Meadow Lot - Conserved 1999

Biking or driving up Weeks Hill Road you can not help but notice Percy’s Hill Farm perched on the west side of the road.  Adjacent to the farm and at the end of Sinclair Road is a 22-acre meadow that was conserved by Stowe Land Trust.

This project clearly illustrates that conserving land is always a creative process.  Noting the threat of this property and the value of expanding Percy’s Hill Farm, a couple purchased the Meadow Lot and immediately donated the property to Stowe Land Trust.  After placing a conservation easement on the property, Stowe Land Trust sold the meadow to Paul Percy to expand his farm. 

Not only did the donors and Stowe Land Trust conserve this meadow, encourage local agriculture, help preserve Stowe’s rural character, and maintain a local view shed, a Right of First Refusal was secured on the Percy Hill Farm.  If the Percy family ever decides to sell their farm, Stowe Land Trust will have the opportunity to either purchase the development rights or purchase the land outright.  This is a wonderful opportunity since this 100-acre farm is one of the largest in Stowe, contains prime agricultural soils, and has spectacular views of Stowe Village and the surrounding valley.