Sussex County Land Trust Marks 25th Anniversary with Focus on Community Engagement

The Sussex County Land Trust is inviting residents to help shape the future of open space preservation, stewardship, and public access across the county. (Photo courtesy of Sussex County Land Trust.)

As Sussex County continues to experience rapid growth, the Sussex County Land Trust is marking a milestone year by asking residents to help shape the future of open space preservation across the county.

The nonprofit land conservation organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, using the milestone as an opportunity to expand public engagement, strengthen partnerships, and gather community input on how protected lands are managed and accessed. The effort follows a year of strong community support that helped the organization advance land preservation, stewardship, and public access initiatives countywide.

Those funds, according to the organization, support the protection and ongoing care of properties that remain open and accessible for public use, including trails, natural areas, and historic landscapes.

As part of its anniversary planning, the Sussex County Land Trust’s Board of Trustees has begun a strategic planning process intended to guide the organization’s priorities for the next 25 years. A key component of that process is public involvement.

“This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about listening, planning, and building the next 25 years together,” said Sara Bluhm, executive director of Sussex County Land Trust. “Community input, volunteers, and partnerships are essential to protecting the places that make Sussex County special.”

One of the first opportunities for community input is an online survey focused on the Forest of the Broadkill Preserve, a group of three contiguous properties near Gravel Hill Road (Route 30) and Shingle Point Road outside Milton. The preserve includes a mix of open fields and hardwood forest and is managed by the land trust for conservation and public enjoyment.

According to the organization, responses to the survey will help inform future planning decisions related to stewardship, land use, and public access at the preserve. The survey is available online and is open to residents, visitors, and anyone with an interest in the property.

In addition to seeking feedback, the land trust is planning a series of public events throughout 2026 to mark its anniversary and highlight the role of conservation in Sussex County. The events are expected to focus on education, recreation, and community connection, while also supporting the organization’s mission of land preservation.

Planned events include an Easter egg hunt at the Wolfe House in March, “Illuminate Sussex: A Separation Day Celebration” in June at Ickford Park, the Dogfish Dash in September at Dogfish Head Brewery, and “Open Space, Open Strings,” a bluegrass-style music festival planned for November. The June Separation Day event is expected to include live music, local vendors, educational exhibits, historic house tours, and a drone light show highlighting Delaware history.

To support these efforts, the land trust is forming volunteer committees to assist with event planning, sponsorship outreach, marketing, and on-site logistics. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to participate.

The organization is also expanding opportunities for local businesses and organizations to take part in hands-on conservation work through customized stewardship projects. A current partnership with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, developed through its Beer & Benevolence program, serves as a model for engaging employees and community members in land-care efforts such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and cleanup projects.

According to the land trust, these partnerships allow businesses to align conservation work with corporate social responsibility and sustainability goals while directly supporting local open spaces.

Residents interested in providing feedback, volunteering, or learning more about land preservation efforts in Sussex County can find additional information through the Sussex County Land Trust’s website.