Sussex County celebrates 25 years of open space preservation
More than 80 community members, partners and supporters gathered Nov. 13, for the kickoff of the Sussex County Land Trust’s 25th anniversary celebration. The event, 25 Years of Preserving Sussex: Celebrating Our Roots, Growing Our Future, was held at the Delaware Botanic Gardens. It 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, SCLT board secretary; Executive Director Sara Bluhm; 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 very first multiyear strategic plan, a road map for future land acquisition, stewardship and community engagement.
Adding to the excitement, Gov. Matt Meyer’s office presented an official proclamation recognizing 25 years of preservation accomplishments and the community partnerships that have helped realize those successes.
“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 Delaware Botanic Gardens, located on land owned by SCLT and leased to the nonprofit 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.
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.
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, its annual meeting June 26, the Dogfish Dash Sept. 27, and Open Space, Open Strings in November.
For details on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, or to support the Preservation Fund, visit sclandtrust.org.
