December 2005: The Washtenaw Land Trust will name Tom and Rosanne Bloomer of Webster Township (Washtenaw County) as "Preservationists of the Year" at a reception December 8, 2005.

The Bloomers have long been involved in land preservation throughout the region. Tom has served on Washtenaw County's Agricultural Lands and Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance Revision Committees, was instrumental in helping pass Webster Township's recent land preservation ballot initiative, and served as volunteer Board President of the Washtenaw Land Trust for 9 years. Rosanne is Senior Financial Service Officer at GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Michigan's largest agricultural lender.

Most recently, the Bloomers have become the first landowners to sell their development rights through the City of Ann Arbor's Greenbelt program, protecting their land in perpetuity. They are reinvesting the funds from that transaction back into their farm, to help their farming operation thrive and grow.

The Bloomers own and operate Bur Oaks Farm in Webster Township (north of Ann Arbor), where they grow, process, and package the soybeans and corn for their "Rabble Roasters" snacks and organic popcorn, sold in stores both locally and across the nation.

"Tom and Rosanne have done so much for our local agricultural community, although they themselves are always very modest about their contributions," said Susan Lackey, Washtenaw Land Trust Executive Director. "Their farm, and its delicious soybeans and popcorn, is an excellent example of value-added farming - adding a new value to what would otherwise be a commodity. We're pleased to be able to recognize them with this award."

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About the Washtenaw Land Trust:
The Washtenaw Land Trust is Michigan's oldest land trust. A private, non-profit organization, it provides private land protection solutions in Washtenaw, Jackson and Ingham counties.

Washtenaw Land Trust
info@washtenawlandtrust.org
734-302-LAND(5263)