Preserving Nashua's Last Farm

New Conservation Easement Would Protect Sullivan Farm

by BY KIMBERLY HOUGHTON, SUNDAY NEWS CORRESPONDENT

NASHUA -- The city is preparing to close on a major conservation easement that will preserve Nashua's last working farm from development.

"This has been a long process. It is good to know that this farm will always be here, even after we are long gone," said Kathy Williams, the owner of Sullivan Farm at 70 Coburn Ave.

Williams' grandfather bought the property, then a dairy farm, in 1911. Now, the farm is best known for its popular apple orchard and farmstand.

"I am a farmer, and I can't imagine doing anything else," said Williams.

While she has no intention of closing down Sullivan Farm, she does want to prepare for its future.

For the past 10 years, she has been working with city officials and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests on a proposed conservation easement for the farm. The easement will prevent the property from being subdivided or developed, help promote continued agricultural uses on the land and secure the farm as a historical natural resource for future generations.

"Sullivan Farm is a very important and beautiful feature in Nashua. It is our last surviving farm," said Mayor Jim Donchess. "This is a beautiful area of the city that we want to preserve into its natural state."

Click below to read the full story in the Union Leader.