Thanks to a collaborative effort between Heritage Conservancy and Springfield Township, the Oraschin Farm (also known as Harley Hill Farm) has been preserved in perpetuity under a conservation easement. The property is a beautiful 17-acre alpaca farm located in Springfield Township.
Heritage Conservancy will cohold the easement with Springfield Township, and the Conservancy will bear the main responsibility of monitoring and defending the easement. Springfield Township and the Bucks County Agricultural Preservation Program funded the acquisition of this easement.
Located on Kellers Church Road, Harley Hill Farm was a priority for preservation due to its high visibility and role as an integral part of an expansive viewscape, proximity to other preserved farms, prime agricultural soils, and important wetlands.
A stream in to the Tohickon Watershed runs through the property. Bill and Lori, owners of the property, use best management practices on their farm to ensure that it has a minimal impact on the natural wetlands.
“A smaller farm can have as much of an impact as a large farm when it comes to conservation,” said Jim Nilsen, vice-chair of the Springfield Township Open Space Committee. “We are pleased to have preserved this important piece of Springfield Township’s landscape and to protect important wetlands in the region.”
Bill and Lori host events throughout the year that are open to the public. The Conservancy encourages people to visit the beautiful farm–and meet the friendly alpacas.
