May 2004: The Washtenaw Land Trust recently completed a land protection project on 10 acres of organic farmland in Lima Township. The property, which is located along South Fletcher Road, is owned by Isabelle Joy Yingling and has been farmed since 1992 by the Community Farm of Ann Arbor, a cooperatively owned CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm.

This property was protected through the purchase of development rights (PDR). Funds for this project, which was valued at $50,000, have been raised by the members and supporters of both the Community Farm of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw Land Trust. Both groups will continue to work together to raise the remainder of the funds for the project (approximately $20,000.) The conservation easement placed on the property restricts its future use to agriculture or open space.

"We're pleased that we have been able to work with Isabelle to protect her property in perpetuity," said Theresa Schenk, President of the Washtenaw Land Trust. "We look forward to collaborating with the Community Farm to raise the final amounts needed for the remainder of our commitment on this property."

The Washtenaw Land Trust is a non-profit organization that works to protect farmland, natural areas and open space in Washtenaw County and the surrounding region, and to educate members, local officials and the public on land use issues.

For more information or to learn how you can contribute to this effort, contact the Washtenaw Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND(5263).