ROCKPORT – A previous donor to the Erickson Farm campaign recently has pledged a $50,000 challenge grant to spur completion of efforts to preserve a large tract of working farmland on Route 90.

“Once local people respond to this challenge, we’ll have met our goal,” John Piotti said in a press release. Piotti is the executive director of Maine Farmland Trust, which is partnering with Maine Coast Heritage Trust and its program, Aldermere Farm, in Rockport, to preserve the nearly 100 acres.

The fundraising campaign has raised more than $1 million, but needs to raise another $50,000 to meet the matching challenge.

“The community response has been phenomenal,” Piotti said in the press release. He indicated that more than 320 local families have contributed to the campaign.

Plans for the property, which will be owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust and managed by Aldermere Farm, include using it for pasture and hay land and making it available for community activities.

The fundraising campaign originally was scheduled to end in early July, when Maine Farmland Trust’s loan was due to be paid off.

But a supporter provided a bridge loan, which has allowed the fundraising to continue, according to the press release.

The current goal is to complete fundraising by Aug. 15. Maine Farmland Trust and Aldermere Farm are organizing a community celebration for Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Erickson Farm property.

“Now is the time for new people to step up to the plate,” Piotti said in the press release. Once people understand the project, it sells itself. The challenge is to get word out to more people.

Aldermere’s general manager, Ron Howard, conducts walking tours of the property each week. For information contact Aldermere Farm at 236-2739.

Maine Farmland Trust is a statewide nonprofit organization that has protected more than 13,000 acres of working farmland since its founding in 1999.

Aldermere Farm is a Rockport landmark, known for its Belted Galloway cattle, and actively engages in supporting other farms with educational programs, technical assistance and hay sales. Once a private farm, Aldermere is now a program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust.