'Reggae In The Barn' Will Help The Westchester Land Trust Mission

BEDFORD, NY — There might not be a better way to support a good cause than by dancing the night away in a barn while live music plays.

This isn't your typical staid fundraiser.

The Westchester Land Trust is set to host its fourth annual music-themed fall fundraiser, Reggae in the Barn, on Sept. 19 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., at the famed red barn at Maple Grove Farm in Bedford. The "barnstorming" event will feature live reggae music from Rho & the Nomads, craft cocktails, island-inspired food, a silent auction with items from local businesses, a wine tasting by Andrew Tow of The Withers Winery, and a live cooking demonstration.

All funds raised at Reggae in the Barn will support the Westchester Land Trust's land conservation mission, including farmland protection and food justice initiatives. The organization’s previous fall fundraisers have featured a live bluegrass band. This year’s cool rhythmic slide to reggae music aims to connect with new audiences, while keeping the same fun, lively atmosphere.

"We’re thrilled to present our reimagined fall fundraiser this year and showcase the joy and soul of reggae music while celebrating our bonds to the land and each other," Westchester Land Trust President Kara Whelan said. "Support from the community is crucial to our work and we’re grateful for the early enthusiasm we’ve seen for this revamped event."

The Westchester Land Trust works to protect farmland from development, with approximately 20 percent of the 9,281 acres that the trust has preserved so far being agricultural lands.

The organization’s most recent farmland conservation project was the protection of Ryder Farm, a 128-acre agricultural property, in the Town of Southeast. The Ryder Family was honored at the Westchester Land Trust 2024 annual benefit, held at Old Salem Farm in North Salem. The Westchester Land Trust works with local farmers and landowners to facilitate farmland match opportunities and has expanded its work in recent years to support the food growing efforts of food justice organizations.

See Also:

• Westchester Land Trust Raises Over $440K For Land Protection Efforts
  
• Family, Land Trust, State Protect Ryder Farm In Southeast
  
• Innovations At Westchester Land Trust Earn 'Community Growers Grant'

Since 2012, the Westchester Land Trust has partnered with local pantries and food banks to grow vegetables at its headquarters in Bedford Hills, and to distribute a total of more than 80,000 servings of fresh produce to families in need in Westchester.

"Reggae in the Barn will help us raise funds urgently needed to protect land and build the strength and resiliency of our local food systems," Westchester Land Trust's Susan Leighton said. "As our guests enjoy live music, tasty food and drinks, and our fabulous silent auction, we hope they take pride in knowing their support is making an immediate, tangible difference in our communities."

Tickets to Reggae in the Barn can be purchased online here. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Leighton, donor relations and event manager at this email address.

About Westchester Land Trust

Westchester Land Trust works with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity and to enhance the natural resources in Westchester and eastern Putnam counties—a densely populated region under persistent threat from the pressures of development. Founded in 1988, WLT has preserved 9,281 acres of open space. More than 1,152 acres of land are owned by the organization which are free and open to the public year-round. WLT was one of the first land trusts in the nation to receive accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Learn more here.