LEWES, Del. — The City of Lewes has successfully raised $8 million to acquire the 30-acre Fourth Street Preserve, securing the land three months ahead of schedule. The forested property, first deeded in 1670, will now be owned by the city thanks to a campaign led by the Greater Lewes Foundation. The fundraising effort, chaired by Jim Ford and directed by Pam Costanzi, brought together public and private funds, including $1 million from the city, a matching $1 million from the Longwood Foundation, $3.2 million from state sources, and $2.8 million raised through more than 1,300 local donations.
Plans for the preserve include restoring native plants, adding new trails, ditch crossings, interpretive signage, and constructing a specially engineered wetland. The restoration will be overseen by landscape architect Rodney Robinson, in collaboration with city officials. Once finalized, the preserve will be protected by a conservation easement managed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and monitored by the Delaware Forest Service, which plans to use the site as a model for urban forest conservation in Sussex County. Mayor Amy Marasco called the acquisition a reflection of the community’s dedication to preserving natural resources, emphasizing the collective effort involved. Restoration is expected to take several years and will include involvement from local students, naturalists, and Lewes’s Master Naturalist group.
