Land Trust Alliance "Field Notes from the Mid-Atlantic"

Land Trust Alliance

"Field Notes from the Mid-Atlantic"

FEATURED LAND TRUST

Ridge and Valley Conservancy's new partnerships to steward a preserve and farm

Earlier this spring, the accredited Ridge and Valley Conservancy in New Jersey assumed ownership and stewardship of Muckshaw Ponds Preserve, a 534-acre nature preserve and farm, from The Nature Conservancy. The property includes 201 acres of limestone-rich, interconnected ponds that are home to rare and endangered plants. The preserve is public and the hiking trails are currently being renovated.

 In partnership with RVC, the Foodshed Alliance leases Muckshaw Farm and launched the Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise program. The program makes preserved farmland accessible to farmers at affordable long-term leases, which was TNC’s intention for the farm. 

One of the farms on the site, Munsee Three Sisters Medicinal Farm, offers opportunities for the community to learn and engage in the experience of Native American farming. RVC and the founders of the farm, Ramapough Lunaapee Nation Turtle Clan Chief Mann and Michaeline Picaro, are currently exploring other ways to collaborate for the benefit of the farm and the Ramapough Culture and Land Foundation. Farmers' donations to Foodshed Alliance's LocalShare program will also support food pantries in the area.

Excerpted from Land Trust Alliance, Field Notes from the Mid-Atlantic, 7/31/2020