Lancaster Farmland Trust recently completed four preservation projects totaling 131 acres. The first farm, a 31-acre farm in Conestoga Township, was a joint preservation project with the Lancaster County Agricultural Preserve Board (APB) and is owned by a family that preserved another farm with the Trust and APB a few years ago.
The Trust continues to focus on preserving farms in contiguous acres, thereby protecting not only the soils but agriculture as a way of life. The farm family that owns the second farm generously donated the conservation easement on their 46-acre Colerain Township property. This farm is also adjacent to another 71-acre farm preserved by the Trust in 2011.
The last two farms, comprised of 28 and 25 acres, respectively, are located in Earl Township.
“These farms are a great example of Lancaster County farmers’ commitment to preservation,” said Karen Martynick, executive director of the Trust. “The properties are owned by two brothers, are adjacent to each other, and create an existing block of preserved farmland that now totals nearly 200 acres.”
Interest in preservation continues to be strong in Lancaster County: there are over 40 farms, totaling 2,300 acres, on the Trust’s waiting list.
