Historic 100-acre farm protected for future generations

The Waterhouse Farm has been in the same family since before the town of Scarborough incorporated in 1658. Now, thanks to a partnership between Maine Farmland Trust and Scarborough Land Trust, the 100-acre working farm will remain intact, and in the family, into the future.

Dick Waterhouse decided to protect his farm several years ago, and has been working with Maine Farmland Trust and Scarborough Land Trust to determine the best way to preserve his family’s land and legacy. The family closed on the sale of an easement at the end of August. The funds from the sale of the easement will ensure that the farm stays in the family for the next generation.

“We are thrilled to play a role in conserving this historic Scarborough farm,” said Jeremy Wintersteen, Scarborough Land Trust board member and Acquisition Committee Chair. “Congratulations go out to Dick Waterhouse and Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) for all their efforts. One of the oldest farms in Scarborough is now conserved forever. This is the fourth farm that MFT has helped to conserve in Scarborough so we are grateful for their expertise and interest in this region. We look forward to future partnership efforts with them and other farmers in town."

“This project has had its share of challenges,” said Charlie Baldwin, land protection project manager at Maine Farmland Trust. “Sorting out the boundary lines on a farm this old was a project in itself, but with Mr. Waterhouse and SLT’s help we were able to secure the future of this great farm”. Despite the lengthy process, the Waterhouse family was committed to seeing the easement through to completion.

This farmland protection project ensures the conservation of quality farmland and 100 acres of open space in an aggressively developing area of the state. And it also protects a direct link to Scarborough’s deep history as one of Maine’s great agricultural areas. The farm has been an active, diversified farm for its entire history. Presently, Dick Waterhouse raises horses, beef cattle, hogs, sheep, turkeys and chickens, maintains pasture, and grows hay.