The Sussex County Land Trust has announced the preservation of Ard Na Gréine, an 88-acre family farm in Lewes, marking a significant step in protecting open space and agricultural land in eastern Sussex County.
The effort to conserve the property began in 2019 and reached completion this week following years of planning, fundraising and collaboration among public and private partners. The farm, located east of Route 1, is considered one of the last remaining large tracts of open land in the area, making its preservation a key milestone as development continues to expand along Delaware’s coast.
“This project represents the very best of what partnership can accomplish,” said Sara Bluhm, executive director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “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 land has been part of the Wells family for generations and has remained an active working farm for decades. Linda Miller, who has cared for the property for more than 20 years, said the preservation ensures the land’s future remains tied to its agricultural roots.
“For more than 70 years, this family farm has always been a very special place,” Miller said. “It is wonderful to know this beautiful parcel of land will remain a quiet and peaceful haven for future generations.”
The project was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including an agricultural land easement supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control also contributed through a recreational easement along the property’s perimeter, which connects to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail.
Additional support came from Sussex County Council, the Longwood Foundation and private donations totaling $1.25 million raised in partnership with the Greater Lewes Foundation. Officials say the collaboration highlights growing community support for conservation efforts in the region.
“Conservation of land in Delaware is critical, especially in the rapidly growing coastal area where opportunities are lessening by the year,” said DNREC Secretary Gregory Patterson, noting the importance of state funding in making the project possible.
Sussex County Administrator Todd F. Lawson added that partnerships like this help ensure the preservation of natural resources while maintaining the region’s rural character.
While the land will remain a working farm, it is not currently open to the public. The Sussex County Land Trust plans to begin a long-term master planning process to evaluate future possibilities, including potential passive recreational use, while maintaining the property’s agricultural integrity.
As development pressures continue to shape eastern Sussex County, conservation leaders say projects like Ard Na Gréine are essential to balancing growth with preservation. The effort also coincides with the Land Trust’s 25th anniversary, underscoring its ongoing mission to protect open space, support agriculture and enhance quality of life for future generations.
