Sheriff's Meadow gets down on the farm

By Nelson Sigelman - July 20, 2006

It was a lush and summery picture, one that might have appealed to the many artists among the crowd of supporters, friends, and well-wishers gathered for The Sheriff's Meadow Foundation annual summer gala Monday evening.

A large white tent stood behind an antique white farmhouse. Horses grazed on the rolling green hills of Tashmoo Farm, providing the pastoral background that has framed many of the land trust's conservation efforts. It was a decidedly Vineyard summer crowd, a mix of summer and year-round residents. The setting was the home of Stanley and Janet Kane.

Why had the Kanes agreed to play host to several hundred people? Simple enough, Mr. Kane explained to a Times reporter. Eleanor Graves of Chilmark, SMF board member, had asked and the couple said yes.

The Sheriff's Meadow Foundation (SMF) relies on the generosity of its supporters to sustain and expand its conservation activities and protect land as well.

The Foundation has conserved over 2,200 acres of land on Martha's Vineyard. This includes ownership of more than 140 parcels totaling over 1,780 acres and 26 conservation restrictions on 425 acres of land. The Foundation charter and the wishes of donors of sanctuary lands dictates land use.

According to Norma Costain, SMF director of development, this week's annual fundraiser is expected to raise between $40,000 and $50,000, approximately ten percent of the nonprofit's operating budget. But the event is more than an opportunity to fundraise, said Ms. Costain. "It is as much a friend-raiser as it is a fundraiser," she explained, plus an opportunity to explain some of the Foundation's efforts.

Dick Johnson, SMF executive director, took advantage of that opportunity to highlight the Island Grown Initiative, an effort to promote locally grown and harvested food and in doing that help to preserve the rural character of the Island.

The evening began with wine and conversation, a prelude to a short presentation by the evening's guest speaker, Cheryl Charles, an author, educator, public policy architect and advocate in her capacity as a member of many public and private organizations interested in connecting children to the natural environment.

In her remarks, Ms. Charles stressed the distance modern society has created between children and the outdoors. Fear of litigation, over-protective parents, and the latest electronic devices were all barriers in the way of children experiencing nature in an unfettered way.

A polite crowd, no one took advantage of the question-and-answer session to suggest that the sorts of exuberant outdoor youthful activities she might endorse would not be welcomed on SMF properties.

At the conclusion of Ms. Charles's remarks it was time for those who had not elected to remain for dinner to set out into the twilight, perhaps bound for another Vineyard event. Those remaining moved to another large tent containing more than 20 round tables to enjoy a fine dinner featuring locally grown greens and vegetables from the Tabor House and Morning Glory Farms and home-grown pleasant conversation.