KATAMA AIRFIELD TRUST MISSION

Mission

To assist in the historic preservation and operational needs of the Katama Airfield, and develop educational programs and youth scholarships to eventually serve local island youth who have goals in the aviation industry.

About Us

The Katama Airfield Trust was established in 1998 to assist the Nature Conservancy and the Edgartown Conservation Commission in their efforts to preserve the airfield and to help protect the coastal sand plains and Katama’s 26 rare and endangered species. Grass airfields are rare and endangered as well, making this truly a valuable property. Additionally, municipal airfields are becoming more expensive to own and operate. Resident voters could easily decide not to fund and support this airfield in the future. In an attempt to seek alternative means of supporting the Katama Airfield, the Katama Airfield Trust was established to ensure the future of this special property.

The Katama Airfield Trust enjoys a close partnership with The Nature Conservancy, The Edgartown Conservation Commission, The Edgartown Airfield Commission and the elected officials and residents of Edgartown.

Current Projects and Programs

We are pleased to announce the new airfield hangar project will be complete in the summer of 2022. The advocacy work, education, in-kind gifts, and donations from the Katama Airfield Trust to the Town of EDGARTOWN have been critical to the start and completion of the new hangar.

We are grateful that the Community Preservation Trust partnered with us to support the new hangar project.

For the future, the Town of Edgartown is limited in what they can do for the airfield, and the trust funding we raise can help solve some of the needs to keep the facility safe and functional.  More buildings on the property are in need of renovations and upkeep. The trust also has goals to develop scholarships for funding low income local children who want to develop or continue their love of aviation and learn how to fly. A local aviation youth camp and the development of an airfield museum to share the history of the property is as being discussed as potential trust programs for the future.