Delaware birders raise $50K for land trust preservation near Lewes
The Sussex County Land Trust received a major contribution of $50,000 from the Delaware Ornithological Society, in support of the Ard Na Greine property – an 88-acre open space along the Georgetown-Lewes Trail in Lewes.
The remarkable donation was made possible in large part thanks to the 2024 Delaware Bird-A-Thon fundraising efforts of Sue Gruver and the Road Runners, a dedicated Sussex County birding team whose passion for conservation continues to inspire others across the state.
Ard Na Gréine, Irish Gaelic for “the rise that catches the sun,” is one of the last remaining undeveloped tracts in the Lewes area. Located adjacent to Ebenezer Branch, which flows into Canary Creek and the Great Marsh, the property will offer public access from the trail and a future parking area, with plans for passive recreation and native habitat restoration.
“This is grassroots conservation at its best,” said Sara M. Bluhm, executive director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “The Delaware Ornithological Society’s $50,000 donation from last year’s bird-a-thon is an extraordinary investment in Sussex County’s natural heritage – and will help us attract additional support for this $9 million preservation project.”
The funds raised and donated by DOS will directly support the acquisition and restoration of the property. A master plan will be developed to convert current farm fields into native habitat, and DOS will serve as a key stakeholder in the planning process.
The 2025 Delaware Bird-A-Thon continues through Sunday, May 11. Birders of all ages and experience levels are invited to to identify as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period while raising funds for local conservation initiatives.
“Birding is about more than just counting species – it’s about protecting the places they depend on,” said Joe Francis, DOS president. “We’re proud to partner with the Sussex County Land Trust on this meaningful project, and we invite the community to join us again this May for conservation.”
To learn more, go to dosbirds.org/conservation/bird-a-thon and sclandtrust.org.
