DEERFIELD - In hopes of expanding their regional conservation efforts, Bear-Paw Regional Greenways is turning to supporters for its first "Growing the Greenways" fundraiser auction Saturday.

The Deerfield non-profit land trust has land protection projects in Allenstown, Candia, Deerfield, Epsom, Hooksett, Northwood, Raymond and other towns, totaling 5,128 acres.

The proceeds from the auction will contribute to that mission, which organizers describe as the permanent conservation of "a network of lands that protects the region's water, wildlife habitat, forests, and farmland . through outreach, education and the completion of land protection projects."

"We're raising money so we can do more land pro work," said Bear-Paw Board member Lucy Edwards. "Being a small land trust, we're almost entirely dependant on contributions from our members and the community. This will make it possible to continue the work we have been doing for last 15 years."

The group has set its fundraising goal for the evening at $10,000.

Items to be sold at the auction include a Maine coast vacation week, two round-trip domestic Southwest Airlines tickets, a 1989 John Deere 850 tractor, an all-day private cruise to the Isle of Shoals, a week-long family getaway on Bow Lake, a "Moose of Humor" performance at the purchaser's event by author Rebecca Rule and a three-night stay in Sonoma County, Calif.

The prizes were donated by local businesses and Bear-Paw members.

Complementary wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as hors d'oeuvres by Randy Brisson of Dining by Design will be provided.

The auction will be held at the Bow Lake Grange Hall in Strafford from 7 to 10 p.m.

Tickets, which can be purchased online or from Bear-Paw members, are $35.

Only 100 tickets are available.

The Grange Hall is not easily handicap accessible.

For more information, visit the group's website at bear-paw.org or call 463-9400.

bclogston@newstote.com