POUGHKEEPSIE – Two open space and farmland projects in Dutchess County are moving toward finalization.

County Executive William Steinhaus sent public hearing notices to the county legislature in final preparation for conservation easements to be acquired at Mead Orchards in the Town of Red Hook and Locust Grove in the Town of Poughkeepsie as part of the county’s matching grant program. More than 110 acres will be protected at those two properties.

At Mead Orchards, the owners will sell the development rights to 82 acres of farmland. Dutchess has earned a more than $427,000 Farmland Protection Implementation Grant from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets toward purchase of the farm. Red Hook will contribute $57,000 from its Open Space Protection Program. The remainder of the funding, more than $72,000, will be picked up by the county.

At Locust Grove, the county will contribute $150,000 toward the purchase of two parcels adjoining the 150 acre National Historic Landmark estate of Samuel F.B. Morse and wildlife sanctuary.

The public hearings for both will be held on June 14 in the Legislative Chambers.