Sussex County Land Trust has officially preserved Ard Na Gréine, an 88-acre family farm in Lewes that has been part of the local landscape for generations. 

The project marks a major conservation milestone in eastern Sussex County, especially as open land east of Route 1 continues to become harder to protect. 

For now, the property will remain an active farm, with future planning expected to explore how the land may eventually support passive recreation and public access in a careful, responsible way.

A Major Land Preservation Win in Lewes

Ard Na Gréine is considered one of the last remaining large tracts of open space east of Route 1 in the Lewes area. 

That makes its preservation especially meaningful at a time when growth, development, and land use decisions are shaping the future of coastal Sussex County. And making its preservation both timely and transformational for the future of eastern Sussex County.

The effort to protect the farm began in 2019, when Sussex County Land Trust and its partners started working toward a shared goal of keeping the property as an open space, rooted in a shared belief that this land—rich in agricultural heritage and natural beauty—was worth saving.

The land went under contract in 2023, but the project still required years of coordination, funding, and planning before reaching the finish line.

Now, instead of being converted into another large development or some other commercial space potential, Ard Na Gréine will continue to support agriculture, open space, and conservation.

Image: Sussex County Land Trust

A Family Farm With Deep Local Roots

The preservation of Ard Na Gréine is also a story about family legacy. 

The property has long been connected to the Wells family, whose roots in Sussex County go back generations.

For more than 70 years, the farm has been an important part of the family’s history. 

Linda Miller, a member of the Wells family, served as the property’s caretaker for the past 21 years. Her role helped continue a tradition of stewardship, care, and connection to the land.

That history is a big part of why preservation carries so much weight. 

It is about honoring the agricultural heritage of the Lewes area and recognizing the families who helped shape the character of the region.

How the Preservation Came Together

The Ard Na Gréine project was made possible through a layered partnership that brought together public funding, private donations, and conservation support.

Several organizations and funding sources helped make the purchase possible, including:

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, which provided funding for an Agricultural Land Easement
• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, which supported a recreational easement along the perimeter of the property
• Sussex County Council
• Longwood Foundation
• Greater Lewes Foundation
• Private donors who contributed $1.25 million toward the effort

This combination of support reflects how complex large-scale land preservation can be. 

The recreational easement supported by DNREC connects to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail area, which could eventually help shape future public access around the property. 

However, that access is not available yet.

Image: Sussex County Land Trust

What Happens Next for Ard Na Gréine

Although the preservation is complete, Ard Na Gréine is not open to the public at this time. 

The property will remain an active farm, and the existing driveway off Donovan’s Road is still private access only.

Sussex County Land Trust plans to lead a master planning process in the months and years ahead. 

That process will look at how to balance farming, conservation, and possible passive recreational use in a way that respects the land’s character.

Any future public access will take time and will likely involve community input, so stay tuned as more information is made available to the public. 

Why This Matters for Coastal Delaware

The preservation of Ard Na Gréine comes at an important moment for Eastern Sussex County. 

The Lewes area has seen significant growth, and large open parcels are becoming increasingly rare.

Protecting this 88-acre farm helps preserve more than just land. 

It helps maintain agricultural use, safeguard open space, and protect part of the rural character that many residents value. 

And it also gives the community a chance to think more carefully about how conservation and growth can coexist in Coastal Delaware.

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Source: Sussex County Land Trust