Community and conservation groups raise over $160,000 to keep green space open for the public
The land where the Putney Farmers’ Market and Putney Community Garden have been located for nearly 16 years has been permanently protected as open space, Green Commons of Vermont (Green Commons) and the Vermont Land Trust announced today. Green Commons purchased the one-acre parcel from the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust (WWHT) after a successful campaign to raise more than $160,000. The effort included a significant grant from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), with additional support from the Windham Foundation and numerous generous donors.
Located at the gateway to Putney, across from Putney Food Co-op, and within walking distance of the town library and Putney Meadows apartments, the land has been a cornerstone of the community for years.
“Green Commons is grateful for the support VLT and VHCB have given us in fulfilling our quest to preserve the community garden and farmers market,” said Thomas Deshaies, president of Green Commons. “We are proud to be a steward of this land, ensuring its continued vitality.”
The farmers’ market and the garden were established next to each other on about an acre of privately-owned land in 2010. Now, more than 30 local vendors sell farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, and handcrafted products at the market from May through October. In the garden, area residents cultivate over 60 plots to grow food, some of which is donated to the Putney Food Shelf.
Green Commons was formed as a nonprofit by a group of local farmers, vendors, and gardeners in 2020 to secure the future of the market and garden as vital hubs. At the time, WWHT was preparing to buy a larger tract, which included the one-acre parcel, for a mixed-income housing project. The two organizations worked together to integrate housing and green space on the site, with a vision for Green Commons to buy the one-acre lot and preserve the farmers’ market and garden into the future. WWHT broke ground earlier in May.
Green Commons collaborated with VLT to raise the money needed to purchase the one-acre parcel to preserve the farmers’ market and community garden location and keep it open for public use.
“We’re gratified to have played a role in this success for the Putney community — contributing to a livable downtown with more open green space, and highlighting the role conservation can play in supporting communities achieve these goals,” said VLT’s Jennifer Garrett.
Credit Justin Altman
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this amazing partnership in securing land access for the farmers’ market, community gardens, and greater Putney community,” said Justin Bramhall, owner and operator of Leaping Bear Farm in Putney and member of both the Farmers’ Market and the Green Common boards. “Knowing that we have long-term tenure at this site gives us the possibility of dreaming big and planning into the future to further enhance our thriving market.”
Green Commons plans to create accessible gathering places for all ages to enjoy the beautiful setting and envisions creating programs and events. The farmers’ market, which operates seasonally on Sundays, opened on May 11. The land is adjacent to the parcel where the recently approved WWHT project for 25 mixed-income housing units will be built. The future residents of that development will also benefit from walkable access to community garden plots, the farmers’ market, and open space.
“This project demonstrates the power of partnership through a smart land use initiative that will benefit the entire community, Green Commons, and the 25 affordable apartments at the Windham & Windsor Housing Trust’s Alice Holway development next door. This is a great outcome that fulfills our conservation and housing missions,” said Vermont Housing & Conservation Board executive director Gus Seelig. “Our Board proudly supports Green Commons and Vermont Land Trust through this project, and we’re excited to see how both of these projects positively impact the farmers’ market, community garden, and community gatherings while supporting much needed housing in Putney.”
