Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) recently announced that Sara Bluhm has joined them as their first full-time executive director. Bluhm, a Milford native and 2023 Leadership Delaware graduate, brings a wealth of community leadership knowledge to the organization.
“I am honored to step into the role of executive director at such an exciting time for Sussex County Land Trust,” Bluhm said. “I’m eager to bring my experience in marketing, communications, land use and non-profit management to this incredible position. Together, we’ll grow SCLT’s impact, preserve vital resources and share its inspiring story with the community.”
Bluhm served as the Economic Development & Community Engagement Administrator for the City of Milford. Prior to her time with the city, she was the Conference Operations Manager at Zephyr Conferences, managing international beer, wine and food conferences. She was publisher at MilfordLIVE and Promotional Marketing and Communications Manager at GROWMARK FS, LLC.
Two roles she continues to manage along with her new position include Executive Director of the Delaware Diabetes Coalition and Director of Leadership Central Delaware. She has served as president of Downtown Milford Inc. and served for over four years on the City of Milford Planning Commission. In 2019, Bluhm received the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, 2018 Citizen of the Year Award, 2017 Immaculata University Alumni Medal and was recognized in Delaware Business Times as one of the “40 under 40.”
Since it was established in 2001, the SCLT has been guided by a part-time contractual director and an active board of trustees. Initially, properties within the portfolio were primarily managed for resource protection, with limited or now public acces. In recent years, however, SCLT has embarked on a transformative journey to expand its mission and enhance public engagement.
The shift began with the acquisition of Hudson Park in 2018, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth for SCLT. Six additional properties have been added to the portfolio with the intent of providing public access. At the same time, longstanding properties like Ickford Park near Seaford have undergone restoration and planning for public use.
“These significant actions advance our mission of resource protection and public access to open space across Sussex County,” Ring Lardner, SCLT Board Chair, said. “To implement a fully functioning park and preserve system, the board recognized the need for a full-time executive director to develop operational capacity, support ecological health, establish friends’ groups, launch public programming and lead fundraising efforts.”
Mark Chura, who has held the position of part-time director since 2016, will become the Director of Conservation, focusing on completing master planning and development projects for SCLT’s existing properties as well as those that may be acquired in the future.
“It’s gratifying to have been part of SLCT’s growth and its evolution as a provider of public recreation and ecological protection across the county,” said Chura. “Our goal now is to develop my new positron into a full-time role as the organization continues to expand.”
SLCT is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting natural, agricultural, cultural and recreational resources in Sussex County. Established in 2002, SLCT works to preserve open space and create a countywide network of parks and preserves that provide public access, support passive recreation and promote environmental education.
“Now, more than ever, Sussex County needs a strong network of government and non-profits to secure permanent protection of our natural, agricultural and cultural resources,” Lardner said. “Operating a first-class park and preserve system requires resources, and we rely on the generosity of our government, business partners and the public at large. We encourage everyone to support SLCT through volunteering and donations to help us fulfill this vital mission.
Learn more about SLCT by visiting their website.
