In 1999, The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance (HLTA) acquired title to the Dvoor Farm, a 40 acre historic farmstead in Raritan Township.
The Dvoor Farm is a perfect illustration of the evolution of New Jersey’s agricultural community throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The property, with its wealth of agricultural accessory buildings, is architecturally significant and provides a critical connection in a greenway of preserved land along the Mine Brook in Raritan Township. In the long term, the HLTA hopes to make the farm a self-sustaining public resource by restoring and reusing the buildings and property for public use, while generating income to support the restoration and maintenance of the buildings and ensuring responsible stewardship of the land.
Specifically, this historic landmark can be used as a public education center and demonstration farm based on the community supported agriculture model, to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource protection. The HLTA is working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ to develop plans for sustainable farming of the land, and for public access to Dvoor Farms’ offerings. The farm lies within a grenbelt of preserved land along the Mine Brook. Long term plans include linking the farm to other community resources through walking trails, which will provide the public more opportunities to visit the farm. Public educational workshops are also envisioned.
To make the Dvoor Farm Project a success, the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance has identified the following goals:
- Maintain the buildings in serviceable condition and prevent further deterioration;
- Create a master plan for future use of the farm as a public resource;
- Maximize public access to the farm;
- Establish stakeholder and volunteer groups to assist in restoration, maintenance, and planning efforts.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Agricultural Production: Local food systems- community supported agriculture, farmer’s market, organic agriculture, sustainable farming, nutrition education
Total Project Cost: $225,000
CRI has provided funding for the Dvoor project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $4,000 in 2007, and $4,000 in 2008.
Status: The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance acquired the Dvoor Farm in 1999. They are seeking funds to restore and maintain the historic farm buildings, and turn the farm into a public education center and demonstration farm. The condition of the buildings has been evaluated, and immediate and long-term repairs and mainteance issues have been identified;
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
