Blog
Wading River Farmland is Protected
By Amanda Abraham
Due to the huge outpouring of support this April, we were able to reach our goal of $305,000 in community support and ensure that the 38-acre family farm in Wading River is protected forever for agriculture. In addition to this individual support, $7,591,758 were raised through New York State grants and bargain sales due to the efforts of Julie Wesnofske, the Trust’s Senior Project Manager.
Thank you!
“I couldn’t be prouder to
have been part of this community fundraising effort,” said Amanda Abraham,
Director of Development. “I was honored to meet many members of the
Condzella family, who are so passionate about their work and their farming
heritage. From potatoes to bees, asparagus to strawberries, hops to cover
crops… each generation has made their own mark on the operation.”
Farmers John Condzella Sr. and John Condzella Jr. in front of the farm's nearly 100-year-old barn.
John shows off the new strawberry variety grown by daughter, Katherine.
John Sr. walks his grandson through the strawberry fields that their family has cared for for three generations.
We’re excited to share some notes below from our supporters about what inspired their support of this project. If you haven’t already, let us know why farming is important to you! On behalf of all of us at the Trust, we thank you for your support of conservation on Long Island.
“I am inspired by the idea of taking good care of Mother Earth!!”
“One of the things we love most about Wading River is the easy access to nature in all its forms. The farms are a wonderful bonus in our little town, so we wanted to particularly support your effort there.”
“I love the corn fields, the sod farms and horse farms and of course the farm stands and wineries. I don’t want to see developers taking over!”
To learn more about Wading River Farmland, please visit the Wading River Farmland Initiative.
