Sussex County Land Trust has welcomed Eric Williams as its stewardship manager, a newly created full-time position designed to strengthen the organization’s ability to care for its growing portfolio of preserved lands and advance projects that connect people with protected places throughout the county.

Williams joined SCLT in June and oversees stewardship and maintenance activities across the trust’s preserves, historic properties and public-access sites. He also helps manage capital improvement projects, coordinates contractors, expands volunteer engagement, and works closely with SCLT’s property management committee to advance long-term plans for its properties.

Since joining SCLT as executive director in January 2025, Sara Bluhm has led the organization’s day-to-day operations and an ongoing effort to strengthen its internal capacity. Williams’ hiring marks the next step in building a staff structure equipped to support SCLT’s growing portfolio of protected lands and expanding community presence.

“The land trust has grown tremendously – not only in the amount of land we are responsible for, but in the number and complexity of projects underway across Sussex County,” said Bluhm. “Adding Eric to our team gives us dedicated capacity to focus on the day-to-day stewardship of these properties while also moving forward the larger projects that will make more of these special places accessible and enjoyable for the community.”

Williams brings extensive experience in project management, operations, team leadership and stakeholder engagement. His background includes coordinating complex projects, managing contractors and resources, and building collaborative relationships with community partners.

A Delaware native who resides in Milford with his partner, Kathleen, Williams also brings a personal connection to the landscapes he will help steward. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting and exploring the natural areas of Sussex County.

“I’m excited to join Sussex County Land Trust at such an important time in its growth,” said Williams. “This mission-driven work is instrumental to ensuring Sussex County remains a beautiful place to live, explore and enjoy for generations to come, and I’m honored to be part of that work.”

The addition of the stewardship manager position is part of a broader investment in organizational capacity as SCLT enters its next chapter. The trust recently adopted its FY27-29 Strategic Plan, which establishes priorities for strengthening land stewardship, expanding public access and community engagement, growing organizational capacity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization.

SCLT also anticipates adding an operations-focused staff position in the coming months, further strengthening the administrative infrastructure needed to support its continued growth.

“Preserving land is only the beginning,” Bluhm said. “We have a responsibility to care for these properties for generations, build meaningful connections between people and the land, and make sure the organization itself has the capacity to fulfill those commitments. Growing our team thoughtfully is an important part of that work.”