This preserve is made up of 9.4 acres of forest and farmland, which has been protected for agricultural use since 2014.

Location: 96-100 Dunns Corner-Bradford Road

In December 2025, the Westerly Land Trust was awarded a grant of $47,170 from the Champlin Foundation to support a collaborative agricultural initiative with the Jonnycake Center of Westerly: converting a portion of a 3-acre hayfield at Haggerty Family Preserve into a productive farm dedicated to growing food for distribution to food-insecure residents in the Westerly area.

This initiative builds on the Jonnycake Center’s successful Giving Garden at Ninigret Park, which is now operating at full capacity. In response to increasing community need and space limitations, Jonnycake approached WLT to explore farming opportunities on conserved land. The Haggerty Family Preserve—currently in hay production, zoned for agriculture, and conveniently located just a few miles from the Jonnycake Center—was identified as a prime site.

WLT Executive Director Jennifer Fusco said,

“The Westerly Land Trust is committed to conserving open space and protecting our natural resources. When we can accomplish those goals while supporting a partner like Jonnycake and helping them put food on the table for families in need, it’s a win-win.”

Statewide, food insecurity is on the rise. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank reported a 20% increase in food pantry usage in 2023. At the Jonnycake Center, demand routinely exceeds supply despite the Giving Garden’s annual harvest of more than 3,000 pounds. With the Ninigret site at capacity, this expansion meets a pressing need.

In a letter to the Champlin Foundation in support of this partnership, Jonnycake Center’s Executive Director Lee Eastbourne wrote,

“We as a Center strongly believe that food is medicine, and access to a greater array of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables will help in creating a healthier community.”

This farm will serve as a model of sustainable land use, community collaboration, and compassion in action.

Both the Westerly Land Trust and the Jonnycake Center of Westerly are honored by the Champlin Foundation’s confidence in our shared vision and motivated by this opportunity to translate this funding into meaningful impact for our community.