Land trust involved in six active projects

There is no doubt that Sussex County Land Trust is making large strides to not only preserve critical parcels but also provide public access to most of the properties.

The trust is actively involved in six projects on both sides of the county.

Sussex County Council has provided more than $13 million to preserve more than 6,000 acres of open space in partnership with the land trust.

And the land trust has hired its first full-time executive director. Sarah Bluhm’s background includes four years serving on the Milford Planning Commission, conference operations manager for Zephyr Conferences, economic development and Milford community engagement administrator, publisher of MilfordLIVE, president of Downtown Milford and much more.

The former director, Mark Chura, will continue with the trust in a consulting capacity as director of conservation. Chura led the trust for the past nine years.

Among the land trust’s projects are:

Hopkins Preserve, 52 acres, Sweetbriar Road west of Lewes along the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail. Purchased for $1.5 million with Sussex County Council open-space funds. Owner Walt Hopkins discounted the price almost by half.

The first phase – expected to begin early this year – is in the planning stages and will include a site entrance, parking area, stormwater management, walking trails and landscaping improvements.

The property contains 11 acres of preserved forest dating back at least 100 years.

In addition, Hopkins Hill is one of the most distinguishing features on the property, which includes a stand of trees dating back more than a century.

The plan also includes a seasonal wetlands, a meadow, 10 acres of reforestation, a multipurpose ADA trail around the perimeter named Hopkins Loop Trail, access to the adjacent Tall Pines community, restroom, signage, bike racks, picnic tables and benches.

The seasonal wetland will provide a critical habitat to amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, salamanders, toads and turtles.

A trailhead and access to the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail, which runs along the southern edge of the property, are included.

Stephen P. Hudson Park, 30 acres, Route 9 and Cool Spring Road west of Lewes.

The property was purchased through a partnership with Sussex County Council, the land trust, Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware Open Space Program funds. The park serves as a trailhead for the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail.

The first phase, started in 2023, included a parking lot, a trail connection and new landscaping. The second phase included an interpretive kiosk, a wooden pergola, picnic tables, more landscaping, a bike fix-it station, bike racks and trees planted along the trail access path.

Upcoming Phase 3 will include a restroom, additional trail enhancements and a Can-Do Playground, a Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club project to provide a playground for children with disabilities.

Forest of the Broadkill Preserve, 292 acres, Gravel Hill and Shingle Point roads near Milton.

The property, a mix of woods and fields, was harvested for timber with a number of logging roads throughout the site, which will be repurposed as walking trails and a single-track bike trail. A parking area is also planned.

It was purchased for $1.85 million using Sussex County Conservation Program funding. The land trust will have a conservation easement on the property and be responsible for development of public access and ongoing maintenance. The parcel is expected to eventually include a parking area and a publicly accessible trail system.

The property borders Ingram Branch and the headwaters of the Broadkill River. The parcel is expected to be open to the public in 2025.

Ard na Greine, 88 acres, contiguous to Canary Creek and the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail between Savannah Road and New Road in Lewes. As it is one of the last remaining open-space properties in the area, the trust began a fund drive two years ago to raise $8.5 million to purchase the parcel, which is surrounded by development.

To date, the trust has secured funding from private donations, Delaware Open Space Council and Sussex County Council. Major funding is also expected from the Natural Resources Conservation Service this year.

The trust and its partners are actively working to secure more funding to complete the purchase in 2025. The preservation of the property will make a significant milestone representing a major victory for environmental conservation in an area experiencing fast growth, according to trust officials.

Cannon-Maston House, 59 acres, on Atlanta Road, northeast of Seaford.

The property was purchased by the trust in partnership with Sussex County Council to preserve and restore one of the most historic buildings in the county. The Cannon-Maston House was built in 1727. The property also is the site of a farmhouse constructed in 1912. The house was built in front of the Cannon-Maston House, obstructing the view, so the trust relocated the farmhouse to the western side of the property and is in the process of completing a full renovation of the house with upgraded, period-appropriate features.

The trust and its partners are working on a revised master plan, which includes a perimeter walking trail, an orchard and an interpretive center for future programming.

Nanticoke Crossing Park, 41 acres, along the Nanticoke River at the Woodland Ferry crossing west of Seaford.

The property includes 29 acres of mixed hardwood-pine forest, 12 acres of open area with large canopy trees, and 1,900 feet of shoreline with healthy, freshwater tidal and wetland plants. It contains direct access to the river by means of an old lagoon that will be revitalized for public use.

Several partnerships helped acquire the property, including Sussex County Council, Chesapeake Conservancy, Mt. Cuba Center, U.S. Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, Delaware Open Space Program, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the land trust.

Future amenities include walking trails, disc golf, a parking area, picnic and pavilion areas, and a kayak and canoe launch on the river.

Layfield Property, 165 acres, Route 20, contiguous to Dagsboro town limits.

The $2.65 million parcel was purchased through a partnership between Sussex County Council and the land trust. The trust will manage the property and will develop a master plan while exploring potential reforestation efforts. The property will remain in agricultural production for the foreseeable future.

The property had been slated for high-density development.

SCLT board members include Ring Lardner, chair; Michael Dickerson, vice chair; Casey Kenton, secretary; Blake Carey, treasurer; Harold Carmean; Heidi Gilmore; Jason King; Russ McCabe; Mackenzie Peet; Judy Schwartz; Kelly Stevenson; Sussex County Councilman John Rieley; Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum; and Dennis Forney, trustee emeritus.