HORSHAM, PA — Montgomery County citizens are beaming with pride today as a cherished part of their community, the Pennypack Farm property adjacent to the College Settlement camps in Horsham, is being preserved in perpetuity.
The purchase of this agricultural conservation easement marks an important milestone for Montgomery County’s farmland preservation movement. This initiative, coordinated through the County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program, has just chalked up its 187th permanently preserved farm, a testament to the county’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage.
The Pennypack Farm property, founded by Anna Freeman Davies in 1926, comprises a total of 35 acres. This includes 24 acres of productive farmland leased to the Pennypack Farm & Education Center, along with adjoining areas of natural land trust.
Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, said, “It is momentous occasions like this when we realize the impact of our voluntary program. Today, we have ensured that the legacy of this farm is preserved for generations to come. This land holds deep significances for our community and beyond. Our goal is to provide a space where children, especially those from the metropolitan area, can truly connect with nature and the rural outdoors.”
In 2022, a centenary celebration for summer camps at College Settlement, seated right here in Horsham, offered another reason to rejoice. The farm’s agreement to accept the Montgomery County Agricultural Farm Easement reinforces their commitment to include their property in the summer camp curriculum, offering children a chance to learn about agriculture and farming.
Julie McCabe, Executive Director of Pennypack Farm & Education Center, said, “Thanks to this easement, two decades of hard work, investment, and love into this land is paying off. Our vision of an amazing organic farm and a model for sustainable agriculture is now protected. We are delighted to have an enduring collaborative relationship with College Settlement and the local community.”
Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner, enunciated the county’s climate and sustainability goals, emphasizing the significance of the preserved land at College Settlement. He said, “When consumers buy and consume locally grown food, they are supporting biodiversity and reducing the journey that food takes from farm to table. Pennypack Farm, with its diverse variety of organically-grown produce, feeds over 400 households through its commendable community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.”
Thomas DiBello, another Montgomery County Commissioner, accentuated the need to preserve farmland as it is a resource that, once lost, is nearly impossible to regain. He stated, “Organizations like College Settlement of Philadelphia and Pennypack Farm are crucial in training the next generation of farmers, ensuring our workforce understands not just where our food comes from, but also how to grow and deliver it to consumers.”
As the Pennypack property’s legacy enters a new era, Montgomery County residents can fondly recall how the Whitmer poultry farm, as it was once known, morphed into the “country uncle” for hundreds of city children, offering a glimpse into American farm life — a rare chance to experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of a working farm.
The acquisition, pegged at $1,852,251.95, is attributed to a joint funding effort by the township, county, and state. This venture, preserving the farm for future generations, is a testament to the value that Montgomery County places on its agricultural heritage and rural charm.
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