Southeast Land Trust to Host "Eat, Play, Give" Fundraiser

BY THERESA CONN

Green Alliance Staff Writer

PORTSMOUTH — On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Southeast Land Trust will host its 11th annual Fall Fundraiser Event. This year, the theme of the event will be “Eat, Play, Give,” which reflects the festive aspect of the traditional evening and the spirit behind the organization’s work.

The “Eat, Play, Give” event will be a night of fun. What better way to celebrate another year of land protection than a great night out with friends? Attendees will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and drinks in historic downtown Portsmouth. Throughout the night, there will be a silent auction on more than 100 items and live music by Sea Smoke. On top of all the fun, SELT Executive Director Brian Hart assured that “every dollar spent at our fall fundraiser will go directly towards supporting our work in local communities.”

The Southeast Land Trust conserves land and natural resources in southeast New Hampshire. The trust preserves water resources, working farms and forest, wildlife habitat, and community landscapes by working with landowners throughout the region. The trust recognizes the value in our area’s natural resources. Functional farms provide local food to farmers markets, while preserved forests provide space for recreation and solitude. Clean water is essential for both our own health and the health of the environment, and having natural areas is vital for providing habitat to native wildlife along the Seacoast. 

“Essentially, the trust works to save places that are important to people,” said Hart in a recent conversation. “Whether that means saving a farm for people to buy corn or preserving scenic places in which to hike, the trust is working hard to serve the community and the environment.”

The trust facilitates partnerships with property owners who want to protect their land. Voluntary conservation easements generally prevent further development of the land while allowing landowners to continue living on and using their properties for farming, forestry, or recreation. 

Flag Hill Winery, a business that has collaborated with the Green Alliance in several events, has partnered with Southeast Land Trust to protect its land. One hundred fourteen acres of Flag Hill property has been secured as a conservation easement, which ensures that no houses or building lots will ever pop up on its beautiful, open land. 

The Green Alliance is cosponsoring this event. The Portsmouth-based company is a union of local sustainable businesses promoting environmentally sound business practices, and a green co-op offering discounted green products and services to its members. Along with providing items for the silent auction, the GA is offering one pair of tickets to a new GA sustaining member.  

Tickets are $50 per person until Oct. 18, and $60 per person thereafter. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Discover Portsmouth Center (10 Middle Street).  You can buy tickets at seltnh.org. 

Are you interested in becoming a Green Alliance sustaining member? If you act fast, you can secure two free tickets to this event.  You can become a sustaining member here.

For more information about the Southeast Land Trust, visit seltnh.org. 

And for more information about the Green Alliance, visit www.greenalliance.biz.