April 10, Chris and Terry Baldwin purchased Morris Farm from Maine Farmland Trust while simultaneously protecting the property with an agricultural conservation easement, securing the farming future of the iconic Wiscasset farm forever.  

A mainstay in the Wiscasset community, Morris Farm was owned and operated by Morris Farm Trust for decades as a non-profit educational farm with a variety of community programs, protected with a 30-year restrictive covenant. As the covenant’s expiration date approached, Morris Farm Trust was no longer able to operate the farm, leaving the farm vulnerable to development if sold on the open market. 

With the encouragement of Morris Farm Trust, Maine Farmland Trust purchased the approximately 48-acre farm property in early 2025 with the plan to find a qualified buyer, transfer ownership through a purchase or lease-to-purchase agreement, and permanently protect the farm with an agricultural conservation easement. 

Impressed by their diverse skill set and commitment to revitalizing the farm, Maine Farmland Trust selected the Baldwins and worked with them toward a simultaneous sale and easement closing.

“The local enthusiasm and support toward our efforts to keep Morris Farm in active agriculture really goes to show how much local farms matter to our communities. With rising development pressure, especially in areas like the Midcoast, protecting our finite farmland isn’t just about conserving acres; it’s about protecting essential public resources that power our rural communities. We’re grateful to the many community partners who helped Maine Farmland Trust purchase and protect the Morris Farm, and we are excited to see it grow under the stewardship of the Baldwins,” said Brett Sykes, co-director of Farmland Protection at Maine Farmland Trust.  

The Baldwins, along with their daughter and son-in-law Lindsay and Ryan Esbjerg, plan to establish The Commons at Morris Farm. Through a mix of traditional farming, innovative programs, and a growing retail platform, they envision the farm as a shared resource for the region – supporting local food systems, expanding market access for producers, and strengthening community connection. A central component will be the farmstand and retail platform, designed to create new markets for Maine farmers and makers through both in-person and emerging e-commerce experiences. From traditional haying and grazing to youth programs, local food retail, and sustainability initiatives, their vision for the farm is both productive and participatory.  

“The name ‘The Commons’ reflects how we think about the farm – as a shared resource. It’s a working farm, and also a place where farmers, neighbors, and partners can participate, contribute, and benefit together. The farmstand is a big part of that – creating new opportunities and markets for Maine farmers and makers to connect with the community. We’re excited to explore new ideas – whether that’s sustainable farming practices, or new ways to connect people to local food. The goal is to keep the farm evolving while staying grounded in its purpose,” said the Baldwins.

A strong network of community volunteers, supporters and organizations committed to Morris Farm’s future helped to support Maine Farmland Trust’s efforts to purchase and protect the farm, including Ram Island Conservation Fund at Maine Community Foundation, Elizabeth Ann Leach Charitable Trust, Fields Pond Foundation, First National Bank, Howard P. Colhoun Foundation, Reny Charitable Foundation, and  T-Mobile Foundation, as well as impact investors. Throughout the transition in ownership, community volunteers have continued to operate the roadside “share shed,” providing free food and household essentials to neighbors in need. 

“Thirty years ago, the Morris Farm Trust came into being because local people wanted to make sure that farming continued on this land. Everyone who’s worked toward that mission deserves to feel proud of all the good things that have happened here. It’s time now to celebrate the future: This farm will always be a farm, thanks to Maine Farmland Trust,” said Seaver Leslie, co-founder and longtime board member of Morris Farm Trust. 

As the Baldwins work to get their operation up and running, they plan to tap into these deep community roots. 

“We want this to be a place where people feel welcome—whether they’re buying food, learning something new, or just spending time on the land. That sense of openness is really at the heart of what we’re building. Morris Farm has always been an important part of this community. We’re focused on honoring that history while building something that ensures the land remains active, accessible, and relevant for years to come,” said the Baldwins.