Programs

Martha’s Vineyard derives its rural character from agriculture. While Martha’s Vineyard has a rich farming heritage, it also has an impressive farming present. As the island’s land trust, part of whose mission is to conserve rural character, and as the island’s largest private landowner, Sheriff’s Meadow happily supports island agriculture. We support agriculture in two primary ways. First, we conserve agricultural land, and second, we allow and encourage agricultural uses on a number of our properties.

Sheriff’s Meadow has conserved many acres of farmland already and we will continue to do so. In some cases, we have been given land that has been farmed for years, or land that has potential for farming. In other cases, Sheriff’s Meadow has been given or has purchased conservation restrictions over agricultural land.

Where possible, Sheriff’s Meadow also makes available land for use by island farmers. In some cases, we lease portions of our properties to farmers. In other cases, Sheriff’s Meadow works with local farmers to manage natural, open areas by allowing livestock to graze these areas.