Saratoga PLAN announces Conservation Easement in Greenfield

Wing Road Farm Conservation Easement

Town of Greenfield, New York

Saratoga P.L.A.N. is proud to announce the conservation of 50 acres in the Town of Greenfield, New York.  This conservation easement is part of Wing Road Farm, a portion of which is a working farm.  The conservation easement was donated in June by Linell Lands which purchased the property in 2004. The property consists of three lots and is primarily agricultural, crop-producing land, with woodlands and a large natural pond and wetland. Barbara Glaser of Linell Lands hopes “that the preservation of Wing Road Farm will inspire others to consider conserving their property for future generations.”   

Wing Road Farm was built in 1880 and was purchased from the estate of Alice Kremp by Linell Lands, Inc. Alice Kremp lived on the farm until her death at age 102 and the proceeds of her estate went entirely to the Jane Goodall Foundation.

Barbara Linell Glaser and her husband Paul Zachos established the small development company, Linell Lands Inc., for the purpose of acquiring special places for unique purposes. Wing Road Farm was purchased because Linell Lands wanted to preserve local farmland and model a style of development that conserved traditional agricultural uses and rural scenic vistas while also demonstrating a profitable business model.

Aaren Hatalsky and Chris Harris acted as caretakers of the farm from 2007-2010 and recently purchased a portion of the property for their vegetable operation. They hope to continue the growth of Wing Road Farm while preserving its special, quiet corners.  The property will remain a working farm and continue to be used for residential and agricultural purposes, as well as for wildlife habitat.

“Chris and I are proud to be a part of an effort to preserve this amazing piece of Greenfield” says new owner Aaren Hatalsky. “Our little block from Grange Road, to Wing Road, and South Greenfield Road to Middle Grove Road, includes a large patch of woodland, a beautiful wetland, a flower farm, a veggie farm, a vineyard, which also is protected by a conservation easement, an alpaca farm, a small dairy with mixed animals, and a trail riding business- all 5 miles from downtown Saratoga. Wing Road Farm is a special place and we are glad to tend it for years to come."  Chris and Aaren grow many heirloom vegetables as well as Italian specialty crops, herbs, mushrooms, and cut flowers and tend a flock of laying hens and ducks.  They distribute their harvests through a CSA subscription network and at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays. They also offer birthday parties on the farm for groups of children.

Katie Stone, Chair of Saratoga PLAN Board of Directors, was quoted as saying “Wing Road Farm is a special place, and presented a unique opportunity for conservation of a working landscape.  Linell Lands’ model for conservation development and PLAN’s acquisition of the conservation easement will ensure the property’s long-term agricultural use, protect its important woodlands and wetlands, and allow the lands to stay on the tax rolls.  All these achievements are critically important considerations for conservation within Saratoga County, and PLAN is thrilled to be a part of this project.”

For more information on the Wing Road Farm, visit their website at www.wingroadfarm.com.

Saratoga PLAN helps protect the exceptional quality of life in our region by conserving open spaces and special places for present and future generations. Saratoga P.L.A.N. is a not-for-profit land trust offering comprehensive land conservation services to landowners, developers, organizations, and government partners, while striving to achieve regional coordination and cooperation on land use, open space and recreational trail planning.  It has protected over 3,247 acres of farmland, natural habitats, and water resources in Saratoga County.  For more information on land protection or conservation easements, contact Saratoga P.L.A.N. at 518-587-5554 or go to their website at www.saratogaplan.org.