Kenburn Orchards - Lessons Learned

• Land really is a part of the family.  Susan’s father viewed the farm as part of his family’s legacy, a place he loved and wanted future generations to love as well.  Susan’s promise to keep the farm from being developed is a reflection of her family’s enduring bond to the land, and her desire to preserve it in perpetuity is her way of passing on the Taylor family’s legacy.
• Conservation takes time.  Susan saw how her father’s untimely misfortunes nearly led to the sale of the farm, so she and Larry are trying to explore conservation options now while they are still in good health and able to maintain the property.  Even with this foresight though, they are uneasy about what the future holds for the land and themselves.
• Development pressure is prevalent and persistent.  Larry and Susan receive unsolicited mail on almost a weekly basis regarding interest in their land.  They remain resolute and choose to ignore such offers, but the temptation is always present, waiting to capitalize on any moments of desperation.
• Chapter 61 is a start.  Enrolling property in Chapter 61 provides only a minor level of protection, but it is effective in establishing a vision for the land, reflecting the ideals of the landowners, which paves the way for future conservation objectives.