Goulet Farm Conservation Project
Photos by Rob Swanson & SHLT
Protecting Working Lands In South Hero
South Hero’s working farms and food producers play a powerful role in making our community so special. We have Allenholm Farm, the state’s oldest commercial apple orchard; and Snow Farm Vineyard, Vermont’s oldest commercial vineyard and grape winery. Islandacres Farm at the center of the village has been here for generations, as has Hackett’s Orchard on South Street. We also have new generations of farmers at historic farms like Sawyer Bay, now home to Health Hero Farm, and Landon Farm, home of Pigasus Meats.
What do all of these farms have in common? They’ve all been conserved, each with easements in place which permanently protect the land for farming. Conservation helps keep our farmers working on their lands, in our community, and supporting our local food system. And it’s through your support that South Hero Land Trust has made this possible.
Today, we are working together with the Goulet and Swanson families to protect 195 acres of land with a conservation easement, securing a critical landbase for the Goulet Farm long into the future. Read more about the farm from our recent newsletter article here>>
We are currently in the middle of raising funds to complete the project, including bringing in federal and state farmland conservation grants. A few local donors have also helped move this project forward, including one generous donor which has offered to match gifts of $20,000 and above!
As of June, we are currently working to raise the final $50,000 needed to successfully complete the project by the end of August.
Art Raffle!
We are thrilled to announce that local artist Roy Newton has generously donated 10 original works of art to support the project! All gifts $500 and above are eligible to win one of these stunning landscapes via a raffle held at the end of the campaign. All are unique framed monoprints ranging in size from 10'“x12” to 20”x13”. Check out the prints below. A huge thank you to Roy for this incredible opportunity!
