The Sheffield-Egremont Agricultural, Ecological & Scenic Corridor is a rarity in the northeast, a relatively intact and unfragmented rural landscape, and the 120-acre Maple Shade Farm and Rote APR project is the foundation of this land protection initiative. The area has been recognized as being of critical importance in multiple land trust, town and state plans and inventories because of its agricultural soils, wildlife habitat and stunning beauty. Farming, wildlife and scenic vistas share some requirements, and unfragmented corridors of land is one of those, and this project is already able to build on the adjacent Appalachian Trail Corridor protected by the National Park Service. Ecologically, the bulk of this project area is enveloped by the State's BioMap and Living Waters core and supporting habitat for rare species and exemplary natural communities. The land is a mix of upland, wetland, streams, fields and forest. Agriculturally, the soils, size and contiguity of fields provide versatility, the opportunity for crop rotation to maintain and build the health of the soils, and the ability to support anything from conventional to cutting edge agriculture as a single large operation or several smaller, diversified operations. Scenically, looking west, you are transported back in time. There are no power lines to remind you of the 21st century, and the winding dirt road through rolling fields, tree-lined stream and wetlands draws the eye to the blue-green mass of Mt. Everett and the entire Taconic Mountain range beyond. It is a favorite biking and running route, and people come from all over to watch the sunset, walk their dogs or paint or photograph the landscape. It is a view that helps drive area tourism and associated industries. Protecting these properties is important not only for their intrinsic value, but also to stabilize the landscape and strengthen the surrounding farms, community and regional economy. To complete the Maple Shade Farm/Rote APR project as the first phase of the Sheffield-Egremont Agricultural, Ecological and Scenic Corridor, SLT must raise nearly $1.5 million from foundations, government and the Sheffield community. To make a contribution or pledge, please print and mail our donation or pledge form. Contributions to SLT are tax-deductible. Thank you!