Protecting Natural, Cultural, Agricultural, and Recreational Resources

Protect Your Land and Leave a Legacy

Sussex County Land Trust

Join us in safeguarding the land and resources that make Sussex County special

Our Mission

Safeguarding the land and resources that make Sussex County special

Our Board

Our volunteer Board of Trustees provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the Sussex County Land Trust. Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to conservation help guide our work to protect and steward the lands that make Sussex County special.

 

Our Board

Our Properties

The Sussex County Land Trust protects and stewards a diverse network of properties across the county — from working farms and forests to historic sites and community parks.

Our work focuses on preserving agricultural lands, protecting natural habitats, conserving culturally significant places, and expanding public access to open space. Together, these properties form a growing, connected network of places that support recreation, environmental health, and quality of life in Sussex County.

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Our History

Since 2001, the Sussex County Land Trust has worked to protect the natural, agricultural, and cultural resources that make Sussex County special. Through strong partnerships and community support, the organization has grown from a grassroots effort into a leading voice for land conservation.

Today, we continue to safeguard the land and resources that define Sussex County, while working toward a connected network of protected places for all to enjoy.

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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:

  1. Oyster Rocks - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2003
  2. The Peninsula - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2003
  3. Bayside - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2003
  4. Wolfe House - Ownership (Curatorship) - Acquired in 2004
  5. Ickford Park - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2008
  6. Delaware Botanic Gardens Lands - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2008
  7. Stephen P. Hudson Park - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2018
  8. Nanticoke Crossing Park - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2021
  9. Hopkins Preserve - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2022
  10. Gills Neck Road Trail - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2022
  11. Forest of the Broadkill - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2023
  12. Ard Na Gréine - Under Contract
  13. Layfield - Ownership (Conservation Easement) - Acquired 2024
  14. Chase Oaks Preserve - Ownership (In Fee) - Acquired 2025
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Latest News

Chase Oaks Preserve dedicated to Sussex County Land Trust

September 15, 2025

The Sussex County Land Trust hosted members of the public and stakeholders at an official dedication ceremony to announce the recent donation of a 32-acre property along Robinsonville Road in…

Sussex County Land Trust to Dedicate Newest Acquisition – Chase Oaks Preserve

September 2, 2025

The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is proud to announce the dedication of its newest land preservation acquisition, Chase Oaks Preserve, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The…

Sussex County Land Trust Celebrates Supporters at “Trust & Toast” Appreciation Event

June 20, 2025

The Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) hosted a donor appreciation event, Trust & Toast, on Wednesday, June 18 at the historic and scenic Wolfe House in Rehoboth Beach. The evening…