March 2025 Gazette - Duff Vineyard Acquisition Update

We are excited to report on our progress on the Duff vineyard acquisition. We wish to thank everyone who has sent us checks, offered loans, and words of support for the project. However, we have a little more to go to finish up. The deadline is fast approaching.

The Put-in-Bay Township Park District has issued non-interest promissory notes in the amount of $175,000.00 to be retired over four years — $50,000.00 per year.

The Park District has been awarded a Clean Ohio Grant of $600,000.00 toward the purchase as well as received funds from the Park District of Ottawa County, Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy and others to the amount of $279,972 but the Park District is $45,028 short of the purchase price of $1,100,000.00. The purchase agreement expires at the end of March! [The Park District can issue one additional $25,000 non-interest promissory note toward this project.]

The Park District and the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy are appreciative of the verbal support and financial support that has been received toward the purchase of the Duff Vineyard.

If you would like to help attain this financial goal and create a lasting legacy, donations are gratefully accepted. Checks should be written to Put-in-Bay Township Park District. Note “Duff Fund” in the memo of your check. Any donation over $100 can receive a Conservancy 2025 calendar or Conservancy totebag.

If this purchase becomes a reality, the Park District and the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy will work to create an historical, working vineyard park, preserving the rich agricultural history that grape growing has contributed to the Lake Erie Islands. Foot paths and benches will be installed.

And optimistically, if this purchase becomes a reality, a dedication will be held on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Also, details are being finalized for a special event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy — a celebration worthy of the hard work and conservation efforts of the Conservancy for 25 years, preserving and protecting lands for the benefit of this and future generations.