Sussex County Land Trust hires full-time executive director

The Sussex County Land Trust is entering a chapter of growth and leadership with the hiring of Sara M. Bluhm as its first full-time executive director.

A Milford native, 2023 Leadership Delaware graduate and accomplished community leader, Bluhm’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in the land trust’s mission to expand public access to open spaces and enhance resource protection across Sussex County.

Since its establishment in 2001, SCLT has been guided by a part-time contractual executive director and an active board of trustees. Initially, properties within the SCLT portfolio were primarily managed for resource protection, with limited or no public access. In recent years, however, the trust has embarked on a transformative journey to expand its mission and promote public engagement.

The acquisition of Hudson Park in December 2018 marked the start of the land trust’s new phase of growth. Since then, six new properties have been added to its portfolio, all with the intent of providing public access. At the same time, long-standing properties like Ickford Park near Seaford have undergone restoration and planning for public use. These efforts contribute to a countywide network of parks and preserves master-planned for sensitive development to support passive recreational and educational opportunities.

“These significant actions advance our mission of resource protection and public access to open space across Sussex County,” said Ring Lardner, SCLT board chair. “To implement a fully functioning park and preserve system, the board recognized the need for a full-time executive director to develop operational capacity, support ecological health, establish friends groups, launch public programming and lead fundraising efforts.”

Bluhm brings a wealth of leadership and community engagement experience to the trust. Her professional background includes serving as the first economic development and community engagement administrator for the City of Milford and more than four years’ tenure on Milford’s planning commission. She continues to lead the Delaware Diabetes Coalition and serves as director of Leadership Central Delaware.

“I am honored to step into the role of executive director at such an exciting time for the Sussex County Land Trust,” said Bluhm. “I’m eager to bring my experience in marketing, communications, land use and nonprofit management to this incredible mission. Together, we’ll grow SCLT’s impact, preserve vital resources and share its inspiring story with the community.”

Outgoing Executive Director Mark Chura, who has led the trust since 2016, will remain with SCLT in a consulting role as director of conservation. Chura’s focus will shift to completing master planning and development projects for the trust’s existing properties and leading new acquisition efforts.

“It’s gratifying to have been part of the trust’s growth and its evolution as a provider of public recreation and ecological protection across the county,” said Chura. “Our goal now is to develop my new position into a full-time role as the organization continues to expand.”

Lardner said, “Now, more than ever, Sussex County needs a strong network of government and nonprofits to secure permanent protection of our natural, agricultural and cultural resources. Operating a first-class park and preserve system requires resources, and we rely on the generosity of our government, business partners and the public at large. We encourage everyone to support the trust to help us fulfill this vital mission.”

Learn more at sclandtrust.org.