REHOBOTH BEACH — The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ Citizens Advisory Committee will hold a Citizens Cafe at 6 p.m. Feb. 16.

The public is invited to learn about the benefits of land protection and successful land conservation programs.

The hybrid meeting will be held in person at the center’s office, 39375 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, and via Zoom. Registration is required here.

Land protection is a critical component of a healthy environment because open space preserves habitat for wildlife, contributes to cleaner air and waters, and provides opportunities for recreation.

This gathering will highlight successful land protection programs in Delaware, including the Sussex Conservation Partnership and the Delaware Land Protection Coalition.

Plus, the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s administrator, Jimmy Kroon, will give a presentation on the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program, which pays landowners to keep their property in agricultural production through easements.

Michelle Schmidt, the center’s director of conservation and watershed planning, will also join the conversation to discuss the benefits of open space, as well as the successes and challenges of the various land conservation initiatives.

For information on the Citizens Advisory Committee, visit here.