In a major step toward safeguarding Riverhead’s agricultural heritage, Eve and Chris Kaplan-Walbrecht, owners of Garden of Eve Organic Farm, have sold the development rights to more than 66 acres of their property to Suffolk County, ensuring the land will remain farmland in perpetuity.
Located along the scenic Sound Avenue corridor, Garden of Eve has been a beloved part of the community since 2001. The 135-acre farm produces over 350,000 pounds of vegetables each year and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to its bustling farmstand. Despite repeated offers from developers over the years, the Kaplan-Walbrechts remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting the land’s fertile soil and continuing the legacy of sustainable, organic farming on Long Island.
The $4.6 million preservation deal, approved by the Suffolk County Legislature, was part of the county’s pioneering Purchase of Development Rights Program — the first of its kind in the nation. Under this program, the couple retains ownership of their land, but the property can only ever be used for agricultural purposes, protecting it from commercial or residential development.
For the Kaplan-Walbrechts, this decision reflects both a personal and environmental mission. Through years of organic practices — composting, minimal tilling, and soil enrichment — they’ve worked to restore and maintain the farm’s vitality. The preservation ensures that future generations of farmers will continue to benefit from this rich land.
Garden of Eve’s participation in the county’s preservation program marks another milestone in Suffolk’s ongoing effort to protect farmland across the East End. Since 1977, Suffolk County has preserved more than 10,000 acres of farmland — a model now replicated across the country.
With this latest agreement, the Kaplan-Walbrecht family has not only secured their farm’s future but also reaffirmed the region’s enduring commitment to sustainable agriculture.
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