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220 Acres of Productive Farmland Officially Protected
SARATOGA COUNTY — On July 19 Saratoga PLAN finalized protection of 219.9 acres of productive farmland called Wildwood Farms located in the towns of Northumberland and Saratoga, located near the village of Schuylerville, and adjacent to historic Stark’s Knob. The property, owned by Allen D. Wayne Wood and Wood Family Trust, is now protected for scenic enjoyment by the public and for agricultural use by a permanent conservation easement that will be forever monitored by Saratoga PLAN.
“We’re very pleased that this land will never be developed and will likely always be farmed. That’s what we’re all about,” Wayne Wood said.
This significant project was supported by Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Saratoga PLAN managed the grant funding and the transaction, and performed all necessary legal steps to secure the transaction. The terms of the agreement will be monitored, upheld, and documented by PLAN.
Saratoga PLAN is a nonprofit land trust that works to preserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations. PLAN also helps landowners conserve farmland, woodlands and natural habitats and connects people to nature through an extensive trail network, including 10 public nature preserves open for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking.
“Through this conservation easement project, Wayne and his family demonstrated their steadfast commitment to honoring the agricultural heritage of their family and of the Bacon Hill community. Their wish to ensure that 220 acres of their farm continues to feed future generations was made possible by funding from New York State, recognizing the importance of both agriculture and open space in Saratoga County. PLAN looks forward to helping other families conserve important properties throughout Saratoga County,” Maria Trabka, Saratoga PLAN’s executive director,said.
She added that Saratoga PLAN is currently working on 11 more farmland conservation projects in the county, as well as numerous trail and habitat projects.
Wildwood Farms is located in an important agricultural district that includes several dairy farms, and the property currently raises a large herd of heifers for an area dairy farm, as well as fields of corn, hay, and straw. Wildwood Farms supplies 12,000 bales of straw to the racetrack in Saratoga Springs, and another1,400 bales to local thorough bred horse farms.
Stark’s Knob, adjacent to the property, played a significant role in U.S. history. The basaltic outcrop served as a lookout and gun station during the 1777 battles of the Revolutionary War, and many artifacts have been found in nearby farm fields. Historic maps depict Colonel Morgan and his American “sharp shooter” riflemen with a defensive line in the area.
