LEWES, Del. - After the $8 million needed to purchase the Fourth Street Preserve has officially been raised, the Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will present a planning approach about the site.
The meeting is at 5 p.m., and as listed on the slides, the next steps include conceptual approval to move project onto Parks and Marina Commission.
The 30-acre forested site, the first land ever deeded in Lewes in 1670, is now set to be owned by the City of Lewes, thanks to a campaign spearheaded by the Greater Lewes Foundation.Â
That restoration plan includes new trails, ditch crossings, interpretive signage, native plantings and a specially engineered wetland at the east end of the property.
Dale and Tara Thomas enjoy walking along the Fourth Street Preserve in Lewes.
"We're glad that we have been able to save this beautiful piece of land for the wild animals," said Dale Thomas.
Jim Ford with the Greater Lewes Foundation says it took a village.
"It's literally thousands of people that have endorsed and supported the concept of a preservation of the last forested area within the city limits of Lewes, and saving a little parcel left from development for a natural habitat."
Ford says now it's about fundraising and working with the city for restoration.
"To have people enjoy the natural habitat that's here. Maybe come out and pause and reflect, take a little stress out of your life, have an opportunity within the city to just chill out and let the native species be here and, and enjoy that," said Ford.