Have you ever taken a step back and really thought about the incredible number of different ecosystems we have here in Sussex County?? In just one day, you could kayak in a cypress swamp, hike through a covered forest, fish in a freshwater pond, go birding in a tidal marsh, bike alongside meadows and fields, and sunbathe atop sandy beaches. It really is a nature-lover's paradise! But these ecosystems do so much more than serve as a backdrop to some top-tier recreational activities.  

Without getting too deep into the nitty gritty (we’re beer geeks AND nature nerds here at Dogfish Head), maintaining diversity in our land supports a variety of plants and animals, which in turn provides stability and resilience over time. You’ve likely heard people suggest ‘diversifying your portfolio’ or not to 'put all your eggs in one basket’. Biodiversity follows that same premise. With only one ecosystem or one savings account or one basket of eggs, if something goes awry, you’ve got no back-ups. 

Lots of biodiversity gives us lots of back-ups, so it’s extremely important that we protect as much natural lands in and around Sussex County as much as possible. Which is why on September 29 at this year’s Dogfish Dash, we’ll be running for nature in support of Sussex County Land Trust through our Beer & Benevolence program.  

Sussex County Land Trust: Preservationists extraordinaire!  

Sussex County Land Trust (SCLT) is an incredible organization that has worked to protect and preserve more than 6,000 acres of land throughout southern Delaware. In 2023 alone, they acquired more than 300-acres in just one land purchase, their largest to date, near Milton. With these land purchases, the trust aims to protect natural, cultural, agricultural and recreational resources in Sussex County through land preservation, stewardship and education for today and tomorrow. 

Take their Hopkins Preserve ... this 52-acre plot sits adjacent to the Lewes-Georgetown Trail and was set aside for future public land use in mind. The preserve will eventually undergo reforesting and stormwater management projects, and will contain walking trails, a pond and access to the popular Lewes-Georgetown Trail. Projects like this not only protect the land, but give our community members access to trails, recreational activities, natural lands and so much more!  

RUN FOR NATURE. RUN FOR PRESERVATION. 

We’ve been proud supporters of Sussex County Land Trust’s work and mission for many years. From our coworkers volunteering with them for company Benevolence Days to brewing a beer with proceeds going directly to their incredible cause - heck, one of our coworkers, Jason King, is even on their board! - we’re beyond excited to keep this partnership going. 

Through our Beer & Benevolence program, this September at Dogfish Head will be all about SCLT, with Dogfish Dash leading the way! The Dogfish Dash is back and this year we’re running for nature AND preservation! On Saturday, Sept. 29, come on out to the Milton Brewery for a day of running and some Dogfish Head goodness, all to benefit our local natural resources and open spaces through SCLT. You can run the race, take part in our Recycled Costume Contest, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, or just come hang out with us and SCLT! All proceeds from the race and all tips at our Milton Brewery will be donated to SCLT. 

Registration is NOW OPEN, so dash on over to sign-up … before it's sold out! 

Head to dogfish.com/dash for all the race details, packet pick-up dates, costume contest rules, and more!  

WANT MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT SCLT?? 

We love to hear it! September at Dogfish Head will be ALL about the Sussex County Land Trust! Here’s all the ways you can support SCLT with us: 

• Benevolence Nights at Brewings & Eats 
  Come eat and drink for nature and preservation with us at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats! On September 4 and 25, from 4 – 9 p.m., 10% of proceeds from the night will be donated to SCLT. PLUS, if you’re running the dash, packet pick-up will be at the pub on the 25th, so you can kill two birds with one stone! (We really need to think of a new nature-friendly saying ...)  

• Dogfish Dash 
  All proceeds from this year’s Dogfish Dash, taking place at our Milton brewery on September 29, will be donated to SCLT. Head to dogfish.com/dash for all the details and to register!  

• Milton Brewery Tip Donations 
  Throughout September, any tips left at our Milton Brewery will be donated to SCLT! So come on in, enjoy some goodness, and leave a little love for SCLT!  

Want to stay up to date on all the Beer & Benevolence goodness this year? Give us a follow on Instagram at @dogfishhead and Facebook and @dogfishheadbeer, or follow along with our coastal Delaware properties at @visitdogfish. And, be sure to join our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming happenings at Dogfish Head!