By Eleanor Cade Busby
Supporters of the drive to purchase Ulin Point, also known as Lupine Field, in Round Pond, gathered to celebrate signing the contract on the land on Friday. (Eleanor Cade Busby photo) |
The grassroots effort to purchase Lupine Field in Round Pond was near its fundraising goal by the purchase deadline of July 15. The Round Pond Village Improvement Society, in partnership with the Medomak Valley Land Trust, has entered into a contract to purchase and preserve the field.
“We are close enough to say we’ve made it, although we still have more to raise before the closing in August,” said Beth Billik one of the organizers. “We had to commit to the sale. Even if we have to find a small loan, we are committed.”
The effort to purchase the field, the last acre of undeveloped property on the harbor in Round Pond, is still short around $20,000 which must be raised by July 30. Donations and pledges may be made to Medomak Valley Land Trust: Lupine Field Campaign, PO Box 180, Waldoboro, 04572. All donations are tax deductible.
“Save Lupine Field” T-shirts have been re-ordered and should arrive at Granite Hall store in Round Pond this week.
Local children have run lemonade stands, raffles of artwork and items and donations from individuals and business have raised in excess of $350,000 in pledges and direct donations.
Sarah Herndon presents Atticus Mehers, 16, from Switzerland, with the painting he won in a raffle fundraiser for the Save the Lupine Field campaign. Mehers parents, Gillian and Damian Mehers, honeymooned in New Harbor and the family was visiting this July. Atticus wanted to help the Save Lupine Field effort and was delighted with the Leilani Havens painting of the field. (Photo courtesy Beth Billik) |
Tourists, summer guests, residents, and strangers who became aware via social media have made pledges and donations. “An envelope with a donation came in from Louisiana, addressed only to “Save The Lupine Meadow, Round Pond, Maine,” said Billik. “It was delivered to Granite Hall.”
The Facebook page “Save Lupine Field” has drawn donors from as far away as Rome, Italy.
In partnership with Medomak Valley Land Trust, the Round Pond Village Improvement Society launched this initiative to preserve the shoreline property on Round Pond harbor and guarantee public access for generations to come. “We are almost there,” Billik said. “No ‘Private Property’ or ‘No Trespassing’ signs will be up and everyone will have this gorgeous field and waterfront access forever.”
