Peconic Land Trust Announces Sale of Protected Farmland to Catapano Dairy Farm
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Peconic Land Trust announced the sale of 6.88 acres of farmland in Southold Town to Erin and Connor Burke of Catapano Dairy Farm. The farmland was made available for purchase to qualified farmers by the Trust in a Request for Proposals (RFP) process in February 2026.The Burkes had been leasing the land as pastureland for their goats — under the Trust’s Farms for the Future Initiative leasing program — and submitted a proposal that was selected by the Trust’s Farmland Selection Committee. The transfer of the land to Catapano Dairy Farm was completed on July 7, 2026. The farmland sits adjacent to the Catapano farm on Route 48 in the hamlet of Peconic.
“We are excited to announce this sale and to see this farmland transfer to Erin and Connor,” said John v.H. Halsey, President of the Peconic Land Trust. The land was donated to the Trust in 2019 by Anne Hubbard, who had sold the development rights to the Town of Southold in 2000 for one dollar. For years, the Trust worked with Anne and her husband Tom on land protection initiatives, especially farmland conservation.
“Anne and Tom saw land for its best purpose, agriculture and natural landscapes, and were proactive in buying and protecting land here on the North Fork. We are honored to be able to carry their legacy forward,” added John.
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In 2020, Erin and Connor Burke purchased Catapano Dairy Farm from Karen and Michael Catapano who started the goat farm in 2003 – and who graciously allowed the Burkes to keep the Catapano name. The farm has produced award winning cheese since its second year in operation. Today, Catapano Dairy Farm’s herd sits at approximately 100 and is open to the public three days a week. The Burkes have made the North Fork their home and are raising their children on the farm. In addition to cheese, the farm produces a line of soaps and skincare products.
“We are grateful to the Peconic Land Trust for the opportunity to purchase this land and for its commitment to preserving farmland and open spaces. Expanding our pastures will help us continue caring for our herd in the healthiest way possible,” said Erin and Connor Burke, owners of Catapano Dairy Farm.
“The Burkes have been a welcome addition to the agricultural community on the North Fork. We are thrilled to be able to work with them to expand their farm and transition this pastureland to their ownership and stewardship,” added Dan Heston, Senior Director of Agricultural Programs for the Trust.
“It is land resales such as this one that make the Trust’s Farms for the Future Initiative an important part of the agricultural landscape of the East End. We wish the Burke family all the best as they grow their farm,” said Jessica Murphy, Director of Conservation Planning for the Trust.
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2026 Through Farms and Fields
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What a wonderful evening! Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Through Farms and Fields such a special success. We are deeply grateful to our guests, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and friends who came together to celebrate and support the land we all love.
Special thanks to our hosts, the Wesnofske Family; emcee Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst; and auctioneer Alison Delaney.
We also thank West Robins Oyster, The Art of Eating, The Island Coffee Grind, Southampton Soaps, The John Ludlow Trio, Topiaire Flower Shop, and Summerhill Landscapes for helping make the evening special. |
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To everyone who raised a paddle during our Fund A Need, thank you for helping carry our conservation mission forward. Your generosity protects the farms, fields, and open spaces that make this place so special.If you were inspired by the evening, we invite you to stay connected, make a gift, or share our work with a friend. Together, we can continue protecting the landscapes that sustain our community.
Thank you to the 2026 Through Farms & Fields Committee:
Ed Krug and Jackie LiCalzi, Co-Chairs; Carolyn Brennan; Lynn Ingrassia; and Judith Saner.If you were not able to attend this year we hope you will join us in 2027!
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The Trust’s summer calendar of activities would not be complete without a visit to local beaches to explore our marine environment.
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| When you went to the beach this summer, did you ever wonder what was swimming with you in the water? If you joined us at one of our beachside explorations, you would have learned just that and even had a chance to carefully hold a variety of fish, crabs, starfish, and even a seahorse before placing it in a viewing tank!These fun programs are held every summer in partnership with the marine science experts at New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation and the Peconic Baykeeper. This summer’s beach visits included the New Suffolk Waterfront and the Trust’s Widows Hole Preserve on Greenport Harbor along with a Shinnecock Bay beach, just west of the Shinnecock Inlet, which can offer a chance to view tropical fish that arrive via the Gulf Stream.
Getting up close with undersea life can lead to a better understanding of the impact our actions have on these delicate creatures as well as our beautiful beaches and bays. Please join us next year and share what you learn to help us grow future stewards of our marine environment! |
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SAVE THE DATE
21+ Happy Hour at Kidd Squid
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Join the Peconic Land Trust for a casual happy hour at Kidd Squid Brewing Co on Thursday September 3rd at 5pm. Meet our team, connect with other community members, and learn how you can be part of conservation in action.
Whether you’re already involved or just curious about what we do, this is a relaxed opportunity to meet the team, connect with others, and learn how you can make an impact. |
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No speeches. No formalities.
Just good people, local beer, and a shared love of the East End.
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Quail Hill Farm:
Late Summer Discounted Share Available now!
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A one-time opportunity for New & Former Farm Members!
Enjoy the bounty of Quail Hill Farm from August through October 31 —the remainder of the official 2026 season.
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Spread the word to friends and relatives who missed the initial sign up. This is a great opportunity for those wondering what Quail Hill is all about — offering a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers in one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on the East End. And we welcome back former members missing the farm’s community spirit as well as its produce.
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Quail Hill Farm, one of the original Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the U.S., is located in Amagansett, New York, on land donated to the Peconic Land Trust by Deborah Ann Light.
Since it was established in 1990, Quail Hill Farm has grown to 35 acres serving over 250 families. The community farm also delivers fresh food to local restaurants and food pantries and participates in the Sag Harbor Farmers Market throughout the season.
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Become a Member and Help the Gardens Grow!
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If you love Bridge Gardens, consider joining—or renewing—your membership today. Your support helps sustain vibrant arts and educational programming, hands-on garden-to-table workshops, community engagement initiatives, and the ongoing care that keeps the garden looking its very best.
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As a member, you’ll enjoy free or discounted admission to Bridge Gardens’ programs and workshops, along with access to exclusive Members-Only Music Nights. You’ll also receive complimentary admission and special discounts at more than 300 gardens nationwide through the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admission Program.
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You make our work possible. Thank you!
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| Peconic Land Trust | 631.283.3195 | Info@PeconicLandTrust.org
Peconic Land Trust conserves Long Island’s working farms, natural lands, and heritage for our communities now and in the future. To learn more, visit us online at www.PeconicLandTrust.org.
The Peconic Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The majority of our support comes from our donors! We do not collect or distribute the 2% real estate transfer tax. Click here to learn more.
Financial Disclosure Statement: A copy of the last financial report filed with the New York State Attorney General may be obtained in writing to: New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005 or Peconic Land Trust. |
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