The Aldermere & Erickson Campaign
You’re invited to join a transformational campaign to enhance these community preserves and working farms to foster greater connections between people, the food we eat, and the land that sustains us all.
Thanks to early and generous donors, we're well on our way to our fundraising goal, but we're counting on you.
Let Heidi tell you what the campaign is all about in the video below!
Community Preserves Changing Lives
As Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserves, Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields have become life-changing community gathering and learning places for the greater Camden-Rockport area.
Through these exceptional preserves and the generosity of donors, we’re connecting thousands of people to the outdoors, feeding our community, educating youth, supporting fellow farms, and demonstrating sustainable farming practices.
But we could do so much more. Aldermere Farm was originally designed as a private working farm, not a public preserve, and maintaining and growing both agricultural preserves as community resources comes with a cost.
Safer, more Efficient, and Inclusive Preserves
Maine Coast Heritage Trust seeks to raise at least $3 million for critical new infrastructure and equipment that will enable us to better serve the Midcoast community for the decades to come. Here’s what a successful campaign will make possible:
A new barn and visitor center at Aldermere Farm
This new structure will increase operational safety and efficiency for staff, support youth programs, serve as a demonstration facility for other farmers, and allow us to welcome more visitors to learn about the farm and MCHT’s coast-wide work. This wheel-chair accessible and solar-ready structure will open to the main barn, with a balcony to look out over day-to-day activities at the farm.
A facility to house breeding bulls at Aldermere Farm
This new structure will keep cattle safe and facilitate sharing services and equipment with other farms.
A shelter in the pasture on the north end of the property at Aldermere Farm
This new structure will prevent over-grazing of the farm’s pastures.
An open-air barn in the garden at Erickson Fields
This structure will replace a temporary tarp building (now ten years old) and allow staff to keep equipment on site—freeing up time for programming, gardening, and food distribution.
New roadside barns at Erickson Fields
The current roadside barns will be redesigned/rebuilt to allow staff and program participants to wash, pack and distribute produce more safely and efficiently, and enhance food security efforts. The current roadside barns are 75+-year-old farm outbuildings originally built for livestock.
Trail upgrades at both preserves
Upgrades will extend select trail systems and improve trail quality, opening a wider variety of experiences to visitors of all abilities.
New and improved signage at both preserves
Engaging signage will educate visitors on a wide variety of topics such as sustainable farming, history of the land, invasive plant management, and the myriad benefits of land conservation.
Essential new equipment
A transport van, truck, and tractor will drastically increase efficiency and impact at both preserves.
Investment in the endowment
Investments in the endowment for these preserves will ensure there is funding to maintain these essential infrastructure updates.
“Over the years, we’ve done as much as possible with what we have, but it’s time to make a significant and meaningful investment in these preserves. I just know the impact of this campaign, if successful, will be tremendous for everyone in our community.”
—Heidi Baker, Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields Manager
Make a Difference for Places You Love
Have unanswered questions? Check out our FAQ page to learn more.
Your gift today will bring us that much closer to a successful campaign, extending the reach and impact of Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields and ensuring future generations stay connected to the land, our rich farming heritage, and one another.
Thank you for your generosity!
For more information, please contact:
David Warren
Planned Giving and Major Gifts Officer
207-522-9228
Heidi Baker
General Manager, Aldermere Farm & Erickson Fields
207-236-6374
Or check out our FAQ page