Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance

The Dvoor Farm has major cultural and historic significance to the community, thus the board of the HLTA wishes to utilize this property to its fullest potential as a public educational center and demonstration farm to promote sustainable agricultural practices, natural resource protection, historic preservation, land conservation, cultural outreach, and public recreation.

The Board of Trustees of the HLTA has appointed a special committee to steer the planning process for the farmstead. Through a series of visioning meetings, and with an architectural assessment of the buildings as a guide, the Dvoor Steering Committee identified several potential uses for the buildings and the land that support the organization’s mission and vision. The Board agrees that any adaptive reuse and restoration of the buildings on the farm will incorporate “green building” design and sustainable site design strategies (natural systems for controlling storm-water, etc.) with natural resource and energy conservation a guiding premise of this project.

Proposed uses for the farm include the following *:

• Office space for the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and other conservation/ environmental/agricultural organizations (e.g. South Branch Watershed Association, the Northeastern Organic Farming Association)
• Large event space for use by the public for conferences, meetings, workshops, or other special events (e.g. fundraising benefits, county library book sale, weddings, etc.)
• Public meeting/classroom space for public entertainment events, speakers, and educational programs
• A working farm based on the Community Supported Agriculture model
• A “producers” only farmers market for local farmers to market directly to the local consumer
• Tours and public programs related to the historic buildings and property
• “Outdoor” classroom opportunities for local schools

* It is important to note that any use of these buildings must meet the restrictions of the Green Acres Deed of Conservation Restriction recorded on the property and must generally support the conservation and recreation goals of the Green Acres Program.

The broader potential outcomes and benefits of this project to the community include:

• Increased public access to historic resources
• Promotion of heritage tourism and regional tourism
• Raised public awareness as to conservation and stewardship practices
• Support of local agricultural economy
• Demonstration and community model of Green Building design and construction
• Creation of a physical space for events and community gatherings

In 2006, the HLTA initiated the first phase of planning: An Analysis and Definition of Current Resources. The primary activity of this phase was the completion of a comprehensive architectural assessment of the farm structures, the establishment of an emergency maintenance plan, a statement of understanding of limitations of development, and an identification of key stakeholders. With this information, the board is now better equipped to begin the second phase of planning: The Creation of a Master Plan.

Over the next year, with support from a planning consultant, the board and staff of the HLTA will embark on the development of a Master Plan for the restoration and long term use of the farm. Through this process, the HLTA and its partners will explore in detail the feasibility of the proposed vision for the farm, including the:

• Financial and regulatory requirements and challenges
• Potential revenue streams and fundraising opportunities
• Long term maintenance requirements and costs
• Public support for the project, including specific stakeholders’ commitment to the project

The board and staff of the HLTA wish this process to be dynamic and comprehensive so that the end product, the Master Plan, is broadly supported throughout the community and ensures the preservation and restoration of this important county landmark.

For more information on the Dvoor Farm Vision for the Future, please contact Catherine Suttle, Dvoor Farm Project Manager at 908-237-4582 or via email at catherine@hlta.org.

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