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My family has tended this land since 1936. When I was a kid the whole extended family would gather here to help at planting time. Tree farming has been a way of life for us. Today my daughter is increasing our crop diversity by farming organic vegetables. Now three generations have farmed this land, with the fourth on its way. It makes me proud.
We created a land trust to protect this property-not just for our family, but also for the community around us. Sure, we could sell our farm and let fate take over. But we've seen the faces of the families who visit. People want to stay connected to the land.
The land trust created by the Land Conservancy helps our farm remain economically viable and protects the future of Hidden Springs, despite the changes around us. Now we have a way to demonstrate sustainable agriculture, to help people understand the importance of watershed management and to provide peaceful moments just watching the deer and animals on the land.
Hidden Springs will always be a working farm. The people at the Land Conservancy listened. They are incredibly competent and easy to work with. They took our goals to heart and bent over backwards to meet those goals with a well-planned, well-executed land trust. Our family really believes this land is precious. Now we can continue to provide local ag opportunities, promote organic farming, and help our neighbors stay connected to the land. The more land we protect, the more the public can see, can learn, and can understand the value of preserving natural areas and working farms.
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