The Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that it has recently received word of two foundation grants to be used for the acquisition of the 22-acre Downey property on Mattapoisett Neck Road. The grants from the Sheehan Family Foundation and the Fields Pond Foundation of $5,000 and $10,000 respectively will help significantly in meeting the funding needs in order to accomplish the closing of the purchase in June. Both foundations have contributed to the MLT’s land acquisition efforts in the past.
The Sheehan Family Foundation of Kingston, Massachusetts, has as its mission “to protect the environment and enhance the quality of education, with a focus on projects in eastern Massachusetts.” This nicely complements the Land Trust’s own mission of “preserving land in order to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations of Mattapoisett residents and visitors.”
The Fields Pond Foundation of Waltham, Massachusetts, has a similar environmental mission: “to provide financial assistance to nature and land conservation organizations that are community-based and that serve to increase environmental awareness by involving local residents in conservation issues.” As an all-volunteer effort committed to open space protection and environmental education, the MLT is doing the work that the Foundation values.
Private fundraising efforts for the Downey acquisition continue. Individuals interested in contributing financially to, or simply learning more about, this environmentally significant property should visit the Land Trust website at www.mattlandtrust.org or leave a message at 774-377-9191.