The Sussex County Land Trust has finalized the preservation of Ard Na Gréine, an 88-acre family farm in Lewes, protecting one of the last large open spaces east of Route 1 after years of coordinated effort. (Photo courtesy of Sussex County Land Trust.)

Sussex County Land Trust has completed the preservation of Ard Na Gréine, an 88-acre family farm in Lewes, securing one of the last large tracts of open space east of Route 1.

The effort to protect the property began in 2019 and moved forward after the land went under contract in 2023. The project was finalized this week following years of coordination among public agencies, nonprofit partners and private donors.

“This project represents the very best of what partnership can accomplish,” said Sara Bluhm, Executive Director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “Ard Na Gréine is a truly special place, and from the very beginning, there was a shared commitment to doing this the right way. This is about more than preserving land—it’s about honoring a family legacy, supporting agriculture, and creating a thoughtful vision for the future of this region.”

The farm has long been owned and maintained by the Wells family, with Linda Miller serving as caretaker for the past 21 years. The property has been part of the family’s history in Sussex County for decades.

“My family’s roots are in Sussex County,” said Linda Miller, property owner. “For more than 70 years, this family farm has always been a very special place, and I was honored to be its caretaker for the last 21 years. We are most grateful to everyone who recognizes the value of agriculture and its heritage in this area. Sincere thanks from us to Sussex County Land Trust and everyone who worked so diligently and contributed in any way to make the preservation of Ard Na Gréine a reality. It is wonderful to know this beautiful, and today unique, parcel of land will remain a quiet and peaceful haven for future generations to enjoy as well.”

Funding for the preservation included support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service through an Agricultural Land Easement, as well as a recreational easement from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control along the Georgetown-Lewes Trail corridor.

Additional funding came from Sussex County Council, the Longwood Foundation and private donations raised in partnership with the Greater Lewes Foundation.

“Conservation of land in Delaware is critical, and it is especially critical in the rapidly growing coastal area where opportunities are lessening by the year,” DNREC Secretary Gregory Patterson said. “The funding from Delaware’s Open Space Council was a key part of the partnership that made this purchase possible, and DNREC is excited about the recreational opportunities its easement may provide in the future.”

“The Ard Na Gréine acquisition is yet another example of Sussex County’s long-standing commitment to preserving southern Delaware’s treasured natural resources, today and for generations to come,” County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said. “That mission would not be as successful without partnerships like those with the Sussex County Land Trust, which helps to leverage the dollars and logistical support needed to make these large-scale purchases happen. Ultimately, that’s a win for the constituents we serve, and the way of life we all enjoy and are called to protect.”

The property will remain an active farm and is not currently open to the public. Future plans include a master planning process to evaluate conservation, agricultural use and potential passive recreational access.

Officials said the preservation comes as development pressures continue to increase in eastern Sussex County, making the protection of remaining open space a priority for local and state partners.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.