Sussex County Land Trust Expands Team with New Stewardship Manager

Eric Williams has joined the Sussex County Land Trust as its new Stewardship Manager, overseeing stewardship and maintenance activities at preserved properties, historic sites and public access areas throughout the county. (Photo courtesy of Sussex County Land Trust.)

The Sussex County Land Trust has hired Eric Williams as its new Stewardship Manager, a newly created full-time position aimed at expanding the organization’s ability to maintain preserved properties and manage ongoing projects throughout the county.

Williams joined the nonprofit conservation organization in June and is responsible for overseeing stewardship and maintenance activities at SCLT preserves, historic properties and public access sites. He will also help manage capital improvement projects, coordinate contractors, expand volunteer opportunities and work with the organization’s Property Management Committee on long-term property plans.

The new position comes as SCLT continues to grow its portfolio of protected lands and strengthen its organizational structure under Executive Director Sara Bluhm, who joined the organization in January 2025.

“The Land Trust has grown tremendously—not only in the amount of land we are responsible for, but in the number and complexity of projects underway across Sussex County,” said Bluhm. “Adding Eric to our team gives us dedicated capacity to focus on the day-to-day stewardship of these properties while also moving forward the larger projects that will make more of these special places accessible and enjoyable for the community.”

Williams brings experience in project management, operations, team leadership and stakeholder engagement. His background includes managing projects, coordinating contractors and resources, and working with community partners.

A Delaware native who lives in Milford with his partner, Kathleen, Williams said his connection to the region’s natural areas has shaped his interest in the role. He enjoys spending time outdoors, including hunting and exploring Sussex County’s landscapes.

“I’m excited to join Sussex County Land Trust at such an important time in its growth,” said Williams. “This mission-driven work is instrumental to ensuring Sussex County remains a beautiful place to live, explore, and enjoy for generations to come, and I’m honored to be part of that work.”

The addition of the Stewardship Manager position is part of SCLT’s broader effort to build organizational capacity as it enters its next phase of growth. The organization recently adopted its FY27–FY29 Strategic Plan, which outlines priorities including strengthening land stewardship, expanding public access and community engagement, increasing organizational capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability.

SCLT also plans to add an operations-focused staff position in the coming months to further support the organization’s administrative needs.

“Preserving land is only the beginning,” Bluhm added. “We have a responsibility to care for these properties for generations, build meaningful connections between people and the land, and make sure the organization itself has the capacity to fulfill those commitments. Growing our team thoughtfully is an important part of that work.”