The Sussex County Land Trust is celebrating a major milestone this year, and the community is invited to be part of it. 

On Friday, June 26th, the organization will hold its Annual Meeting at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro, giving the public a chance to hear about recent conservation wins, ongoing park projects, and what is next for protected land across Sussex County.

Image: Sussex County Land Trust

25-Year Milestone for Local Conservation

The Sussex County Land Trust was established in 2001 with a mission to protect the land, open spaces, and natural resources that make Sussex County special. 

Now, 25 years later, the nonprofit is marking its anniversary with a year that includes several important accomplishments.

The Annual Meeting will highlight how the organization has grown, what it has helped preserve, and how it plans to continue supporting parks, trails, passive recreation, environmental education, agriculture, and historic preservation throughout the county.

One of the biggest milestones is the preservation of Ard na Gréine, an 88-acre property near Lewes. 

The property is considered one of the most significant remaining undeveloped tracts east of Route 1 in the Lewes area, making its preservation an important moment for conservation in Coastal Delaware.

What the Public Can Expect 

The event will take place at Delaware Botanic Gardens, located at 30220 Piney Neck Road in Dagsboro. 

The schedule includes:

• 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Annual Meeting and Closed Board of Trustees Session
• 12:30 p.m.: Doors open to the public and light refreshments are served
• 1:00 p.m.: Public presentation and organizational updates

The event is free and open to the public, and advance registration is encouraged.

Image: Sussex County Land Trust

Major Projects and Updates Across Sussex County

Attendees will hear about several conservation, stewardship, and park improvement efforts happening across Sussex County.

In addition to the preservation of Ard na Gréine, the Land Trust will share updates on restoration and interpretation efforts at Ickford Park in Seaford, including work connected to the historic Cannon Maston House.

The organization will also discuss new recreational and conservation projects at Hudson Park, Forest of the Broadkill, Hopkins Preserve, and Nanticoke Crossing Park; they now manage nearly 1,400 acres of protected land and have expanded the stewardship work to care for these properties over time. 

That growth also includes the addition of the Land Trust’s first full-time Stewardship Manager.

Image: Sussex County Land Trust

The Land Trust’s Future Plans

The Annual Meeting will also introduce the Sussex County Land Trust’s newly adopted strategic plan, which will guide the organization through 2030.

During the meeting, trustees will elect officers, adopt the FY27 budget, and review major initiatives planned throughout the county. 

Sara Bluhm, Executive Director of the Sussex County Land Trust, said the meeting is both a celebration of what has been accomplished and a chance to share what comes next. 

She noted that the organization is now managing nearly 1,400 acres of protected lands while helping shape a future where conservation, recreation, agriculture, and historic preservation can thrive together.

Keep following the blog for more local news, community updates, and important stories happening across Coastal Delaware.

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