Pennypack Farm Becomes 187th Preserved In Montco

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —It's now on the list.

Earlier this week, the Pennypack Farm & Education Center became the 187th preserved farm in Montgomery County.

"We are beyond excited to announce our land host has officially preserved the 30 acres of Pennypack Farm through The Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Program," officials said. "This easement secures the protection of the land where our farm thrives in perpetuity."

Pennypack Farm officials said they are grateful for College Settlement’s support to allow the farm to continue our mission to "Grow, Give, & Teach" through farming on this land for years to come!.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with College Settlement and providing a farm landscape for their students to explore," farm officials said.

The ceremony Tuesday was attended by State Rep. Melissa Cerrato, Horsham Township Manager Bill Walker, and several township council members.

"Land Preservation plays a critical role in the future of our local and regional environment," Cerrato said. "It will ensure the land will remain a working farm to benefit all the residents and visitors."

The property is adjacent to the College Settlement Summer Camp and Outdoor School.

Brian Simard, College Settlement's interim co-executive director and director of development, said the signing of an agricultural easement on 30.05 acres of the Settlement's property, protects the farmland where Pennypack Farm is located.

This milestone, valued at $1.85 million, is the culmination of years of dedication and effort, Simard said.

"Pennypack Farm’s collaborative programming with College Settlement teaches thousands of campers and students about where their food comes from and fosters an appreciation for farms and farmers," he said.

The Farmland Preservation Planning Commission of Montgomery County purchased the agricultural easement enabling College Settlement to keep the land as a preserved farm.

In addition to Montgomery County, this purchase was completed with the assistance of Horsham Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.