Delaware Birders Raise $50,000 to Protect Ard Na Gréine in Lewes

The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is proud to announce a major contribution from the Delaware Ornithological Society (DOS), whose 2024 Delaware Bird-A-Thon raised an impressive $50,000 in support of the Ard Na Greine property—an 88-acre open space along the Georgetown-Lewes Trail in Lewes, Delaware.

The remarkable donation was made possible in large part thanks to the 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 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 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.

As excitement builds for the 2025 Delaware Bird-A-Thon, birders of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate from May 3-11, 2025. The event challenges teams to identify as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period while raising funds for local conservation initiatives. Learn more and register at dosbirds.org/conservation/bird-a-thon.

“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 about the Ard Na Gréine project or contribute to the land preservation effort, visit www.sclandtrust.org