Kittery Land Trust Secures New Initiative In Nooney Farm
Kittery Land Trust announced this week it is permanently protecting Nooney Farm, a 30-acre property in Kittery, to end what Kittery Land Trust called "a challenging year."
Nooney Farm and its "fertile fields and woodlands of a former dairy farm" will become a hub for local agriculture, nature-based education and outdoor recreation, according to the announcement.
Named for former owner Jacquelyn Nooney, "Nooney Farm is a bold expression of Kittery Land Trust's long-held mission to 'Save Land and Build Community,'" the announcement read.
“We could not be more excited to embark on this new conservation initiative,” Lisa Linehan, Executive Director of Kittery Land Trust, said via the announcement. “Protecting this property has been a goal of Kittery Land Trust for more than ten years, and we are thrilled to finally protect farmland, wetlands and woodlands right in the heart of our community. This natural oasis will provide amazing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, work and play.”
In the announcement, Kittery Land Trust described Nooney Farm as "a beautiful tapestry of open farm fields and wooded uplands" while also mentioning its large wetland that feeds into nearby Spruce Creek.
Kittery Land Trust said its vision for Nooney Farm's new community usage including growing healthy food, creating a center for outdoor recreation, getting students involved in growing food for school cafeterias, producing electricity through a solar farm and holding events and workshops in an old barn that still stands on the property.
“The opportunities to engage the community here are truly limitless," Linehan said. "I can’t wait to see how Nooney Farm evolves to address needs in Kittery and the Seacoast region."