The Land Conservancy of Adams County has preserved 172 properties in its 25-year history, and every one of them has its own unique character. The nonprofit land trust’s latest preservation project—Dan Brown’s 159-acre farm in Highland Township—is no exception.
Brown’s farm has been a priority for protection for many years. With approximately a third of a mile of Marsh Creek passing through a wooded section of the property, it plays an important role in protecting one of the major sources of Adams County’s drinking water. The forestland surrounding the creek, as well as the open pastures beyond, help to filter sediment and pollutants carried by rainwater heading toward the creek.
The property also includes important agricultural land and has a quarter of a mile of frontage on the Fairfield Road, providing passersby with ample views of its fields and pastures. This farm sits on the northern end of a cluster of preserved properties stretching down Scott Road along Marsh Creek and then to farms along Pumping Station Road—a block of preserved land that is now over 1,100 acres in size.
The stone house and barn on the property were built around 1800 and witnessed Robert E. Lee’s retreat south after his defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg. In fact, the barn was one of many in the area to serve as a field hospital for the battle’s wounded.
Brown enjoys his farm because it gives him the open space he needs to engage in some of his favorite pastimes, which include foxhunting and aviation—both of which require plentiful open space.
Brown came into aviation at an early stage, following in his father’s footsteps. Brown’s family moved to Adams County in 1966, and to their Highland Township farm in 1982. Brown’s father worked in Baltimore and flew to work every day, avoiding the morning and afternoon rush hours. Brown has fond memories of taking family vacations in the plane rather than a station wagon and taking Saturday morning flights to eat breakfast in Frederick, Maryland.
Brown recognizes the uniqueness of his farm, and he wants it preserved “to keep it from becoming a housing development” after he moves on. He pointed out that his farm and the Weikert farm across the road make up the only stretch on the Fairfield Road between Gettysburg and Fairfield that has farms on both sides of the road.
Funding partners involved in the Brown Farm preservation project include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Highland Township, the Adams County Green Space Grant Program, and donations made to the Land Conservancy for this project.
The Land Conservancy of Adams County is a fully accredited, member-supported, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the rural lands and character of Adams County, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit PreserveAdams.org.