Montgomery County Enters Agreement of Sale for Conservation Easement with College Settlement of Philadelphia

College Settlement of Philadelphia recently entered into a purchase agreement with Montgomery County for an agricultural conservation easement on the nonprofit’s 31-acre farm property, ensuring it remains a working farm over the long term.

To remain a permanent working farm leased to Pennypack Farm & Education Center

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES, Dec. 16, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — The College Settlement of Philadelphia recently entered into a purchase agreement with Montgomery County for an agricultural easement on the nonprofit’s 31-acre farm property to ensure that it will be up permanently remain a working farm.

“As we begin to mark the 50th anniversary of our outdoor school program in 2023 and as we complete the 100th anniversary of the Horsham College Settlement Camp, we are pleased to announce a purchase agreement with Montgomery County for an agricultural conservation easement property of Pennypack Farm to ensure that this farm remains farmland and is always included in our curriculum for our summer camps and outdoor school programs,” said Terry Dougherty, executive director of College Settlement.

The 31-acre property, which includes 24 acres of farming leased to Pennypack Farm & Education Center and an additional portion that is in a protective easement with the Natural Lands Trust, was developed by Anna Freeman Davies, Founder of College Settlement of Philadelphia, purchased summer 1926.

“As our employees and board have put 20 years of hard work, investment and love into this land, we are equally thrilled to know that through this easement it now has a protected legacy,” said Julie McCabe, executive director of Pennypack Farm & Education Centre. “We are grateful to be supported by College Settlement in our efforts to create not just an amazing organic farm, but a model of regenerative and sustainable farming practices that we can share with the local community and many others who support our work follow. We look forward to a long-term collaboration and programming with College Settlement.”

Pennypack Farm and College Settlement’s collaborative program teaches thousands of campers and students where their food comes from and promotes appreciation for farms and farmers.

According to a contemporary newspaper account in the Philadelphia Public Ledger, “In years past, (the farm) was known as the Whitmer Poultry Farm… In purchasing the farm, the settlement proposed to make itself a sort of ‘country uncle’ to hundreds of city children, their parents.” and relatives and offer them the opportunity to get to know nature. For most youngsters, it is their only exposure to the vibrant American farm life. The things common to the country boy are foreign to most of them and filled with wonder. Cows, pigs, water bugs, growing crops, trees, rabbits are all things you read about but don’t see.”

Stephen Zbyszinski, Farmland Preservation Planner at the Montgomery County Planning Commission, noted, “We have an agreement between Montgomery County and College Settlement for an agricultural conservation easement on a working, productive farm. This allows the landowner, in this case the College Settlement, to maintain the land as a preserved farm and working operation. In addition to Montgomery County, we work with Horsham Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and recognize the benefits this farming estate brings to the communities of Horsham Township, Montgomery County and the Commonwealth.”

The valuation of the agricultural protection easement on the College Settlement farm property is $1,948,000 with the sale expected to close by the end of 2023.

About Pennypack Farm & Education Center:
Founded in 2003, Pennypack Farm & Education Center is a not-for-profit, diversified vegetable farm dedicated to organically growing nutritious food, sharing it with our community and teaching others the importance of sustainable farming. Our agricultural practices focus on regenerative organic farming techniques that promote soil health and foster a thriving and vibrant agricultural ecosystem. Each season, we grow enough produce on our 13-acre farm to support thousands of households in our community through our CSA program, farmer’s market, and program to donate produce to local hunger relief organizations. Our educational programs serve the community, our partners and future farmers who are interested in our approach. Visit https://pennypackfarm.org for more information.

About the college settlement:
College Settlement of Philadelphia and College Settlement Camp were founded in 1922 to serve the children of Philadelphia and their families by providing a healthy outdoor experience in the country after the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The mission of College Settlement of Philadelphia and College Settlement Camp is more important than ever as the Philadelphia area navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing aftermath. As the nonprofit organization celebrates the 100th anniversary of the summer camp programs, it continues its mission to shape the lives of young people by instilling respect for self, others and nature. In 2023, College Settlement will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its outdoor school program. Visit https://collegesettlement.org for more information.

Jim Delorenzo
+1 215-266-5943
[email protected]
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
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