Tensions over the use of Katama Farm by the Trustees of Reservations came to a head before the Edgartown conservation commission this week.

The return of grasshopper sparrows at Katama this summer has been heralded by Island conservationists as a hopeful sign of ecological health.

Celebrate spring this weekend with the annual sheepapalooza celebration at the Farm Institute.

The Farm Institute and The Trustees of Reservations have announced plans to merge by the end of the year, with the Trustees taking the 15-year-old nonprofit teaching farm under its wing, leaders from both organizations told the Gazette Wednesday.

The larger of two barns at the town-owned property leased by the Farm Institute has a failed roof and water has been leaking through. This week selectmen awarded a contract for replacing the roof that covers the 8,400-square-foot barn.

Sidney Morris, the former education director at the Farm Institute, was behind the plan for a solar greenhouse at the farm. The greenhouse, which will teach kids and grow food, is scheduled to be completed by Thanksgiving.