The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has announced the permanent protection of the Brown Farm, also known as Brown’s Harvest, a local family-farm on Poquonock Avenue in Windsor; making it an enduring part of Windsor's landscape. High praise to the Trust for Public Land for spearheading the effort. In addition, this could not have been realized without the added support of our Town Council and Town Manager Peter Souza, the Windsor Conservation Commission, and Windsor residents who turned out for the public meeting to support it. Added appreciation must go to the Brown family for their long-standing dedication to protecting the farm for future generations to enjoy. For over 150 years and six generations, Brown's Harvest has been a distinctive part of Windsor's community. Sisters Kathi and Susan run the farm which was previously operated by their late father. Originally, shade tobacco was the mainstay; employing many from the local area. Now the farm is devoted to offering a variety of farm fresh produce with the added value of protecting Windsor's renowned soils, and also holding community events. Moreover, the farm helps sustain a picturesque landscape along the “wild and scenic” Farmington River. The sale of the 61 acres to the State of CT Farmland Preservation Program was facilitated by The Trust for Public Land, which secured funding from the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the Town of Windsor, a private grant from the 1772 Foundation, and numerous other foundations, individuals, and corporations. Brown’s Harvest is now open with fresh hand-picked asparagus and will be holding their first Asparagus Festival on Saturday, May 25. To learn more visit: www.brownsharvest.com. |