Sussex County Land Trust Preserves 88-Acre Ard Na Gréine Farm in Lewes

After years of vision, persistence, and partnership, the Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is proud to announce the preservation of Ard Na Gréine, a beloved 88-acre family farm in Lewes—ensuring that this special place will remain a quiet, working landscape for generations to come.

The effort to protect Ard Na Gréine began in 2019, rooted in a shared belief that this land—rich in agricultural heritage and natural beauty—was worth saving. After going under contract in 2023, the project navigated years of complexity and collaboration before reaching the finish line this week.

Notably, Ard Na Gréine represents one of the last remaining large tracts of open space east of Route 1 in the Lewes area, making its preservation both timely and transformational for the future of eastern Sussex County.

“This project represents the very best of what partnership can accomplish,” said Sara Bluhm, Executive Director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “Ard Na Gréine is a truly special place, and from the very beginning, there was a shared commitment to doing this the right way. This is about more than preserving land—it’s about honoring a family legacy, supporting agriculture, and creating a thoughtful vision for the future of this region.”

That legacy begins with the Wells family, whose roots in Sussex County stretch back generations. Ard Na Gréine has long been part of that story—a working farm shaped by decades of care, stewardship, and connection to the land. Linda Miller, a member of the Wells family, has served as the property’s caretaker for the past 21 years, continuing that tradition with a strong commitment to conservation.

“My family’s roots are in Sussex County,” said Linda Miller, property owner. “For more than 70 years, this family farm has always been a very special place, and I was honored to be its caretaker for the last 21 years. We are most grateful to everyone who recognizes the value of agriculture and its heritage in this area. Sincere thanks from us to Sussex County Land Trust and everyone who worked so diligently and contributed in any way to make the preservation of Ard Na Gréine a reality. It is wonderful to know this beautiful, and today unique, parcel of land will remain a quiet and peaceful haven for future generations to enjoy as well.”

The preservation was made possible through a layered partnership that brought together public and private investment. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided funding for an Agricultural Land Easement, while the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) supported a recreational easement along the perimeter of the property, where it connects to the Georgetown-Lewes Trail.

Additional funding was provided by Sussex County Council, the Longwood Foundation, and $1.25 million in private donations raised in partnership with the Greater Lewes Foundation—reflecting strong community support for land conservation in eastern Sussex County.

“Conservation of land in Delaware is critical, and it is especially critical in the rapidly growing coastal area where opportunities are lessening by the year,” DNREC Secretary Gregory Patterson said. “The funding from Delaware’s Open Space Council was a key part of the partnership that made this purchase possible, and DNREC is excited about the recreational opportunities its easement may provide in the future.”

“The Ard Na Gréine acquisition is yet another example of Sussex County’s long-standing commitment to preserving southern Delaware’s treasured natural resources, today and for generations to come,” County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said. “That mission would not be as successful without partnerships like those with the Sussex County Land Trust, which helps to leverage the dollars and logistical support needed to make these large-scale purchases happen. Ultimately, that’s a win for the constituents we serve, and the way of life we all enjoy and are called to protect.”

While the preservation of Ard Na Gréine marks a major milestone, it also represents the beginning of a new chapter—not only for this property, but for the Sussex County Land Trust as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. As SCLT looks to the future, projects like Ard Na Gréine reflect an evolving, strategic approach to conservation—one that prioritizes meaningful partnerships, protects working lands, and thoughtfully plans for future public access.

The property will remain an active farm and is not yet open to the public. The existing driveway off Donovan’s Road remains private access only.

In the months and years ahead, SCLT will lead a thoughtful master planning process to guide the property’s future—balancing conservation, agriculture, and potential passive recreational use. That work will take time and community input, ensuring that any future access is introduced responsibly and in alignment with the land’s character.

The impact of this project reaches far beyond its boundaries. As development pressure continues to shape eastern Sussex County, the preservation of Ard Na Gréine stands as a transformative investment in protecting open space, sustaining local agriculture, and preserving the rural character that defines the region.