WLCT is pleased to announce the sale of Berry Hill Farm to Carissa and Adam Davenport. The owners of Town Farm Tonics, Carissa and Adam bring a passion for perennial agriculture to this historic farm. Their plan incorporates the 3 acres of established blueberry shrubs and will utilize the remaining farmland to grow a variety of perennial plants, elderberry shrubs, and medicinal herbs. The berries, herbs, and produce grown on the farm will replace outsourced ingredients used in their herbal products. They’ll be sold at the farmstand, in retail shops, and to other small business owners.
In 2022, the Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) purchased the 42-acre Berry Hill Farm on Pine Hill Road and protected it with a Conservation Restriction (CR) preserving this resource forever!
Three generations of the Pierce family have provided Westport and surrounding communities with fresh blueberries from the farm for more than 40 years. By selling the Pine Hill Road farm to WLCT, Bob Pierce ensured that the iconic farm would be preserved as an active agricultural resource forever. To achieve this goal, WLCT conducted an RFP process to facilitate the resale of the farm to a future farm family.
“Our goal has always been to create delicious products with bioregional plants that connect people to the environment around them. Blueberries are an exciting addition to our farming operation. Like elderberries, they are a nutritious, native berry that can be used as food and medicine.” Adam Davenport
Adam and Carissa are inspired by Berry Hill’s long history of bringing the community farm-fresh produce and connection to local agriculture. They will continue this legacy, expanding farm products, supporting and regenerating the land’s ecology, and creating exciting opportunities for community collaboration. They will start working with the land this spring–look for them at the stand on Pine Hill Road this summer!
The Berry Hill Farm Conservation Project was a $1.3 million endeavor. The Town of Westport partnered with WLCT, approving a $350,000 Community Preservation Act grant. The Town and WLCT co-own the conservation restriction, preserving this farm, forest, and wetlands forever. Additional funding was provided by a $350,000 grant from a local foundation and many generous donors contributed an additional $300,000 in donations to WLCT during its 50th Anniversary Campaign. WLCT is grateful for all of its supporters and to the community for coming together to preserve this important farm.
An Open House is planed for August 10th. Please stay tuned for more details!
“Affordable farmland is a critical need and the preservation of Berry Hill Farm also conserves key water resources flowing to the East Branch. WLCT is thrilled to partner with the Town, and the community in supporting the next generation of farm stewards in Westport.” Ross Moran, Executive Director WLCT
