Sussex County Land Trust Highlights Conservation Efforts and Future Plans at Annual Meeting

SCLT Board and Staff

Sussex County, DE — The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) held its annual board meeting on March 28, 2025, at Baywood Greens, where community members gathered to hear updates on the Trust’s ongoing initiatives and future plans. The event highlighted significant achievements in land conservation, key property acquisitions, and new opportunities for community involvement.

Established in 2001, SCLT is a nonprofit organization focused on conserving natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resources in Sussex County. With over 6,000 acres protected and more than $4 million raised through private donations, the organization has made substantial strides in safeguarding the county’s landscapes. Board Chair Ring Lardner emphasized the importance of the Trust’s partnership with Sussex County Council, which has played a pivotal role in many of its recent accomplishments.

C. Russell McCabe (Trustee) and Ring W. Lardner (Chairman)

Among the highlights shared at the meeting were updates on several key properties acquired through collaborative efforts with the Council:

Ickford Park: A 59-acre property west of Seaford on Atlanta Road, acquired for historical interpretation. The site features the Williams-Litchford home, an early 20th-century structure recently restored by SCLT, and the Cannon-Maston home, a historic building from 1727 currently undergoing restoration.

Stephen P. Hudson Park: A 30-acre site near Milton, acquired in 2018 and now serving as a trailhead and parking area for the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. The park will also feature a Can-Do Playground, developed in partnership with Sussex County Rotary Clubs.

Nanticoke Crossing Park: Acquired in 2021 with the Chesapeake Conservancy, this 41-acre property along the Nanticoke River is being developed to include public recreation, picnic areas, frisbee golf, and a planned kayak launch.

Hopkins Preserve: A 52-acre property on Sweetbriar Road in Lewes, acquired to develop a recreational preserve. A master plan has been completed, with a groundbreaking expected later in 2025.

Forest of the Broadkill: A 294-acre tract near Milton acquired through the Conservation Program to provide public access. The master plan includes trail development and a public parking area.

Ard Na Greine: An 88-acre site in Lewes currently under contract, with federal funding secured through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). A final settlement is expected within the year.

The meeting also marked a transition for several long-serving board members. Heidi Gilmore, Russ McCabe, and Ron Vickers were honored for their service and will continue as board advisors moving forward.

In addition, Hal Carmean II, co-chair of the Fundraising and Events Committee, introduced new features on the Trust’s website that allow donors to support specific projects through naming rights and benefit opportunities. Carmean encouraged community members to get involved, stating, “We are always looking for new partners to further these important initiatives.”

The Sussex County Land Trust remains committed to preserving open spaces and fostering community engagement in conservation efforts. To learn more or get involved, visit the SCLT website at https://www.sclandtrust.org/

READ MORE: https://milfordlive.com/fse-school-board-candidate-forums-ahead-elections/

Danielle Valletti

Danielle Valletti is a Journalism student in her Senior year at Penn State University.  She is passionate about telling stories on digital platforms in a way that connects people to their communities. She is a social media expert with experience managing programs for clients in several states.