Charlie Wyman, Senior Land Protection Specialist
When this blogger last reported on the Sibley project in Spencer (Crunch Time in Spencer, November 2011), we had a plan for protection of the magnificent 350-acre Sibley and Warner Farms property, but no funding yet and a $2.91 million goal.
Well, a lot has happened since then! December was a banner month, resulting in more than $2.25 million in town and state commitments. What remains is the $650,000 to be raised from the public by May 1 when we have to make a decision whether to exercise our option, which expires in June. As of today we’ve received commitments totaling $315,000, with a month to go! Talk about crunch time…
But, oh, the prize! Three hundred and fifty glorious acres of field, forest, and wetlands. Scenic views. Productive soils. Trails. And if that’s not enough, our state grant will provide funding to add 225 acres to Spencer State Forest next year IF we can protect the Sibley property this year.
So we’re pulling out all the stops and being as creative as we can in spreading the word. An appeal went out last week to more than 4,000 households in Spencer and surrounding towns. Posters and brochure dispensers are sprouting around town like the new shoots of spring we see everywhere. “Save Sibley Farm” buttons are the fashion accessory du jour.
Our newest venture is a fundraising video, capturing people’s memories and enthusiasm for the property. Meryl Streep doesn’t need to worry about competition from the likes of us, but we hope it moves a few people to join us in trying to protect this wonderful landscape. Have a look at the YouTube video, and then check out the project website at www.sibleyfarm.org.
You can help. Come see the property—walks are being held every weekend this month (see the website for details). Invite a friend. Post the project to your Facebook page, or if you’re like me, ask your son or daughter to post it to theirs. Tweet. Wear a button (we’ll send you one). Play a role in securing another piece of the open space legacy we’re trying to create across the state, acre by acre, for our children and our wildlife.
Otters (r e johnson)
Hilltop meadow (Nathan Goshgarian)
