What's New
Check back often to see the latest news regarding land conservation on Long Island.
To keep up with what's happening with the Trust, sign up for our eNewsletter. You can also check out the e-Newsletter archive for updates on Trust conservation activities, upcoming events, and news about Bridge Gardens, Quail Hill Farm and the Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm.
Conservation Updates
Ships Hole Farm: On December 8, the Trust received a $400,000 grant from New York State for the acquisition of Ships Hole Farm, a 23-acre historic farmstead located in Smithtown, along the Nissequogue River. The grant was part of the State's Strategic Plan and Regional Project Awards, and was one of 66 awarded on Long Island. Click here to read more about the grant and the Trust's plans for the property.
Cox Lane Farm: In November, the Peconic Land Trust sold the Cox Lane Farmstead, 27.5 acres locatd in Cutchogue to Tom Geppel and Carol Festa, who are planning a multi-faceted family farm on the property, including sheep. The farm, acquired by the Trust in 2007 to protect it from development, was held by the Trust until a buyer committed to agricultural production was found. Click here to read the press release and more about this project.
Peconic River conservation: In September, the Peconic Land Trust worked with Suffolk County to conserve 13.9 acres along the Peconic River in Riverside with landowner Dede Gotthelf. Ms. Gotthelf conveyed the land to the Peconic Land Trust for $2.43 milion and the Trust immediately sold the property to Suffolk County for an equal amount. Going forward, the Trust will work with Ms. Gotthelf on the potential uses of remaining acreage she retained adjacent to the conserved area, approximately 6 acres. While no plans are pending, Ms. Gotthelf is committed to using the property for the benefit of the Riverside community. Click here to read the press release and learn more about this project.
Jeff White Easement (Sagaponack): In April, the Peconic Land Trust accepted the donation of an Affordable Farming Covenant plus additional restrictions on a 20-acre farmland parcel on Bridge Lane in Sagaponack by Jeff White. The farmland was first protected by a sale of development rights to Southampton Town in 1986 but those restrictions did not assure that the farmland would be available to farmers at an affordable price in the future; nor do they preclude the right of a future owner to screen the entire field with a hedge. This represents the first time a farmer has voluntarily donated additional restrictions on protected farmland that will guarantee the farmland will be available to farmers in the future. Click here to read the press release and learn more about this project.
Charlton and Nancy Halsey Easement: In early May, the Peconic Land Trust announced the acquisition of a conservation
easement of a 1.1 acre parcel that was part of an historic farmland on Cobb Road in Water Mill. The easement was donated to the Trust by Charlton and Nancy Halsey. Mr. and Mrs. Halsey secured the conservation of this important viewshed in honor of William H. Pierson who operated a dairy on the farmland in the first half of the 20th century. Click here to read the press release and learn more about this project.
Hopping/Pike Farm Stand (Sagaponack): April 4, 2011: Peconic Land Trust Announces the Sale of the Hopping Farmland to Jim and Jennifer Pike. For additional details on the sale, please read the press release. In December 2010, the Peconic Land Trust completed the acquisition of the Hopping Farmland, by using its revolving fund established by the Peter J. Sharp Foundation. This enabled the Trust to save $8,000 in interest payments and fulfill our financial obligation to the Hopping family in advance of the March 2011 deadline. The revolving fund provides the Trust with capital to acquire land on a temporary basis until it can be repaid through other sources. The Trust expects the sale of the 4-square farm house in Sagaponack on Hedges Lane, formerly the Barsczeski farm house, to provide the funds necessary to repay the revolving fund, as well as provide funding to enable farmers to acquire protected farmland at affordable prices. To learn more about this project, click here.
New Suffolk Waterfront: The Peconic Land Trust is pleased to announce that the non-profit New Suffolk Waterfront Fund acquired the 3.4-acre New Suffolk waterfront parcel, overlooking Cutchogue Harbor on December 17, 2010.To learn more about this project, click here. To read the press release on the acquisition, click here.
Manorville Horse Farm: In March 2007, the Peconic Land Trust purchased the Williams Horse Farm, a 15.3 acrea farm property located in the center of the Manorville farm belt. At that time, the farm was under threat of development. When the property was closing, the Trust simultaneously sold the development rights on the property to the Town of Brookhaven, thereby protecting the property in perpetuity. On October 8, 2010, the Trust sold the protected farmland to a young farm couple, Christopher Nellen and Elizabeth Baron. Read more about this successful project in our eNews.
Connections Events:
Bridge Gardens is now closed for the 2011 Season. Click here (6MB) to download a calendar of events held this year at Bridge Gardens, including garden tours with Rick, guest lectures on gardening, the 2011 sculpture exhibition and Music at Six line up. Planning is now underway for the 2012 season - check back to see what we'll be doing at the Garden, starting March 2012.
The Community Gardeners at the Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm have completed the season. Click here (5MB) to download a calendar of events held this year at the Agricultural Center, including Honey Dew/Dirt Devil clean up days, community garden talks, guest lectures, Family Day and Barn Dance.
For an online listing of Connections events . . . or
The March/April 2012 issue of Connections will be available for download the first week in February 2012.
The Peconic Land Trust's calendar of recreational & educational events.
Peconic Land Trust Newsletter:
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2011: Fall