While they have made great strides to replenish the farmland, Schaefer and Corcoran said that they still have plenty of work ahead in the next few years. In the next three months, they plan to install a sewage system, a water heater, internal plumbing and a gas line on the farm, and welcome more volunteers to help them in their green mission. They are also looking to organize year-round leisure activities on the land, including movie nights, pumpkin picking in autumn and a Christmas tree sale in the winter.

The pair hope to realize their vision of operating Crossroads as a community space where visitors can learn to grow organic produce, complete with a commercial kitchen.

“We’ve been through blood, sweat and tears on this project,” Schaefer said. “It’s been emotionally intensive, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

For information about Crossroads, contact the Nassau Land Trust.