Founded in 2023, Delaware Habitat Guardians emerged from a group of concerned neighbors in Lewes, DE who want to preserve a parcel of mature forest and to protect an active eagle nest from development.
Here in Sussex County, Southern Delaware, we have seen the forests being bulldozed for new homes at an alarming rate. The rapid encroachment of human expansion is leaving the animals without sanctuary, pushing them further into human settlements in search of food and shelter. In a world where self-interest too often overshadows compassion, we know that together as compassionate human beings, we can make a difference.
There is a unique island of 6.8 acres of mature forest teeming with wildlife among the subdivisions in the Love Creek watershed area in Lewes DE. What was once implied to our communities as land that would go untouched now has a price tag which means its future is uncertain.
We are asking for your help to purchase this unique piece of land and protect it from bulldozers to leave this forest sanctuary and its wildlife residents safe for generations to come.
Once we reach our goal, we will work with a local land trust to donate this tract of land to them.
A team of people passionate about preservation have come together and decided to launch a GoFundMe Campaign to pool resources and purchase the land that is up for sale. The clock is ticking, and we are asking for your help to reach our goal of having this beautiful forest preserved forever.
If this irreplaceable 100-year-old forest and ecosystem is cut down, it cannot be replaced. The huge trees on this property create a home filled with wildlife including:
In addition, countless varieties of birds and insects. Without intervention, this wildlife oasis is at risk of being lost forever.
The forest is also important because it helps with stormwater mitigation, acting as a sponge to observe rainwater. In a sea of roofs, roads and other impervious surfaces, we must retain the forest. The forest also serves as a cool sanctuary, very important for minimizing the impacts of climate change.
The Inland Bays Watershed lost 18% of its forests from 1992 to 2017 (reference page 16), and development has only accelerated since then!
The largest tree on this property is a grandmother Water Oak, Quercus falcata which is 12'.5" feet around. The other largest trees around to be found on the property include:
Adding to the urgency of the situation, area developers have been ruthlessly clear-cutting hundreds and hundreds of acres of these mature trees to make way for more and more and more housing developments. I’m sure many of you have seen the same phenomenon in your local areas.
Initially, we worked with the owners who stated that they wanted to find a way to protect and preserve the land. However, they have now listed the property for sale without placing a conservation easement on it.
Together we can work to protect this sacred forest and secure a better future for our wildlife, for ourselves and all future generations. We are working with local resources to place this land in a permanent land conservancy.
We have a responsibility to all future generations to ensure that they inherit a world where forests and wildlife is treasured and thrives.
Our actions today shape the world they inherit tomorrow, and that becomes our legacy.
We must stand up and be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Go Fund Me Campaign:
As of December 21st we have raised $271,981
$246,000 of the amount above are good faith pledges. The balance sits in a high yield bank account until we
Please help us reach our goal!
WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY FUNDRAISING
If you prefer to donate outside of Go Fund Me and save the 2.9% fee, we have an opportunity to donate directly with Zelle - Our QR code is at the top of this message.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: If we are unable to achieve our goal, donator will have the option of a refund minus 2.9% GoFundMe service charge OR the funds will be donated to a local land trust supporting similar efforts.
THE WHY - Mark Schaeffer has been a supporter and advocate for not only Delaware Habitat Guardians but for the community that he serves. Mark answers every call and does what he can to get answers.
Seats are very limited and you must be registered to attend.
Margaret Mead
Exclusive Offer
A signed and framed 8x10 copy of the 2023 Eaglet on display in the library case. A picture can be yours for a minimum donation of $300.
This photograph taken by Bruce Steakley, photographer. You can view more of his incredible work here:
Please fill out our contact form for more information, 100% of all proceeds to benefit DE Habitat Guardians
We will continue to post updates on future meetings and fundraising events here, please continue to check and see what we are up to, thank you!
DHG Board Members:
Melanie Bernstein
Joan Barrow
Rory Ryan
Patricia Hutchinson
Tom Murray
Paul Paolini
