The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) will celebrate 25 years of conservation success during its Annual Meeting on Friday, June 26, at the Delaware Botanic Gardens, located at 30220 Piney Neck Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939, highlighting a landmark year that included the preservation of the 88-acre Ard na Gréine property near Lewes and the continued expansion of parks, trails, and public access opportunities across Sussex County.
The public is invited to attend the event, which will feature a presentation on the organization’s accomplishments, future priorities, and vision for protecting the land and resources that make Sussex County special.
The meeting comes at a time of significant growth for the Land Trust. Over the past year, SCLT completed the acquisition of Ard na Gréine—one of the most significant remaining undeveloped tracts east of Route 1 in the Lewes area—while advancing restoration efforts at Ickford Park in Seaford, expanding stewardship initiatives across nearly 1,400 acres of protected lands, and adopting a new strategic plan to guide the organization through 2030.
Attendees will hear updates on the preservation of Ard na Gréine and future planning for the property, restoration and interpretation efforts at Ickford Park, including the historic Cannon-Maston House, new recreational and conservation projects at Hudson Park, Forest of the Broadkill, Hopkins Preserve, and Nanticoke Crossing Park, the Land Trust’s recently adopted strategic plan and vision for the future along with organizational growth, including the addition of its first full-time Stewardship Manager
“Twenty-five years ago, community leaders recognized that Sussex County’s special places needed champions,” said Sara Bluhm, Executive Director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “Today, we are managing nearly 1,400 acres of protected lands and helping shape a future where conservation, recreation, agriculture, and historic preservation can thrive together. This Annual Meeting is an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and share what’s next.”
An annual meeting and closed board of trustee session will be held from 11 to 12:30 PM wit the doors open to the public at 12:30 PM with light refreshments. At 1 PM, there will be a public presentation and organizational updates.
During the Annual Meeting, Trustees will elect officers, adopt the FY27 budget, and receive updates on several major conservation, stewardship, and park improvement initiatives planned throughout Sussex County.
The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged. Those interested in attending can register online.
The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to safeguarding the land and resources that make Sussex County special. 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.
