Good Dirt
June 15, 2005













From Goal to Reality:
Preservation of Escobar's Highland Farm Set for September

$3,000,00 Raised for Landmark Conservation Transaction

Aquidneck Land Trust is thrilled to announce it has raised the necessary $3 million to purchase the deed to development rights on Escobar's Highland Farm, one of the two remaining dairy farms on Aquidneck Island.

A recent grant of $188,328 from the State of Rhode Island's Agricultural Land Preservation Commission enabled the Land Trust to fulfill its ambitious fundraising goal. The result of this effort means that Aquidneck Land Trust will permanently protect 75 acres of the Portsmouth, R.I. farm.

The Escobars are considered local heroes for bucking the rampant development trend and agreeing to the bargain price of $3 million to ensure their land remains open space for all time. The money raised will help the family pay inheritance tax on the farm.

The grant from the State of Rhode Island's Agricultural Land Preservation Commission was one of eight grant awards from four partners. It provided the final dollars needed to fill the coffers and reach the $3,000,000 purchase price agreed upon August 12, 2004. Other partners and their total contributions include:

  1. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service $1,311,672
  2. Town of Portsmouth $750,000
  3. State of Rhode Island $688,328
  4. Champlin Foundation $250,000
"It is so great to see all of the hard work and good intentions put into this project take such a significant and wonderful form," said Land Trust Executive Director Edward "Ted" Sortwell Clement, Jr. "The Land Trust would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to its partners for their vision, generosity, and leadership."

Clement expects the closing to occur by the end of September 2005.

As always, thank you for your continued generous support!

The Aquidneck Land Trust's mission is to preserve Aquidneck Island's open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. To date, the Aquidneck Land Trust has conserved over 1,213 acres on Aquidneck Island. The Aquidneck Land Trust is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit AquidneckLandTrust.org or call 401-849-2799.