Here at Dogfish Head, we value the importance of community and the natural beauty that surrounds us. The Fourth Street Preserve, Lewes’ last remaining forest, stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. We're excited to be teaming up with the Open Space Alliance and joining their efforts to preserve this vital green space with our second Benevolence Beer of 2025! 

Brewed in partnership with the Open Space Alliance, VILD BANCK (5% ABV) is an homage to the organization’s focus on preserving 30-acres of forest in Lewes that serves as a sanctuary for native wildlife, a place for the community to connect with nature, and a commitment to conservation for generations to come. Together with Open Space Alliance, we wanted to create a beer that pays tribute to the Fourth Street Preserve’s rich forest ecosystem with its name, ingredients and artwork. As reflection of the preserve’s natural beauty, the name VILD BANCK, translates to “wild land above the stream.” Offering a tribute to the Fourth Street Preserve’s lush woodland habitat, this beer is a refreshing Hefeweizen brewed with local spruce tips. Inspired by the resilience of the red fox, a creature often spotted in and around coastal Delaware, VILD BANCK’s artwork centers on a hand-drawn illustration of a red fox within its natural, forest habitat.

“For over 350 years, the Fourth Street Preserve has been a vital habitat for wildlife, a natural flood barrier, and a green sanctuary for the Lewes Community,” said Jason King, Social Impact Manager at Dogfish Head. “We’re honored to support the Open Space Alliance in its efforts to protect the Fourth Street Preserve for generations to come.”  

To save the Fourth Street Preserve from residential development, Open Space Alliance must raise an additional $2 million by Monday, September 15, 2025 – and buying a pint or can of VILD BANCK is just one way you can pitch in and give back! VILD BANCK will be available on draft at Brewings & Eats and Chesapeake & Maine as well as to-go in 4pk/16oz cans at the Off-Centered EmPOURium on Wednesday, April 16. Open Space Alliance will also be our Benevolence Nights benefactors at Brewings & Eats for the month of April. Dine with us on April 2 and 16, and 10% of the night's sales will be donated back to this amazing organization!  

“The community support for the Fourth Street Preserve shows how deeply people value Lewes’ last remaining forest,” said Jim Ford, the campaign director of Open Space Alliance. “This partnership with Dogfish Head is a powerful way to raise awareness and funding to protect the vital space for future generations.” 

This collaboration not only celebrates the beauty of the preserve but also supports efforts to protect it for future generations. So, stop by, raise a glass and let’s save the Fourth Street Preserve one beer at a time!