Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026 and inviting the community to play an active role in shaping the future of open space conservation in Sussex County.
SCLT closed 2025 with strong community support to advance land preservation, stewardship, and public access across the county. These funds support the protection and care of properties that remain open and accessible for public enjoyment.
As part of its milestone year, SCLT is emphasizing public engagement, stewardship, and collaboration. The organization’s Board of Trustees is currently engaged in a strategic planning process to help guide priorities for the next chapter of land preservation and public access.
“This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about listening, planning, and building the next 25 years together,” said Sara Bluhm, Executive Director of Sussex County Land Trust. “Community input, volunteers, and partnerships are essential to protecting the places that make Sussex County special.”
As part of this effort, SCLT is seeking public feedback through an online community survey for Forest of the Broadkill Preserve, a collection of three contiguous properties featuring a mix of open fields and hardwood forests located near Gravel Hill Road (Route 30) and Shingle Point Road outside Milton. Community input will help inform future planning, stewardship, and public access decisions for the preserve. Complete the survey at https://bit.ly/FOTBSurvey.
Throughout 2026, SCLT will host a series of 25th Anniversary events celebrating conservation, community, and public open space. Volunteer committees are forming now, with opportunities ranging from event planning and sponsorship recruitment to marketing support and day-of logistics.
Planned events include:
- Easter Egg Hunt (March, Wolfe House)
- Illuminate Sussex: A Separation Day Celebration (June, Ickford Park), featuring live music, local vendors, educational exhibits, historic house tours, and a drone light show honoring Delaware’s story
- Dogfish Dash (September, Dogfish Head Brewery)
- Open Space, Open Strings (November), a planned bluegrass-style music festival
Join our volunteer committees, sign up online.
SCLT is also expanding opportunities for businesses and organizations to engage in hands-on conservation through custom stewardship projects. A current partnership with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery through its Beer & Benevolence program highlights how companies can involve employees, members, or customers in meaningful land-care efforts. These projects may include trail maintenance, habitat restoration, cleanup days, and other stewardship activities aligned with corporate social responsibility and sustainability goals.
Community members can learn more, share input, volunteer, or support land preservation efforts by visiting SCLT online.
The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting natural, agricultural, cultural, and recreational resources in Sussex County, Delaware. Established in 2001, the Trust 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. Through strategic partnerships, land acquisitions, and community engagement, SCLT is committed to safeguarding the county’s unique landscapes for current and future generations. For more information, visit www.sclandtrust.org.
