The Latest News from the Peconic Land Trust
April 6, 2016
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 Conservation News:
Hayground Farms Protected for Food
 Peconic Land Trust President John v.H. Halsey is pleased to announce that the Town of Southampton has purchased enhanced development restrictions on Hayground Farms, 24.6 acres of prime agricultural soils located on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton.
The farmland, acquired by the Trust between 2008 and 2013 from the descendants of William Haines (19.9 acres) and Jack and Gusty Folks (4.7 acres), is currently leased to farmer Peter Dankowski through the Trust's Farms for the Future Initiative.
 The Town of Southampton had previously purchased development restrictions on all of the farmland at Hayground Farms. However, those restrictions did not assure that the protected farmland would be farmed. The latest purchase by the Town further restricts the use of the property through Affirmative and Affordable Farming Covenants and Resale Restrictions. These covenants and restrictions will ensure that the land will be farmed primarily for food production purposes as well as accessible and affordable to qualified farmers for generations to come.
We thank the Town for its commitment to agriculture and we look forward to our continued collaboration with both the Town and our farming community to assure that fresh, local food is available to all and remains a key component of our historic community character and local economy. For more on this recent announcement, see the full press release.
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Preserve of the Month:
Wilson's Grove Preserve
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The white pine forest of Wilson's Grove, East Hampton. The image makes a great screen saver. Click on the photo image and save to your desktop -- and enjoy its beauty all month long. Each month we'll highlight a new preserve for you.
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The beautiful, and majestic, white pine and oak forest of Wilson's Grove Preserve, donated to the Trust by Marillyn Wilson in 2008, is a wonderful gift to the community and a vital link of the 45-mile Paumanok Path system of trails that runs through Southampton and East Hampton towns to the Montauk Lighthouse.
"Marillyn's property, Wilson's Grove, is clearly one of the most unique properties on the East End. And her love of that property and her willingness to share it with the public speaks volumes about her humanity," said John v.H. Halsey, President of the Trust.
Interested in hiking the trails? The trail-head for Wilson's Grove can be found in the Northwest Woods section of East Hampton on Old Northwest Road, just south of the intersection with Northwest Road. The kiosk is on the west side of the road. While enjoying the white pines and oaks, also keep an eye out for Wild Blueberry, Wild Geranium, Mountain Laurel, Wintergreen, Sassafras, Bayberry, Blue-eyed Grass. Click here for a trail map and kiosk information for Wilson's Grove.
Stay tuned: a trail hike through the preserve is being planned for the Fall of 2016.
We are forever grateful to Marillyn for her generosity and her life-long commitment to conservation. Please read the story of Marillyn's gift here.
To learn about legacy gifts and their impact, contact Rebecca A. Chapman at 631.283.3195, ext. 40.
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Earth Day!
How will You Celebrate the Land?
 April 22 is Earth Day, but there are lots of ways for you to celebrate and protect the natural resources of our planet all month -- and all year -- long!
Your dedication to conservation is one of the most important ways you can support our natural resources -- water, land and air! To learn a little more about how conservation and ecosystem services ( the naturally occurring services that provide us with clean drinking water, waste decomposition, clean air, etc.) are linked, check out South Fork Stewardship Manager Matt Swain's essay on our website .  Earth Day also is the time of year when our local farmers are prepping the soil to plant early summer crops. Strawberries, peas, greens, green beans, herbs and flowers . . . the season is just around the corner. Farmers are also getting later crops into the ground that take longer to grow, including potatoes, onions, and squash. We are looking forward to a great season and appreciate all your support of our local growers.
Join us on Facebook and Instagram and celebrate our beautiful and bountiful local communities. Share your photos of how you are celebrating the season using the #PeconicLandTrust, #FoodWaterCommunity and # LIFarmStory. Visit our Green Page to see what the Trust is doing in our daily lives to help conserve resources; and don't forget to check out our April Connections . . . we have lots of ways to connect with the land all month!
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Stewardship
Spring is here and the Ospreys are Returning

Nancy Gilbert and Richard Wines welcomed back their osprey pair -- Samson and Delilah -- to Winds Way in Jamesport on March 17. Since 1992, Nancy and Richard have welcomed ospreys to the nest at Winds Way, an impressive 25 years!
Samson & Delilah are settled back in and will hopefully welcome offspring again this year. Last year they successfully fledged three baby osprey -- an unusual feat. According to Richard, while they generally start out with three eggs, on average they have fledged 1.4 baby ospreys a year. Last year was the 4th time during their 25 years that all 3 eggs survived and fledged!
The pair arrived a little early this year, typically they don't arrive until the 22nd of March, with the latest arrival time in early April. And, based on past experience, Richard and Nancy are hoping to see their first egg in early April and the first hatchling in the middle of May -- and hoping for the first bird to fledge in early July. Conservation at Winds Way In 2001, Nancy and Richard protected their land by donating a conservation easement to the Trust on 9.9 acres of agricultural land as well as scenic woodland with wetlands along Great Peconic Bay. Not only have Nancy and Richard protected the land, they also have facade easements on their historic buildings: their Greek Revival-style single family home and an 1872 one-room schoolhouse. They have been generous to the community, and have hosted numerous outings at their property to discuss gardening, birding and historic preservation. Nancy has been involved with the Trust for many years, serving as our Board Chair from 2008 to 2011, as well as other positions in her more than 11 years on our Board (2003-2013, 2015-2016). Nancy is currently serving as Secretary on our Board of Directors. We wish Samson and Delilah a very happy return and a wonderful summer on the East End. Do you have ospreys in your neighborhood? Let us know how they are doing -- you can email us at YDeBow@PeconicLandTrust.org or share pictures with us on Facebook and Instagram! #EastEndOsprey.
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Lend Your Voice: 
Thank You! NYS 2016 Budget Includes
$300 Million Environmental Protection Fund
On April 1, the New York State FY 2016/2017 Budget was passed, including $300 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Thank you to everyone who reached out to your local legislators to let them know how important the EPF is to you and your community!
The EPF funds essential programs that conserve our environment: water quality programs, natural lands conservation efforts, farmland protection programs, enhanced public access to recreational lands, community gardens, grants to land trusts, and so much more. Not only does funding provide for land protection and improved quality of life, but also provides important economic benefits across the state by supporting job growth in many industries including tourism and agriculture.
Please reach out and thank your local legislators for their support of the EPF!
To contact your Senator, click here for a directory.
To contact your Assembly member, click here for a directory.
Want to learn more? Contact Julie Zaykowski, Director of Administration, at 631.283.3195.
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Stewardship
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Stewardship committee member
Chuck Halsey helping out at the
Reel Point beach grass planting in 2015
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One of the critical responsibilities of the Peconic Land Trust is the stewardship of the land. That means the perpetual care of the preserves and conservation easements held by the Trust -- over 110 easements and 91 preserves ranging from as small as an acre to over 500 acres spread throughout the East End and as far west as Old Westbury/Manhasset.
To assist our stewardship staff, the Stewardship Committee, chaired by Steve Jones, provides input and recommendations for policies related to uses, improvements and restoration projects for preserves owned by the Trust; accompanies staff on monitoring visits to easements and preserves; and assists staff with the development of our Wildlife Management Program and our Adopt-A-Preserve Program.
Would you like to get more involved in stewardship? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Pam Greene, Vice President, at 631.283.3195.
Who's on our Stewardship Team? Pam Greene (Vice President), Scott Chaskey and Layton Guenther (Quail Hill Farm), Rick Bogusch (Bridge Gardens), Matt Swain (South Fork Stewardship Manager), Dan Heston (Senior Manager Agricultural Programs), Denise Markut (North Fork Stewardship Manager) and Brendan Minogue (Land Steward).
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Join Us: Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, April 16
10 am to noon
Join your friends and neighbors and learn how you can make a difference volunteering with the Peconic Land Trust. There are so many ways to help us conserve the land we know and love on the East End, from assisting with Connections programs, to helping our stewardship staff at local preserves, to lending a hand in the office, to sharing your business skills to help us grow.
Opportunities are available on both the North and the South Forks . . . as well as in a wide variety of areas of interest. This program is perfect for both new and returning volunteers and a great way to kick off the 2016 season.
Two locations:
We look forward to seeing you on April 16!
For more information and to RSVP by April 13,
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Historic Preservation Talk in Sag Harbor
Thursday, April 7, 3:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church, 977 Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
Experts on all aspects of the conservation tools and resources available for historic preservation of structures will be on hand to offer advice and guidance. Free. Sponsored by the Trust, the Town of Southampton Landmarks and Historic Districts Board, the Sag Harbor Historical Society and the John Jermain Library.
Saturday, April 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
From Clean up to First Plantings, Getting the
Vegetable Garden Started
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Interested in expanding your knowledge to grow your own food this year? Join Rick Bogusch for an interactive session on what to do now to get early vegetables growing, from sourcing and selecting seeds and seedlings to mulching, composting, and managing irrigation requirements into the warmer summer season. Bring your questions!
$5/person, Free to members of Bridge Gardens.
Rescheduled from April 1
Friday, April 22, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pruning Do's and Don'ts with Jackson Dodds
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Learn the basics of spring pruning for your deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Join Jackson Dodds, certified ISA Arborist and current President of the LI Arborist Association, along with Bridge Gardens manager Rick Bogusch, who will identify and explain proper techniques, timing and general tree and shrub management. Bring your questions!
$5/person, Free to members of Bridge Gardens and the Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons.
Saturday, April 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Beachside Planting for Earth Day
New Suffolk Waterfront, end of New Suffolk Avenue, New Suffolk
Celebrate Earth Day by joining the team that is re-vegetating the New Suffolk Waterfront using native plants. Landscape Architect Stacy Paetzel will discuss the importance of using native plants in the landscape and will guide the planting, including grasses and wildflowers to support a variety of pollinators. Bring your trowel or shovel, garden gloves and water bottle.
Free. Rain date, Sunday, April 24. For more information, please contact the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund at 631.566.0806 or visit www.NewSuffolkWaterfront.org.
Saturday, April 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Trail Walk at Downs Farm Preserve
Downs Farm Preserve, 23604 Main Road, Cutchogue
The Trust is partnering with Group for the East End to celebrate Earth Day at this Southold Town Preserve which features trails through woodlands, fields, and alongside wetlands. As part of the day's many activities, the Trust's Tim Caufield will lead a walk starting at 11:00 a.m. through the trails on a portion of this 100+ acre preserve. Hear from Tim the story of the conservation effort that included the Trust, neighbors, the Town and Suffolk County and more, all working together that resulted in its permanent protection. Your day's activities would not be complete without enjoying live animal demonstrations, nature crafts, a seed planting table and more!
Watercolors at Bridge Gardens:
 For all our artist (and budding artist) friends, Lois Bender will continue to offer watercolor classes on April 16 and 30. Join us in the garden house at Bridge Gardens -- it's a great way to spend the afternoon -- to develop your drawing and painting skills, and get a peek at the late winter and early spring blooms as they emerge throughout the garden. Lois' classes are great for all levels of artists. For more information, and to register, please visit her website at www.GardenSpiritsNY.com.
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Connections Recap:
Carnivorous Plants with Matt Kaelin
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Threadleaf Sundew with Hoverfly Pollinator
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Didn't get the chance to join us at Matt Kaelin's talk on the macabre, fascinating and beautiful carnivorous plants? Here's a little recap . . .
We have 16 species of carnivorous plants on Long Island -- from pitcher plants to sundews and bladderworts -- and public trails including the Walking Dunes in Napeague, Crooked Pond in Bridgehampton, and the Cranberry Bog Preserve County Park in Riverhead are a few of the places you can go and see firsthand these amazing plants. But please go gently -- the habitat for these plants is very sensitive!
A few things to know about these plants:
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Purple Pitcher Plant
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They supplement photosynthesis with carnivory for their sustenance -- the habitats where they live are in areas where the soil health may be impacted negatively by development and pollutants. - These plants also depend on insects as pollinators, and so have developed interesting strategies to avoid capturing them while they are needed.
- Often the plants can be found growing in sphagnum bogs, along the shores of ponds or even in dune swales which drop to the groundwater table.
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Flower of the humped bladderwort
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- The insect-trapping leaves of carnivorous plants can generally be seen throughout late spring to early fall. Their flowers are beautiful as well. The flowers of pitcher plants are best seen from May to June, the flowers of the bladderworts throughout the summer, and the flowers of sundews throughout the summer as well, but normally look best before 11:00 am.
- When on the lookout, you may also see some other beautiful plants that thrive in boggy areas, including the Bog Violet, Rose Pogonia, Rose Coreopsis, Grass Pink Orchid, and Club Moss.
Check out this article by John Turner, with photos by Matt, for more on these fascinating plants. And keep an eye out, Matt's book -- The Sinister Beauty of Carnivorous Plants -- is scheduled to be released at the end of May!
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JOIN TODAY:
Quail Hill Farm Summer Memberships Now Available!
This is the perfect time to join Quail Hill Farm for the 2016 Summer Season. Shareholders harvest from the farm stand and the fields from June through October. With over 500 varieties of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit grown on 35 acres of fertile soil in Amagansett, it's a great way to get out on the land, get your hands in the soil, meet new friends and enjoy fresh, local organic produce all summer long.
Individual, Family and Box Shares are Available.
Bridge Gardens Opened for the 2016 Season on April 2
Bridge Gardens opened for the season on April 2! Help us keep the gardens blooming by becoming a member. Covering five acres in the heart of Bridgehampton, Bridge Gardens is not only a beautiful garden to explore and enjoy, but also provides educational programs and demonstration areas that focus on sustainable lawns and landscaping -- all of which can be applied to your home garden.
PS: The Community Gardens at Bridge Gardens are currently all full for 2016, but we do have a waiting list. Call Thomas Hobson at 631.283.3195 if you would like to learn more.
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SOLD OUT!
 Long Island Grown: Food & Beverage Artisans at Work
Stay Tuned: A Recap Video of the Program
Will be Available Soon
Our annual spring lecture series at Bridge Gardens, featuring lively discussions with the dynamic women and men growing, creating, and producing amazing local food, wines, beer and more is sold out!
Thanks again to our moderator Laura Donnelly -- pastry chef, and food writer for the East Hampton Star -- and our media sponsor Edible East End.
Speakers include: Vaughan Cutillo of Montauk Brewing Co., Michael Kontokosta
of Kontokosta Winery, Chef Noah Schwartz of Noah's, Nadia Ernestus of Hamptons Brine, Mirijana Ujkic of Wild Feast Foods, Chef Kevin Penner, Patty Gentry of Early Girl Farm, Richie King of North Sea Farms, Chef Joseph Realmuto of Nick & Toni's, Ed Tuccio of North Quarter Farm, Alexander Damianos of Duckwalk Vineyard, Patricia DiVello of Patty's Berries and Bunches, and Tom Wickham of Wickham's Fruit Farm.
Watch Now: Volunteer Geoffrey Wells produced a wonderful video essay on the 2015 Long Island Grown Series . . . and will be producing a new video for 2016!
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Peconic Land Trust conserves Long Island's working farms, natural lands and heritage for our communities now and in the future.
Financial Disclosure Statement: A copy of the last financial report filed with the New York State Attorney General may be obtained in writing to: New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau, Attn.: FOIL Officer, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 or Peconic Land Trust, PO Box 1776, Southampton, NY 11969. Please help us further reduce our carbon footprint. If you change your address, or would like to receive all (or some) of your communications from the Peconic Land Trust by email, let us know! Contact Janet Schutt, Donor Services Manager, at 631.283.3195 ext. 24 or email her at JSchutt@PeconicLandTrust.org.
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