There is a narrow sliver of pristine land that stretches from Dewey Beach almost to Bethany Beach. Populated by sand dunes, World War II lookout towers, marsh grasses, scrub pines, terrapins, and migratory birds, it is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Delaware — especially in the quiet light of early morning or late afternoon. On one side lies the Atlantic Ocean. On the other are the Inland Bays: Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay.
These waterways are more than scenic backdrops to coastal life. They are living ecosystems that help define Sussex County’s environment, economy, recreation, and quality of life. Protecting them is the mission of the Center for the Inland Bays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring Delaware’s Inland Bays, the waterways that flow into them, and the surrounding watershed.
The Inland Bays were designated an “Estuary of National Significance” by the U.S. Congress in 1988. Estuaries are places where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater flowing inland from the ocean. According to the Center, the Bays support hundreds of species and serve as nursery grounds for fish, shellfish, horseshoe crabs, and migratory birds that are essential to Delaware’s coastal ecosystem.
The Bays may appear calm and timeless, but they face ongoing environmental challenges including pollution, habitat loss, erosion, and the effects of climate change. The work of protecting these waters depends heavily on community involvement — and that is where local volunteers make an enormous difference.
For many retirees and older adults living in Sussex County’s coastal communities, volunteering with the Center offers an opportunity to stay active, meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and give back to the place they now call home. Whether someone enjoys working outdoors, interacting with visitors, collecting scientific data, or helping at educational events, there are volunteer opportunities for a wide range of interests and physical abilities.
Volunteers are truly the heartbeat of the organization, contributing thousands of hours each year with an estimated value approaching a quarter of a million dollars. They assist with horseshoe crab, blue crab, osprey, fish, and diamondback terrapin surveys, help with reforestation projects, support educational programming, maintain trails, and welcome visitors at the James Farm Ecological Preserve.
One of the Center’s most popular volunteer programs is the annual Horseshoe Crab Survey, launched in 2008 and now one of the organization’s longest-running citizen science projects. Each spring, volunteers head to local beaches during the full and new moons in May and June to count spawning horseshoe crabs and collect important ecological data.
For many participants, the experience is memorable and surprisingly meaningful. Standing on the shoreline after sunset, watching these ancient creatures emerge from the water under moonlight, creates a powerful connection to the natural world that many volunteers say keeps them coming back year after year.
The organization also oversees the beautiful James Farm Ecological Preserve on the Indian River Bay — a 150-acre property featuring walking trails, educational programs, meadows, forests, and shoreline habitat. Many volunteers serve as docents there, helping visitors learn about native plants, wildlife, and the importance of protecting fragile coastal ecosystems.
Executive Director Christophe Tulou understands firsthand how essential volunteers are to the organization’s success. He began his tenure in January 2023 after serving as Senior Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
“Our volunteers–who now number over 400–are the foundation of our success,” he says. “With a full-time staff of about 15 people and the entire Inland Bays watershed to protect, preserve and restore, we’d be up the creek without those who help us survey critical species like horseshoe crabs, osprey, diamondback terrapins”.
Tulou says volunteers also help maintain and greet visitors at the James Farm Ecological Preserve, build oyster reefs, plant trees and meadows, assist with education and outreach programs, and much more.
For seniors especially, volunteering can provide not only purpose and social connection, but also physical and mental health benefits. Studies consistently show that volunteering helps reduce isolation, encourages physical activity, and fosters a stronger sense of community belonging — something particularly valuable in retirement years.
Tulou believes the relationship between the Center and volunteers is mutually rewarding.
“The joy of our work at the Center is not so much what we look for in volunteers, but what we have to offer them,” he explains. “Typically, our volunteers are looking for ways to give back, to support a place many have chosen to call home, and to put their bodies and varied skills to work. If you love this environment and are looking to get some dirt under your nails, then this is the place for you”.
The Center also offers educational workshops, native gardening programs, youth resources, lectures, film screenings, and seasonal community events throughout the year. Programs like Gardening for the Bays encourage residents to make environmentally friendly choices at home that help improve water quality and reduce runoff into the Bays.
And the impact of protecting the Bays extends far beyond nature alone. According to studies highlighted by the organization, Delaware’s Inland Bays generate more than $4.5 billion in annual economic activity and support over 35,000 jobs, with the overwhelming majority of that impact occurring right here in Sussex County.
That means protecting the Bays is not only about preserving wildlife and natural beauty — it also helps protect tourism, recreation, fisheries, real estate values, and the overall health of the coastal economy.
For those looking to become involved, the Center makes it easy to explore opportunities ranging from one-time volunteer projects to ongoing programs and educational events. Whether you are newly retired, a long-time local resident, or simply someone who loves Delaware’s coastal environment, the Center for the Inland Bays offers a meaningful way to connect, contribute, and help ensure these treasured waterways remain healthy for future generations.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and upcoming events, visit Center for the Inland Bays Volunteer Programs.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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