Celebrate Nature and Family Fun at Water Family Fest 2024

Water Family FestSubmitted Image

OCEAN VIEW, DE — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), together with the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (CIB), has announced the return of the Water Family Fest. This engaging, free-admission event is set to take place at the scenic James Farm Ecological Preserve on Saturday, May 4th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering families a perfect blend of education and fun in the great outdoors.

Since its inception in 2019, the Water Family Fest has become a much-anticipated annual celebration, shining a spotlight on DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship and CIB’s efforts to preserve and enhance Delaware’s natural resources. From wetland management and water quality improvements to the protection of recreational shorelines, the festival highlights critical environmental work while providing a day of enjoyment for the community.

This year’s fest boasts an impressive lineup of more than 30 nature-based organizations and non-profits, all ready to share their knowledge through exciting exhibits. Attendees will have the chance to explore a diverse range of environmental topics including shellfish habitats, beach and wetland conservation, rain gardens, and native plants, with local nurseries offering a selection of native plants for sale.

In addition to educational opportunities, the festival is packed with activities for the whole family. Children can engage in hands-on experiences like clay crafts, insect identification, and storytime in a dedicated reading nook. A new “touch-a-boat” area promises to be a hit, offering up-close encounters with various types of boats.

No festival is complete without food and music, and Water Family Fest delivers on both fronts. Visitors can savor delicious offerings from Taco Reho, Bountiful Bowls, and Ocean View Brewing Company while enjoying live tunes from the Homestead Bluegrass band on the main stage.

Participating nurseries such as Inland Bays Garden Center, Roots Landscaping, Coastal Tributaries, and East View Farms join a host of sponsors including Coastal Plant Care and Freeman Institute, making this event possible and ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mark your calendars for a day of discovery and family fun at James Farm Ecological Preserve. Rain or shine, the Water Family Fest is the ideal way to kick off the spring season, immerse in nature, and learn more about the environmental stewardship efforts safeguarding Delaware’s picturesque landscapes. See you there for a memorable day with the community!

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.