The position provided both personal fulfillment and professional development as he prepared for the next chapter of his career.

Ryan has since moved on to pursue graduate studies at Texas State University, leaving behind the preserve where he blazed trails for future environmental educators. Despite his excitement for new opportunities, he acknowledges he will miss the special connection he formed with the Inland Bays region.

The James Farm Ecological Preserve continues offering public programs and educational opportunities. Additional information about the preserve and its programming is available online at inlandbays.org/james-farm-preserve.