Our History
Sussex County is rich in natural resources. Singular features within its 938 square miles include the ecologically diverse and scenic Nanticoke River, the 50 square mile Cypress Swamp and 25 miles of spectacular coastline. Sussex County contains numerous large blocks of contiguous forest lands, agricultural fields and some of the most beautiful watersheds in the mid-Atlantic region. However, many of these same resources are also some of the state’s most threatened.
In December 2001, the Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) was formed to help protect these important resources. SCLT is a nonprofit conservation organization, dedicated to protecting natural, cultural, agricultural and recreational resources through land preservation, stewardship and education for today and tomorrow.
With two seats on the Board, a unique public – private partnership between Sussex County Council and the land trust has evolved. Over the course of the past two decades, SCLT has partnered with the Council, the State and non-profit conservations agencies on numerous projects and has raised in excess of $4 million in private funds and to leverage the protection of more than 6,000 acres of land.
Our Properties
Since 2001, the Sussex County Land Trust has purchased, protected and managed open space parcels throughout Sussex County. Properties rights are typically held in fee simple, leasehold or through a conservation easement. Each property is evaluated prior to acquisition using an established site acquisition criteria based on its merits for consideration. Many of our properties are acquired in partnership with other agencies or government entities and these partnerships are a key component to leveraging funds and advancing our mission. Below is a list of properties within the SCLT portfolio based on the date of acquisition:
Oyster Rocks - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2003
The Peninsula - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2003
Bayside - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2003
Wolfe House - Ownership (Curatorship) - Acquired in 2004
Ickford Park - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2008
Delaware Botanic Gardens Lands - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2008
Stephen P. Hudson Park - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2018
Nanticoke Crossing Park - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2021
Hopkins Preserve - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2022
Gills Neck Road Trail - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2022
Forest of the Broadkill - Ownership (Leasehold/Fee Simple) - Acquired 2023
Ard Na Gréine - Under Contract
