The preservation, through the sale of development rights to Suffolk County and the Town of Shelter Island, increases the number of acres conserved by Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island to nearly 50 acres. A federal grant through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program was also used by the county to fund the purchase. "I'm thrilled that we were able to partner with all levels of government to protect this historic farmland," commented Eben Fiske Ostby, Sylvester Manor owner and 10th-generation proprietor. "This is truly an enormous step in the preservation of Sylvester Manor and a major part of Shelter Island, and I thank everyone who worked to make it happen." Mr. Ostby donated the 26-acre field to the non-profit Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, which then sold the development rights to the Town and County.To read the press release in its entirety, click here. 

The Trust's latest edition includes a profile of Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. Gillingham-Ryan's company, Apartment Therapy, has recently made significant contributions to the Trust's Quail Hill Farm through their participation in 1% for the Planet. Read about how this philanthropic endeavor is truly making a difference.

Fridays at Six: Music at Bridge Gardens. Join us every Friday in August from 6pm til dusk for music in the gardens. Bring family and friends -- and a picnic if you like -- and enjoy the summer evening. Upcoming performances by Charles Certain and Friends (August 10 & 17), Jim Turner (August 24) and Joe Hampton & the Kingpins (August 31). Free admission for Bridge Gardens members. General admission: $10/individual or $20/party of four.  

Souper Tuesdays at the Amagansett Farmers Market. For the second year, we return to the picnic grounds of the Amagansett Farmers Market in August to celebrate the farmers working on land either owned or managed by the Trust in Amagansett -- this past Tuesday featured the produce of Amber Waves Farm. The folks at the Amagansett Farmers Market are crafting soup from their vegetables -- and the proceeds from the sale of soup will be donated to the Trust in support of our conservation efforts. Also on hand: wine tastings with Michael Cinque of Amagansett Wines & Spirits, olive oil tastings from Arlotta Food Studios, and music from Michael

Second Annual Grown on Long Island Day, Friday, August 17 at Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. Hosted by the Long Island Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension, this county-wide farmers market is free to attend from 11 am to 4 pm. Fresh local produce , including seafood, vegetables & fruits, wine, artisan cheeses and jam, and perennials will be available for purchase. Childrens games and activities, as well as a Chef Seafood Throwdown (between two local chefs). A special Sandwich Food Challenge for kids 9 and older will be held at 11 am. For more info, visit www.grownonlongisland.com.

"Savoring the Hamptons" with Silvia Lehrer, Friday August 17 at 2 pm at Bridge Gardens.

HARVEST East End: Wine+Food Classic, Saturday, August 25 from 6 to 9pm. For the third  year, the Trust is fortunate to be a beneficiary of this fabulous event, celebrating the wine and food of our region -- join us to taste wines from 40 East End vineyards and small bites from 30 local chefs. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit harvesteastend.com

Check it out: Our autumn Connections calendar is now available. See what we have planned for September through December 2012.