The Greater Lewes Foundation’s campaign to save the Fourth Street Preserve as open space is ending the year on a high note.

Fourth Street Preserve is a 30-acre parcel, the last forest remaining in the city. It is currently owned by the Rollins family. It was also the first deeded land in the State of Delaware in 1670.

The open space campaign has now raised $5.6 million, 70% of its $8 million goal, according to Pam Costanzi, campaign manager. 

The campaign deadline is Sept. 15, 2025.

Many of the donations have come from Lewes small business owners. The GLF thanked merchants for their support at a gathering Dec. 5, under the clock on Second Street.

The campaign recently received a $25,000 donation from Draper Media.

“A lot of people have contributed in Ted Becker’s memory,” said Jim Ford, campaign chair. “It has been an outpouring of support for Ted’s legacy here.”

Becker, the influential former Lewes mayor, died Oct. 6. He was a member of the GLF board and heavily involved on the open space initiative.

Costanzi said the GFL has submitted grant proposals for more than $1 million to state and federal entities.

Lewes Cycle Sports dedicated its Light Up the Night bike ride Dec. 9 to the open space campaign.

The GLF will hold its second annual Race for Open Space 5K in April. Dogfish Head Brewing is working on a beer specifically for the Fourth Street Preserve that will be released right before the race, Costanzi said.

The campaign aims to protect Fourth Street Preserve for passive recreation and as a wildlife habitat.

For more information and to donate, go to osalewes.org.

Ard na Greine

A campaign to raise $8 million to buy and preserve the Ard na Greine tract as open space is also moving ahead.

Mark Chura, Sussex County Land Trust executive director, said the campaign is about 90% toward its goal.

Chura said they recently received $300,000 from a private donor.

He said they hope to have a decision on a pending U.S. Department of Agriculture grant after the holidays.

Chura said they are on track to make settlement in April.

Ard na Greine is an 88-acre property just outside Lewes city limits.

More information can be found at sclandtrust.org.