Southold, NY

Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm

Project Type

Stewardship, Farms for the Future

Acreage

80

Things to do

Birdwatching, Photography, Nature Study, Biking, Gardening

Access

Public

Address
3005 Youngs Ave, Southold, NY 11971

About

From 23 acres acquired from the Charnews family in 2008, the Agricultural Center has grown to 80 acres of productive farmland along Young's Avenue north and south of Route 48.

As one of the locations for the Trust's Farms for the Future Initiative, the Ag Center provides farmers, both established and start-ups, affordable access to productive land. Farm operations at the Ag Center have ranged from 1-acre start-up vegetable farms to organic poultry operations to larger multi-crop established farm operations.


Hear from Priscilla and Leslie Howard of Priscilla’s Farm. They currently farm 3.5 acres at the Ag Center as part of the Trust’s Farms for the Future Initiative.

Community Gardens at the Ag Center:

2021 will be the 13th season for the Community Gardens at the Ag Center. With over 40 individual plots — ranging in sizes — there is something for growers from the novice to the experienced. Won’t you consider joining us this year? Joining the community garden will have you cultivating more than fresh, organically grown vegetables — you’ll cultivate new friendships and gardening know-how too!

Garden Plot Sizes:

  • Small - 4’ x 12’
  • Small Plus PV - 4’ x 20’
  • Medium - 10’ x 20’
  • Large - 20’ x 20’
  • Extra Large - 30’ x 20’

For more information, contact Land Steward Brendan Minogue at 631.379.9456 or BMinogue@PeconicLandTrust.org!

In addition to leasing land to local farmers and community gardeners, the Ag Center is the setting for our Learning Garden, providing local residents and schoolchildren with information and programs on growing your own food.

The Agricultural Center was one of the locations featured in Growing Farmers, a video about the Trust’s work with next generation farmers. Watch now:

The Conservation Story

In early April 2008, the Peconic Land Trust acquired 23.4 acres of farmland in Southold from the Charnews Family, which included an 1889 farmhouse, barn, and accessory buildings. The Trust purchased the farmland by borrowing from its Stewardship Fund. Following the acquisition, the Trust sold the development rights on the farmland to the Town of Southold, partially reimbursing the Stewardship Fund.

In 2009, the Trust worked with a group of local residents, The Friends of Charnews Farm, to complete the fundraising — with over 80 donations from local supporters and a generous matching donation from one of the Trust’s long time supporters to close the gap.

Given the property’s unique location and characteristics, the Trust remains committed to actively cultivating the farmland to promote local agriculture and regional food.

For more on the conservation story, see our Fall 2014 newsletter in addition to an in-depth feature story written by Carrie Miller for The Suffolk Times in April 2014.

Visitor Information

Please stop by and look around. Information can be found in the barn, and by the entrances to both the fields and the learning and community gardens.

Get Directions

Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm

Get Directions

Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm

3005 Youngs Ave, Southold, NY 11971

Things To Do

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Photography

Photography

Nature Study

Nature Study

Biking

Biking

Gardening

Gardening

Get Involved

A Place for Learning How to Grow

In addition to leasing land to local farmers, the farm provides an opportunity for learning.

The Learning Garden and Three Sisters Gardens are used for our Connections events as well as hosting local school programs with a focus on the agricultural history of Long Island, current farming trends, science and nutrition.

And our Community Gardens, established in 2009, is the perfect setting to cultivate new friendships and gardening know-how.

For more information about the Community Gardens, Learning Garden and school programs at the farm:

All ways to get involved
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