WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY?
The City of Lewes officially owns the 30-acre Fourth Street Preserve, following closing on September 15, 2025.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE PRESERVE?
The City of Lewes, working with a team of experienced planners and naturalists, will finalize the current Master Plan and issue RFPs for the work. With Delaware Forest Service, the City and team will also create a required and detailed “Urban Community Forest Management Plan.”
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE AND WHAT WILL IT COST?
If the 22 acres west of Fourth St. are addressed first, public access by early 2027 could be likely. Hydrologic studies and engineering for a wetlands on the 8-acres to the east could take longer. Overall, the basic restoration could be completed in 2-3 years at an estimated cost of $825,000. Another decade of planting and maintenance will then be required for a comprehensive forest restoration.
WILL PUBLIC SUPPORT STILL BE NEEDED?
Absolutely. We will continue to need private donations to raise the necessary funds. As with the acquisition campaign, we will rely on a combination of private gifts and state grants. Gifts can be sent online here or to: c/o the GLF, PO Box 110, Lewes, DE 19958.
WHAT IS THE INTENDED USE OF THE PROPERTY?
The Preserve will be managed as a native forest community, restoring balanced habitat for plants and animals of the Delmarva Peninsula. It will remain forever in its undeveloped, scenic, and forested condition, with limited public access for recreation and education.
HOW WILL IT BE MANAGED?
A conservation easement held by the Delaware Forest Service dictates how the property can be used, with permanent restrictions and permitted uses. Locally, the City’s Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (EERC) and its dedicated Fourth Street Subcommittee will oversee management.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN PERMITTED USES?
Visitors will enjoy leisurely walking and nature observation on designated trails. Conservation organizations and schools may conduct supervised educational nature studies with permission.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RESTRICTIONS?
Bicycles will not be permitted. Only limited signage (for boundaries, education, or safety) up to 4’x4’ is allowed. No buildings, parking lots, or storage facilities will be constructed. The only improvements permitted are ditch crossings along trails, benches, and a small kiosk with a site map.
WHY NOT LEAVE IT ALONE?
Currently, the property is an unhealthy ecosystem overrun with invasive, non-native plants that limit wildlife habitat. Removing these species is necessary to restore balance and reintroduce native plants and wildlife. In addition, public access is required under the terms of the funding used to acquire the Preserve.
HOW WILL THE HABITAT BE RESTORED?
Invasive plants such as English Ivy, Periwinkle, and Autumn Olive will be removed in phases over several years. Native trees, shrubs, and pollinator species will be planted in their place, also in multiple phases.
HOW WILL THE PRIVACY OF ADJACENT HOMEOWNERS BE RESPECTED?
A visual buffer of native evergreens will be planted along property lines to provide screening.
WILL THERE BE ON-SITE PARKING?
No parking areas will be added. Visitors may walk to the Preserve or park along Fourth Street and Canary Drive.
HOW CAN I PROVIDE INPUT?
The Fourth Street Subcommittee meets the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m., followed by the EERC at 3:00 p.m., in the Mayor and Council Chambers at Lewes City Hall, 114 E Market Street. Meetings are open to the public.
HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER TO HELP?
Volunteer opportunities will be coordinated through the Delaware Master Naturalists, and a Friends Group may also be established to support planting, fundraising, and stewardship activities.
