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The Latest News from the Peconic Land Trust
April 20, 2017
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Preserve Spotlight 
Downs Farm Preserve, Southold
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View of Downs Farm Preserve, McCall Farmland and the Trust's North Fork Stewardship Center.
Photo by Tim Corwin
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 This Saturday we have a special treat -- the Trust's Tim Caufield will be leading a hike through the trails of the Downs Farm Preserve in Southold, which is in the vicinity of Fort Corchaug, a historic Native American settlement that was active through the mid-17th Century.The hike will be part of a day-long celebration of Earth Day organized by the Group for the East End ( more details below). The Trust along with many community partners sponsors the event each year. The hike starts at 11:00 am and the day will include nature crafts, seed plantings, and much more.  Beginning in the mid-1990s, the Peconic Land Trust worked with conservationist Russ McCall as well as the Baxter and Ginsburg families, the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Cutchogue/New Suffolk Historical Society, and the Old House Society on the protection of what is today over 200 acres of farmland, woodlands and historic resources -- including the 51-acre Fort Corchaug and Downs Farm Preserve. It is because of the inspiration of many that we are able to celebrate Earth Day at this beautiful, historic place! We hope to see you on Saturday. Want to learn more about the conservation story, including Downs Farm Preserve, the McCall Ranch, and the Trust's neighboring North Fork Stewardship Center? Click here. For an historic look back at the conservation story, check out our Newsletter from 1997! Questions? Call Director of Conservation Planning Melanie Cirillo at 631.283.3195 or email MCirillo@PeconicLandTrust.org.
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Conservation News
LaWall: Residential Property Reverts
Back to Farmland in Water Mill
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 We are so pleased to announce today the protection of land that will be re-connected to agriculture as you enter Water Mill! A situation that was once tragic, has turned to a positive for farmland conservation. Ann LaWall lost her home to fire in 2016. Instead of rebuilding, Ann decided to reconnect her land to agriculture. The property, just under an acre at the western tip of Seven Ponds Road, has now been protected forever for food crops. We thank Ann and her family for having the vision to see a conservation future for their land.
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Ann LaWall at the closing (seated center) with the Town of Southampton's Mary Wilson and the Trust's Melanie Cirillo. Standing, attorney Myles Varley, the Trust's Holly Sanford, and attorney Susan Tuths.
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The Trust purchased the property from Ann on April 19th, simultaneously selling the development rights to the Town of Southampton. The property will now be reconnected to the farming community!
"From what was a tragedy has sprouted hope for the future," said Ann LaWall. "I am very pleased to have been able to work with the Trust and the Town to see the permanent protection of my property and to see it reunited with the neighboring farmland."
We thank the Town of Southampton for joining us on this conservation effort. Since 2015, the Town has committed not only to protecting farmland -- which it has done for decades -- but now additionally protecting farmland for food. Starting with the Danilevsky project on Head of Pond Road, the Town has conserved ove r 200 acres with this new protection tool that conserves not only the resource, but makes farmland affordable and accessible to farmers who grow food crops. The Trust pioneered the enhanced restriction tools that were applied by the Town of Southampton in 2010, using them for the first time in the protection of the Pike Farmstand property in Sagaponack. Most recently the enhanced restrictions have been applied not only in Southampton, but also in Southold (through a donation by Russ McCall) and in East Hampton (with the recent protection of the Amagansett Farmers Market).
Thank you to Ann for seeing a positive come from the tragic loss of her home and for choosing conservation. We look forward to seeing what's growing on the fields in the years to come.
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New York State Budget
The Environment, including Farmland Protection and Water Quality, Receive Strong Support in FY 2017/2018 Budget
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 With thanks to many, the New York State budget announced on April 10 includes strong support for the environment and conservation initiatives focused on water quality and farmland protection. Our thanks go out to Governor Cuomo and our state representatives from Long Island -- including Senators Ken LaValle and John Flanagan and Assemblymen Fred Thiele, Anthony Palumbo and Steven Englebright.  Leading the news is the announcement that the Environmental Protection Fund would once again receive record funding: $300 million for FY 2017/2018. This follows last year's growth in the fund, which had been reduced and stagnant for many years. Part of this funding includes an increase for the Land Trust Alliance's Conservation Partnership Program. This program assists land trusts in capacity development and projects. The Trust has received numerous grants through this program, most recently for planning projects with both the Towns of Riverhead and Southampton with a focus on farmland conservation.  The budget also includes $2.5 billion for new Clean Water Infrastructure programs -- including source water protection which can include acquisition of lands important to protecting our drinking waters. Specifically, the budget language says " land acquisition projects that support, expand or enhance drinking water quality protection, including but not limited to aquifers, watersheds, reservoirs, lakes, rivers and streams." The program will make $110 million available over the next five years to municipalities and not-for-profits to acquire land and conservation easements. We are excited by the prospects this budget presents to care for our environment, our farmland and our precious water resources. We look forward to working with our representatives to ensure a healthy and productive Long Island. Please take a moment to reach out and thank the Governor and your local Senator and Assemblyperson for their commitment to New York's environment. For your convenience, click here for links to contact information for our public officials.
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Farms for the Future
Trust Hosts Tractor and Farm Safety Program
for East End Farmers
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 Earlier this month, the Peconic Land Trust hosted the New York Center for Agricultural Health and Medicine ( www.nycahm.org) for an annual tractor and farm safety program. NYCAHM provides this program free of charge across the state. The program was held at our Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm in Southold and over three dozen farmers participated. The program covers how to safely operate tractors and various farm equipment -- and includes the opportunity for participants to have hands-on instruction. The program is run by NYCAHM's Jim Carraba and the Trust's Dan Heston, Senior Manager of Agricultural Programs. The training program is held every spring. Interested in joining us? Contact Dan at DHeston@PeconicLandTrust.org or call him at 631.734.5630.
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Farms for the Future
American Farmland Trust New York
Profiles 2 Long Island Farms
in its Healthy Farming Series
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Our friends in farming from the American Farmland Trust just released a new series of farmer profiles -- including two Long Island Farmers: Phil Schmitt and Mark Zaweski. Check out their stories (click the photos to see more).
Phil's son, Matt Schmitt, recently joined us for the March 5 "Long Island Grown" conversation at Bridge Gardens to talk about the family farm and their plans for the future. Click here to watch the talk.
And we were also fortunate to work with Mark and his wife Emilie on the conservation of their farmland in Aquebogue, which included the sale of the development rights on 28.8 acres of agricultural land to the Town of Riverhead in October 1999. And stay tuned, Emilie will be leading a workshop on canning and pickling with the Trust in the Fall!
We thank our friends at AFT for continuing to shine a light on the wonderful work our local farmers are doing to protect the land and to grow fresh, local produce for our communities!
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SAVE THE DATE 
Sunday, August 6, 2017
4:00 pm
Whitecap Farm | Water Mill, NY
Honoring the Conservation Dedication of Kathleen King
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Join In
Quail Hill Farm Summer Shares
Agricultural Center Community Gardens
Bridge Gardens Open for the Season
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Quail Hill Farm
Deep Lane, Amagansett
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| | photo by Michael Halsband |
2017 will be the 28th season at Quail Hill Farm. Join us and become a member of one of the oldest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the country. Pick weekly from both the fields and farmstand. With over 30 acres in cultivation, the variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers will delight you. The summer season runs from early June to the end of October. Individual, Family and Box shares are available.
Community Gardens at Our Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm
3005 Youngs Avenue, Southold
 What began as a few small plots and a handful of gardeners has grown to a large community of people growing and sharing together at the Ag Center. Under the direction of Denise Markut, the Ag Center Community Gardens offer a variety of sizes -- there's one available just right for you! Orientation for the Ag Center Community Gardens will be on Saturday, April 29 at 10:00 am. And thank you to community gardeners Vinny Monteforte, Peter Ioveno and Al Martinez-Font. Their craftsmanship is on glorious display at the Ag Center -- they recently completed a washing station for the community gardeners! The new station will make it easier for our gardeners to prep their harvests to take home.
Bridge Gardens is Open for the 2017 Season.
A unique public garden in the heart of Bridgehampton, Bridge Gardens is a wonderful place to spend an hour or the afternoon. And, the daffodils are blooming, with the tulips not far behind! Happy 30th Anniversary to Bridge Gardens!
Donated to the Peconic Land Trust by
Harry Neyens and Jim Kilpatrick in 2008, 2017 is its 30th Anniversary, when Harry and Jim
began the gardens with just 2 1/2 acres in 1987!
Want to learn more about this extraordinary gift?
Check out our Winter 2009 newsletter.
The gardens offer both respite as well as inspiration. Garden Manager Rick Bogusch has continued the legacy built by Harry and Jim and is evolving the gardens' design naturally with an eye toward both low impact, sustainable and local plants -- ideas you can bring home to your garden. ~~~~~~~~~
Lawn Expert Tuesdays at Bridge Gardens
Join us on Tuesdays when Paul Wagner of Greener Pastures Organics
will be available to answer your lawn and landscaping questions from 2:30 to 5:00 pm. Each week, Paul will focus on a different lawn problem -- but will also answer your
individual lawn care questions too!
2:30 to 5:00 pm
This program is co-sponsored by the Perfect Earth Project
Don't have time to stop by the gardens? Paul will also answer your questions
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CONNECTIONS IN APRIL AND MAY
 Saturday, April 22: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration at Downs Farm Preserve
22800 Main Road, Cutchogue
Organized by Group for the East End, join us for a day of family fun and exploration. At 11:00 am, the Trust's Tim Caufield will lead a walk through the trails of the Preserve and talk about the conservation of land, including the Fort Corchaug archeological site. There will also be many fun activities, including seed planting, nature crafts, live animal demonstrations, and more.
Free! Donations appreciated. Event is rain or shine.
 Saturday, April 22: 9:30 am
Sprucing up the New Suffolk Waterfront
Corner of First and Main Streets, New Suffolk
We are partnering with our friends at the New Suffolk Waterfront to celebrate Earth Day and volunteers are needed. Join the team for outdoor spring cleaning and help us show the new native plantings and pollinator-friendly meadow some love! Wear work clothes and gloves and bring your favorite gardening and weeding tools.
Free! Rain date is Sunday, April 23.
 Saturday, April 29: 10:00 am
Organic Rose Care, Step 1
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Please join us for the first of a three-part series to learn how you can grow your roses organically. Led by Garden Manager Rick Bogusch and Paul Wagner, owner of Greener Pastures Organics, you'll learn proper early season pruning techniques, organic fertilization and soil conditioning, and organic treatment for overwintering pests. Series continues on June 10 when you'll learn how to apply organic pest treatments, proper pruning techniques and cultural practices, and then on November 11 with tips on how to put your roses to bed for the dormant season. Program co-sponsored by Perfect Earth Project.
$5/person, free to Bridge Gardens members. Reservations requested.
 Saturday, May 6: 10:00 am
Can Organic Lawn Care Work for You?
Island's End Golf Course, 5025 Route 25, Greenport
Join us for a discussion of practical tips with three individuals who will explain the steps needed to make the switch to sustainably better lawns. Greg Fox, Course Superintendent at Island's End, who has implemented organic lawn care at golf courses across Long Island, a representative from Earthworks, an industry resource for organic products, and Tamson Yeh, Turf Management Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension will all offer insights into dealing with grubs, crabgrass, shade issues, mowing, irrigation issues, fertility and more. Refreshments provided. Bring your clubs and hit a free bucket of balls after the program. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle for a round of golf for 2, courtesy of Island's End Golf Club.
FREE! Seating is limited, reservations requested. Rain or shine.
 Saturdays, May and June, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Painting "en plein air," with Suzzanne Fokine, MFA
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Discover the artist within you at this inspiring outdoor painting series! Learn to capture the magic of East End light using your choice of medium: oils, acrylics, or watercolor paints. Master of Fine Arts instructor Suzzanne Fokine will encourage you to express your creativity and artistic vision by providing technical knowledge and guidance for a hands-on experience from start to finish. Beginners to accomplished painters welcome! Class dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24.
$50/class, $185 for 4 classes, $350 for all 8 classes. Space is limited, prepaid registration is required. A materials list provided at sign up, and students are responsible for easel, tools, and materials. For more information and to register, contact Suzzanne at suzzannefokine@hotmail.com or 631.599.2407.
 Friday, May 12, 10:00 a.m.
National Public Gardens Day!
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Celebrate the day with free,1-hour guided tours at Bridge Gardens, and our partner gardens Madoo Conservancy and LongHouse Reserve. Come explore these three horticultural oases, each featuring their own unique vision. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at Bridge Gardens with a guided walk led by Garden Manager Rick Bogusch. Enjoy lunch on your own, then head to Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack for a 1:00 p.m. tour. Conclude the day at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton at 3:00 p.m. Have time to linger for dinner? Make your reservation for a delicious prix fixe dinner, offered to our tour participants, at The Living Room Restaurant, c/o The Maidstone in East Hampton, Almond Restaurant in Bridgehampton, and The Plaza Café in Southampton. Space is limited, reservations required. Heavy rain cancels.
 Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, More! Agricultural Center, 3005 Youngs Avenue, Southold If you've ever thought about growing your own potatoes, this is the workshop for you. Join us in the barn for an interactive presentation and learn all you've ever wanted to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting delicious potatoes in your garden. Our presenter is Joseph Sieczka, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University and past Coordinator of Cornell's Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center. Bring your questions!
$5/person, reservations requested. Rain or shine.
 Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Stewardship Day at the Farm
Quail Hill Farm, Deep Lane, Amagansett
Come join in the fun at this annual workday as we help transplant this year's seedlings from the greenhouse. Work side by side with Scott Chaskey, the Trust's Farm Director, and Layton Guenther, Farm Manager, and move tender seedlings into the fertile soils at the farm. Help your children gain new appreciation for tasty fresh vegetables as they dig in the earth and plant this year's vegetable and herb crops.
Free! Please park on Deep Lane, reached via Town Lane or Side Hill Lane and join us at the greenhouse. Moderate to heavy rain cancels.
Long Island Grown: Watch Now Online!
Didn't get the chance to join us at our spring series -- Grown on Long Island, conversations with local Farmers, Chefs and Winemakers? You can have a front row seat at home and watch all of the 4 panels online! Our last program is this Sunday, April 23 -- and we hope to have it posted to view by the middle of next week. Check them out here:
Thank you to volunteers Geoff Wells and Charles Certain for capturing our lively discussions!
To register call 631.283.3195 ext. 19.
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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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