In November 2024, Berks Nature amended and restated an easement with Third Place Holdings, LLC., to add 14 acres of farmland to their existing easement. Third Place Holdings is investing in innovative opportunities on their eased property to build sustainable farming systems, primarily with perennial tree crops.
The property, known as Bloom Farm, protects a cumulative 57 acres of woodland, wetland, and agricultural land, in Pike Township. Bloom Farm is not just a farm; Third Place is also utilizing the property to offer environmental education programs for the community of Pike Township.
The community of Lobachsville and the surrounding Pike Township are home to many sensitive forests and wetlands, which are vital for certain species of concern and endangered species in Berks County. Crucially, many of these forests and wetlands adjoin or drain into the Pine Creek. As an Exceptional Value stream, the Pine Creek is among the cleanest waterways in the state of Pennsylvania. Streams such as this are refuges for vulnerable wildlife species.
It follows that the conservation value of the region hinges on the presence of open space around its pristine watershed. This relationship creates a positive feedback loop: the open spaces around keystone features of landscapes promote life elsewhere. In the case of Bloom Farm, adding just 14 acres more to the existing easement effects change beyond the property.
Therefore, preservation of open spaces in this ecologically rich region of the Oley Hills affords wildlife the food and nesting resources necessary for their survival. Without access to such habitat, these native species, which we enjoy as part of our heritage in Berks County, cannot support large, sustainable populations and may ultimately disappear from our local landscapes and waterways.
Bloom Farm’s addition of acreage under its existing conservation easement not only stands to provide additional habitat for species of concern, but also fortifies Pike Township’s strong idyllic identity.
Funds to amend and restate the easement with this additional acreage were provided through the Highlands Conservation Act. The County of Berks has assumed Co-Holdership of the easement on Bloom Farm with Pike Township as the beneficiary. More information about Bloom Farm and their future endeavors are available on their website at BloomFarm.com.
About Berks Nature
Berks Nature is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization that has been serving the Berks County community since 1974. We believe that nature is essential to our quality of life. Our work centers around this value, from land preservation and trail management, to community gardens and environmental education, to our State of the Environment report and summer Eco-Camp; protecting, stewarding, and connecting people to nature and Berks County’s unique mosaic of natural resources.
We welcome your involvement in many ways! Become a Champion of Nature, Volunteer, make a Donation, or attend an upcoming program at The Nature Place. Get involved today…your local action can have a global impact. Visit berksnature.org for more info!
We believe nature is essential to our quality of life.
Learn more about our programs and upcoming events at berksnature.org.
Media Contact
Regan Moll-Dohm, Director of Communications
Berks Nature
610-372-4992 ext. 111
[email protected]
