LEWES, Del. — The Sussex County Land Trust shared major updates on its land preservation efforts and future projects during its annual board meeting on Friday, March 28, at Baywood Greens.
Founded in 2001, the nonprofit organization focuses on preserving natural, cultural, agricultural and recreational resources in Sussex County. Board Chair Ring Lardner opened the meeting by emphasizing the Trust’s growing partnership with Sussex County Council, which has helped secure more than $4 million in private funding and protect over 6,000 acres of land.
The meeting featured updates on several key property acquisitions made in partnership with Sussex County Council:
Ickford Park: A 59-acre site west of Seaford featuring the restored Williams-Litchford home and the historic Cannon-Maston home, which dates to 1727 and is undergoing restoration.
Stephen P. Hudson Park: A 30-acre site near Milton that now serves as a trailhead and parking area with access to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. A Can-Do Playground, supported by Sussex County Rotary Clubs, is in development.
Nanticoke Crossing Park: This 41-acre property along the Nanticoke River near the Woodland Ferry is being master planned for public recreation, including picnic areas, frisbee golf and a future kayak launch.
Hopkins Preserve: Located along Sweetbriar Road in Lewes, the 52-acre preserve will provide trail access and recreational opportunities. A master plan has been completed, with construction planned for 2025.
Forest of the Broadkill: A 294-acre tract southwest of Milton, featuring woods, meadows and riverfront access. Plans include trails and public access amenities.
Ard Na Greine: One of the last large undeveloped sites near Lewes, this 88-acre tract is under contract with a final settlement expected in 2025, backed in part by federal funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Lardner also honored outgoing Board members Heidi Gilmore, Russ McCabe and Ron Vickers, thanking them for their service. All three will continue supporting the Trust as advisors.
Hal Carmean II, Co-Chair of the Fundraising and Events Committee, introduced new online donation features, including naming rights for future trails and park areas.
“We are always looking for new partners to further these important initiatives,” Carmean said. “These donation levels and naming rights offer folks to leave a legacy for their contribution.”
More information about the Sussex County Land Trust’s mission, land preservation projects and donation opportunities can be found at www.sclandtrust.org.
