The protection of the Ackerman property marks OFT’s 30th permanently protected farm. Located in Prince Edward County, the property includes a mix of productive agricultural land and ecologically significant natural features. The farm’s Class 1 and 3 soils support hay and crop production, while mature woodlots, wetlands, and streams provide diverse terrestrial and aquatic habitat. These natural areas are suited to support several species at risk, including Barn Swallow, Monarch, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Midland Painted Turtle, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Eastern Whip-poor-will. OFT’s Farmland Protection and Stewardship team has confirmed the presence of Grasshopper Sparrows, Monarchs, and Barn Swallows on the property.
In Prince Edward County, where 23% of farmland has been lost since 2006, every acre of farmland protected ensures critical infrastructure for food security, climate resilience, and flourishing rural economies. Landowners in the County, including Jen Ackerman, are among many dedicated to preserving and stewarding farmland so it can continue to nourish our communities for generations to come.
From that first year on the farm in 1986, countless farm animals, most being rescues, misfits, and orphans, have lived long and happy lives here. Because of my deep love for the natural world, and because of the despair I feel as the wetlands, forests, shorelands and farmland are being sacrificed around the County as a result of non-agricultural development, I had to do all I could to save and protect the bit of heaven that, if I passed on, might one day be sold as a housing or cottage development.
I have never felt better about any decision (except buying the farm in the first place) than I do about welcoming the Ontario Farmland Trust into my world so they can protect the land as I have done. I highly encourage anyone who can do this to make the same commitment to preserve and protect all that you can, while you still can.
– Jen Ackerman, Easement Donor
