Statewide Conservation Group Protects Historic Lebanon Farm

From Connecticut Farmland Trust: Connecticut Farmland Trust is pleased to announce that in conjunction with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and with a generous contribution from the Adams Town Memorial Fund, we have protected the historic Wayland Farm in Lebanon from development.

The 38.6 acres surrounding a historic farm house contain 100% prime farmland soils. Such a farm was perfect for Howard Wayland, a retired electrical engineer and a former antiques dealer and his late wife Alicia, who became the Town Historian. Beginning with a sheep herd, Mr. Wayland began to raise Hereford beef cattle around 1980 which he kept until the herd was sold in 2014. Mr. Wayland’s wife would be happy to know that her home and land were protected this spring.

The Town of Lebanon approached Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) to help protect Wayland Farm on the Town Green. CFT staff facilitated the preservation by applying for a grant from the Adam Town Memorial Fund to cover half the cost of purchasing the development rights. USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service paid for half of the project.

“Protecting this farm means protecting a prime piece of farmland- as well as a piece of history,” said Elisabeth Moore, CFT’s Executive Director. Right after the protection, the farm will be held in a trust for his children, Karen and Charles. In the future, walkers on the town’s Green will always be able to take in scenic views of healthy land.

Agricultural conservation easements prohibit residential and industrial development, but may allow for construction of agricultural structures on designated areas of the land. Since its founding in 2002, CFT has protected 40 farms, saving 3,168 acres. CFT is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on ordinary Connecticut residents to support its operations. CFT is Connecticut's only statewide land trust, and the only land trust in the state dedicated solely to the protection of agricultural land.

Photo courtesy of CFT