More than 80 community members, partners, and supporters gathered on Thursday, November 13, to celebrate the kickoff of the Sussex County Land Trust’s 25th anniversary at 25 Years of Preserving Sussex: Celebrating Our Roots, Growing Our Future, held at the Delaware Botanic Gardens. The celebration raised more than $19,500 to support future conservation projects and expand public access to open space across Sussex County.
Guests enjoyed local cuisine from SoDel Concepts, live music by Little Hustle, and an inspiring program featuring remarks from Casey Kenton, Sussex County Land Trust’s (SCLT) Board Secretary; Sara M. Bluhm, Executive Director; and Hal Carmean, Trustee and Fundraising Committee Chair.
The evening featured several major announcements, including the launch of SCLT’s Preservation Fund, where guests were invited to “raise a hand for the land”—a new initiative designed to strengthen the Trust’s capacity to protect open space throughout Sussex County. The organization also announced its first-ever multi-year strategic plan, a roadmap for future land acquisition, stewardship, and community engagement.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, Governor Matt Meyer’s Office presented an official Proclamation recognizing 25 years of preservation accomplishments and the community partnerships that have made those successes possible.
“This event celebrated not only our past accomplishments, but the partnerships that make preservation possible,” said Bluhm. “Together, we’re building on 25 years of momentum to ensure Sussex County’s most special places remain protected and accessible for generations to come.”
The celebration was hosted at the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG), located on land owned by the Sussex County Land Trust and leased to the Gardens for public use and ecological education. Bluhm extended special thanks to the DBG team for their hospitality and praised their staff and volunteers for ensuring a seamless and memorable event.
Roots Table Sponsors for the evening included Dogfish Head, Community Bank Delaware, Sussex County Council, and Sheryl Sewd and Ray Sander.
Since its founding in 2001, the Sussex County Land Trust has preserved more than 6,400 acres of open space, working with county, state, and nonprofit partners to protect farmland, forests, and waterways while expanding public access to parks and trails.
Looking ahead, the Sussex County Land Trust will continue its 25th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a series of community events, including an Easter Egg Hunt at Wolfe House (March 22), Illuminate Sussex: A Separation Day Celebration at Ickford Park (June 13), Annual Meeting (June 26), Dogfish Dash (September 27), and Open Space, Open Strings (November).
For more information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation to the Preservation Fund, visit www.sclandtrust.org.
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.
