Lewes' Fourth Street Preserve Saves 30 Acres Amid Sussex Boom

LEWES, Del. — The City of Lewes officially acquired the Fourth Street Preserve in September 2025, capping a three-year, $8 million fundraising campaign led by the Greater Lewes Foundation. This 30-acre forested parcel — split into a 23-acre main area and a 7-acre adjacent lot — represents the last woodland within city limits and Delaware's first land deeded in 1670 to early settlers. Project leaders Jim Ford and Scott Rawl emphasized its role as a native forest 'central park,' featuring wheelchair-accessible walking trails set for completion by fall 2026.

The preserve, long a natural buffer for flood abatement, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration, faced development pressures as Sussex County endures an unprecedented building boom. The Greater Lewes Foundation, partnering with the city and community donors, surpassed its goal after raising $6.4 million by mid-campaign, securing $2.75 million in grants before the Sept. 15, 2025, deadline. 'Our goal is to ensure a diverse and indigenous park in city limits and preserve it for future generations,' said foundation leader Robinson.

This acquisition exemplifies Sussex County's reliance on government-nonprofit coalitions to counter growth strains, as highlighted in recent reporting. Once at risk amid surrounding urbanization, the site now prioritizes environmental education, habitat restoration, and public access — a model for balancing development with open-space protection in coastal Delaware.

Trails and interpretive features will transform the preserve into an urban oasis, with long-term plans for indigenous tree planting to enhance biodiversity. For Lewes residents, it safeguards a 350-year legacy while addressing modern needs like heat mitigation in a warming climate.