By Blake Jackson
Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) has announced the permanent conservation of 41 acres known as Tanner Ridge Farm in the Town of Stillwater. The property, operated as an equine boarding and training facility by Katie Ogden and Matthew Harris, will remain agricultural land indefinitely through a conservation easement held by the Town of Stillwater.
Tanner Ridge Farm is part of Saratoga County’s Agricultural District No. 1, which spans the towns of Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Wilton. These districts, established under New York State’s Agricultural Districts Law of 1971, encourage the preservation and continuation of agriculture in the region.
The project was supported through a partnership between the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and Saratoga PLAN, with funding from the county’s Trails & Open Space Committee via the Farmland Protection and Open Space Preservation Grant Program, as well as contributions from the Town of Stillwater.
Situated adjacent to Questroyal North Farm, conserved last year, Tanner Ridge Farm adds to a growing network of more than 1,000 acres of protected farmland. Along with the nearby Saratoga Battlefield National Park, these preserved lands collectively safeguard over 4,500 acres of open space.
“The land is beautiful here. I know that most of the surrounding farms leading to the battlefield are now conserved in some way. As the area grows, I have peace of mind knowing that this land will remain undeveloped. Growth is a good thing, but so is conservation. It’s a balance really. It was very important to me that if I moved on, this place would remain farmland,” said landowner Katie Ogden.
The farm also provides vital environmental benefits, supporting habitats for monarch butterflies, bald and golden eagles, 19 species of migratory birds, and wetland ecosystems. This permanent protection enhances biodiversity and strengthens community resilience to weather events such as flash flooding. Tanner Ridge Farm marks the 33rd farm preserved by Saratoga PLAN since 2003.
“Saratoga PLAN is proud to have been able to work with the town of Stillwater to help Katie and Matthew conserve their beautiful farm and ensure the land continues to provide all the environmental, economic and community benefits for generations to come,” said Rob Davies, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: New York, Government & Policy