MATTAPOISETT — Lena Paull, Maya and Harper Warren are serious about caring for our planet.

When these friends, ages 9 to 11, learned that the Mattapoisett Land Trust is raising money to conserve 120 acres of critical landscape in the Pine Island Pond Watershed they wanted to help. Saturday, July 20, one of the hottest days this summer, found them baking treats and squeezing lemons for lemonade. That afternoon the three were at Point Connett’s Sandy Beach selling lemonade, cookies and brownies and explaining the Pine Island project.

“It’s important to save the land to protect the clean water in our creek” explained Maya as she poured lemonade for a customer. “The creek is beautiful and clear, and flows right into Pine Island Pond and the harbor.”

Proceeds of the bake sale totaled $214.76, which Paull and the Warrens donated to MLT for the Pine Island lands. “This is the most heart-warming donation we’ve received” said Mike Huguenin, the Land Trust’s President. “These youngsters get it — they instinctively understand the connections between land protection, water quality, scenic beauty and the quality of life we enjoy in Mattapoisett. Their support inspires us to keep at it.”

As of Aug. 1, the environmental group has raised 95% of the $1.5 million needed to save the Pine Island lands, with only $74,000 still needed. 

For more information or to donate, email: info@mattlandtrust.org.