Bedford Hills, NY— Westchester Land Trust (WLT) is set to host its fourth annual music-themed fall fundraiser, Reggae in the Barn, Thursday, September 19 from 5:30–8:30 pm at the scenic red barn at Maple Grove Farm in Bedford, NY. The event will feature live reggae music from Rho & the Nomads, craft cocktails, island-inspired food, a silent auction filled with items from local businesses, a wine tasting by Andrew Tow of The Withers Winery, and a live cooking demonstration by a guest chef.

All funds raised at Reggae in the Barn will support WLT’s land conservation mission, including farmland protection and food justice initiatives. The organization’s previous fall fundraisers have featured a live bluegrass band, and this year’s pivot to reggae music aims to connect with new audiences while providing fun and 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,” said Kara Whelan, president of WLT. “Support from the community is crucial to our work and we’re grateful for the early enthusiasm we’ve seen for this revamped event.”

WLT works to protect farmland from development, with approximately 20 percent of the 9,281 acres that WLT has preserved 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 WLT’s 2024 annual benefit, held at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. WLT 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. Since 2012, WLT 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,” said Susan Leighton, donor relations and event manager at WLT. “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 at westchesterlandtrust.org. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Susan Leighton, donor relations and event manager at susan@westchesterlandtrust.org or 914-234-6992, ext. 23.

We acknowledge that our region is within the traditional territories of the Lenape people and that their culture and traditions live on today. We strive to incorporate the priorities from Indigenous Peoples and underserved community members into our land conservation practices.