Dear community—you did it! Your belief in Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT), which led to your donations, volunteerism, event participation and advocacy, has made the “This Land is Your Land: Campaign for Oak Point Farm” a tremendous success.

Oak Point Farm, a 32-acre saltwater farm on Hodgdon Cove in Boothbay Harbor, was purchased by BRLT in 2017. Since that time, Boothbay Region Land Trust has completed and paid for remodeling of the 1700s farmhouse, bringing the building up to code for public use as a visitor nature center, as well as equipping it to serve as the new permanent headquarters for BRLT’s operations and educational programming.

The renovation included making the building fully accessible to the public through the addition of a new access ramp and accessible parking, widened doorways, and a fire safe exit on the second floor. Furthermore, a generous private gift allowed BRLT to implement a sustainable energy improvement plan that included installing a geothermal heating system and roof-mounted solar array, which make the farmhouse as model for sustainability in the region. Additional upgrades on the property included adding a new visitor entrance and parking area off Samoset Road, establishing trails throughout the preserve, and completing landscaping to the front entrance of the visitor center with a new native-plants garden.

An incredible 389 households, businesses and foundations supported this campaign through 482 donations. Due to this tremendous support, the mortgage has been paid in full and the $3 million campaign goal has been reached before the scheduled three-year timeline. Nearly 60% of all donations made to the campaign were for $100 or less, and each one had a significant impact. Ongoing contributions allowed Boothbay Region Land Trust to keep the project on track and make necessary upgrades for the public benefit, while also making regular payments towards the mortgage.

The campaign committee was tirelessly led by John Welsh of Boothbay, and included the expertise and enthusiasm of Deezie Flower, Jack Fulmer, Mike Harrison, Kathleen Kennedy, Hal Moorefield and Margaret Reiser. Louise Bowditch served as the much valued honorary chair.

With two anticipated grants just received from the A.R. & Marylouise Tandy Foundation and the Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation, the planned universal access trail will also be funded. Scheduled for construction in spring of 2020, this trail will allow access to the preserve using wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. Please keep an eye out for the trail grand opening announcement next summer so we may celebrate the success of this community together.