Sussex County Land Trust celebrates 25th anniversary milestone

The Sussex County Land Trust will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its June 26 annual meeting in Dagsboro, highlighting recent conservation achievements and future plans for preserving and managing protected lands across Sussex County. (Photo courtesy of Sussex County Land Trust.)

The Sussex County Land Trust will celebrate its 25th anniversary during its annual meeting on June 26, highlighting recent conservation projects and outlining future priorities for land preservation, recreation, and stewardship across Sussex County.

The meeting will be held at the Delaware Botanic Gardens in Dagsboro and is open to the public.

The event comes after a year of several major initiatives for the organization, including the preservation of the 88-acre Ard na Gréine property near Lewes, restoration efforts at Ickford Park in Seaford, and the adoption of a new strategic plan intended to guide the nonprofit through 2030.

According to the organization, attendees will receive updates on conservation and recreation projects throughout the county, including work underway at Ard na Gréine, Hudson Park, Forest of the Broadkill, Hopkins Preserve, and Nanticoke Crossing Park.

The meeting will also feature information on restoration and interpretation efforts at Ickford Park and the historic Cannon-Maston House, as well as updates on stewardship programs that now encompass nearly 1,400 acres of protected land.

Organizational growth will also be discussed, including the recent addition of the Land Trust’s first full-time Stewardship Manager.

“Twenty-five years ago, community leaders recognized that Sussex County’s special places needed champions,” said Sara Bluhm, Executive Director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “Today, we are managing nearly 1,400 acres of protected lands and helping shape a future where conservation, recreation, agriculture, and historic preservation can thrive together. This Annual Meeting is an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and share what’s next.”

Founded in 2001, the Sussex County Land Trust works to preserve open space, agricultural lands, natural habitats, and historic resources throughout Sussex County while expanding public access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.