Episode 179 with John v.H. Halsey is the President and Founder of the Peconic Land Trust and Dan Heston, Director of Agricultural Programs at the Trust

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by two people who’ve devoted their lives to protecting the land that sustains us. John v.H. Halsey is the President and Founder of the Peconic Land Trust, an organization that for more than four decades has led the effort to preserve Long Island’s farmland, natural spaces, and water quality. Since 1983, John has helped safeguard tens of thousands of acres, ensuring that the East End remains not only beautiful, but productive and alive.Joining him is Dan Heston, Director of Agricultural Programs at the Trust. A lifelong farmer and mentor, Dan oversees Farms for the Future, a groundbreaking initiative that helps new and established growers access affordable land, resources, and training. Together, John and Dan are shaping the next generation of sustainable farming on Long Island, balancing preservation, innovation, and community.In this conversation, we talk about what first inspired John to create the Peconic Land Trust, the urgent challenges facing local agriculture, and the creative ways the Trust is helping farmers stay on the land. We’ll also hear about the Growing Farmers documentary, the Case House project, and what gives both men hope for the future of farming on the East End.