Thistle Dew Farm on Highland Street in Holliston may soon be protected forever as farmland, thanks to the efforts of the Town of Holliston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT), a nonprofit conservation organization that protects land in the region.
The project also needs the help of local individuals who are willing to contribute the final $11,000 needed for the project’s success.
Together, the Town and the Commonwealth are contributing $965,588 of the $1.11 million needed to purchase an agricultural preservation restriction (APR) on 28 acres of the property. SVT has agreed to raise $150,000 to cover the remaining $144,412 of the purchase price plus some other project costs.
As part of its fundraising effort, SVT worked with Mass Audubon to secure a tremendous pledge. If SVT can raise $50,000, an anonymous donor will contribute the final $100,000.
Many individuals and foundations have donated to the project, but the fundraising effort is still $11,000 short of the $50,000 goal.
“We are seeking the public’s help as we strive to raise the remaining $11,000 this month,” said Christa Collins, SVT’s Director of Land Protection. “We are excited to be part of this conservation effort and look forward to seeing Thistle Dew remain as agricultural land. Now, more than ever, we are recognizing the importance of open space and locally produced food for our health and well-being.”
Under the terms of the APR, the land will still be privately owned, but all current and future owners are obligated to keep it as farmland and not sell it for development. The state established the APR program to protect productive farmland and revitalize the agricultural industry. If the deal succeeds, Holliston’s Outpost Farm will own and manage the property.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal and forever save this property as farmland,” said Ms. Collins.
SVT is accepting donations through its website at www.svtweb.org/thistledew.
