With generosity from Jacquelyn Nooney and Vance Morgan, KLT secures its first permanent headquarters, The Morgan House. Nooney Farm is expanding—and KLT is gaining a permanent home to carry out its mission!
In the midst of the pandemic, KLT purchased Nooney Farm from Jacquelyn Nooney through a generous bargain sale—a real estate transaction in which the seller accepts less than fair market value. The purchase was made possible thanks to Jackie’s vision and the strong support of community members who contributed to the Nooney Farm Campaign. Since then, the farm has blossomed into a community hub—growing produce in its “Giving Garden” for local food pantries, hosting a six-week farm-to-school program, creating the “Muddy Boots” preschool program, opening a pick-your-own flower field each summer, launching the Under the Oak music series, and offering workshops, events, and trails for the public to enjoy.
This fall, Jacquelyn Nooney’s five-year vision to have the Kittery Land Trust own the abutting property has become a reality. On September 30th, KLT purchased the adjacent ranch house and land at 18 Stevenson Road, a property that Jackie has continued to own. Through another generous bargain sale, KLT will now consolidate ownership of key parts of the farm—including the original Giving Garden, the large hoop house where events are held, and the house where KLT has maintained a small basement office over the past year. The acquisition provides space for KLT’s growing staff, as well as a dedicated place for meetings, classes, a kitchen, bathrooms, storage, and more.
“It’s been deeply gratifying to watch this property become such a hub for KLT and the community”, said Jacquelyn Nooney. “I’m pleased to turn over the remaining land and ranch house to KLT with full confidence that the entire farm will be a vibrant, nourishing place for the community far into the future”.
This milestone is possible thanks to both Jackie’s enduring generosity and a remarkable $300,000 gift from Vance Morgan, a former KLT Board member. Vance and his late wife, Anne, have long been champions of community life in Kittery, including their support for the Morgan Gallery at the Kittery Community Center. Vance’s gift—the largest financial contribution in KLT’s history—is both a lasting legacy to this community and a profound expression of faith in KLT’s work.
“Years have flown by since my first involvement with Kittery Land Trust’” said Vance Morgan. “I’ve watched the organization grow and carry out its mission so effectively to “conserve, steward and enjoy the natural areas that enhance Kittery’s quality of life”. That mission is more important than ever, and I’m honored to be able to contribute to the vitality of this wonderful organization.”
“The Kittery Land Trust is deeply fortunate to have such dedicated community champions strengthening both our work and our presence,” said Lisa Linehan, Kittery Land Trust’s Executive Director. “Thanks to the generosity of Jackie Nooney and Vance Morgan, this gift is more than a home for the land trust—it is a gift to the entire community.”
KLT will move into the main house later this fall. Minimal changes will be made at first, with thoughtful planning to follow for potential renovations such as expanded classroom and meeting space, a commercial kitchen, and other possibilities. In honor of Vance Morgan’s generosity, the new headquarters will be named The Morgan House.