Working With People & Communities to Conserve the Natural Environment & Cultural Heritage of SW Ohio

Valley Trust
Number 42 / SUMMER 2010 NEWS
Snapshots! People & their land
Snapshots! People & Their Land provides stories of the people and the lands they protect. We hope that you will enjoy getting to
know a little about your neighbors.

Snapshot 1:
We Want to Leave a Legacy for Future Generations...
Submitted by Clancy Calkins she said that it was not a
Ernst and Marcia Schlichter recently difficult process.
signed an easement for their 159-acre
“I was worried at first. I
farm in Reily Township. The farm
thought, I have too much to
is located on the southern border
do at school! We can’t write
of the Indian Creek watershed and
a grant here, too! But Three
marks the newest addition in a string
Valley's Land Protection
of easements along the creek. The
Committee helps a lot with the
easement-filled area is ever expanding
paperwork. It was a very easy
from the creek borders. In an interview
process for us, thanks to Three
with Marcia Schlichter, she explained,
Valley Conservation Trust.”
"Three Valley Conservation Trust has
scouted the area out as a priority spot When asked what advice she
for conservation. The idea of a safe could give for landowners
haven has solidified our view of the considering easements she
country by putting three farms under Ernst & Marcia Schlichter said, “It must be a family
[recent] easements. It is really beautiful decision. No one can develop or
here… we want to preserve it.” build on the land forever… and so it is a big decision.”
When asked what influenced her and her husband to choose Marcia explained that they have four adult children who
to put their farm under easement, she said with a chuckle, were involved in the decision-making before the family
“They [TVCT] scouted us out! Ann Geddes, who works applied for the grant. She says even though they are not
with the trust, is a pro-conservation neighbor. She came to living on the farm, they had to be included, with the idea
us three years ago with the idea.” that the farm will be in the family for some time.
Marcia went on to admit that she and her husband were “The four kids all agreed they don’t want the farm to be
leery at first. “We thought the ‘the state has something turned into a gas station or a subdivision,” Marcia said.
to do with this,’ and, ‘there will be a lot of paperwork'.” The Schlichter’s written agreement for the easement is not
Fortunately when she and her husband learned more about flexible, but not in a negative way. The way the process
the Trust, they found that putting their property under works is that each landowner applying for an easement can
easement was an excellent idea. write in a contract what is and is not allowed in terms of
“There are nothing but positive things to say here. We want development on the land. The Schlichter’s knew that they
to leave a legacy for future generations.” intended to continue to use it for crops as well as livestock
and didn’t need to get creative with the stipulations of the
Marcia explained that this program (ODA's Agricultural
easement.
Easement Protection Program) is “competitive throughout
the state.” Even though she and her husband were not “We plan to continue to farm it. That’s what we’re here
granted the easement until year three of applying for AEPP, for… we just love this land!” z
 Three Valley Conservation
Trust Thanks W.E. Smith
Family Charitable Trust

LIVing The Three Valley Conservation Trust thanks the Smith

Family Charitable Trust for a $1,000 grant to assist the
Trust in researching and documenting new Ohio Historic

Green (berg)
Inventory and/or National Register properties. This
grant will be used to help landowners identify their farm
histories as a tool to help improve their opportunity to
permanently protect their family farms through state,
federal and other land conservation programs. The Trust
will work with landowners and local researchers to gather

Goin' fish information on 8-10 new historic properties and file new
in'! Ohio Historic Inventory forms as part of the Ohio-wide
historic database. The documentation of these historic
See ya in t structures/properties will be included in a digital database.
he fall... The Trust plans to coordinate with Oxford Museum Assn.,
Smith Library, etc., and then be able to make a map with
GIS available on our website that would be publicly
available. The Three Valley Conservation Trust is grateful
for the support and partnership with the W.E. Smith Family
Charitable Trust and its Board. z
Table of Contents
Snapshot 1: We Want to Leave a Legacy for
Future Generations............................................................ 1
Look It Over...
Auction for Acres 2010..................................................... 1
by Wendell Berry
TVCT Thanks W.E. Smith Family Charitable Trust......... 2 I leave behind even
Living Green(berg)........................................................... 2 my walking stick. My knife
is in my pocket, but that
Look It Over by Wendell Berry........................................ 2 I have forgot. I bring
From the Desk of Larry Frimerman . ............................... 3 no car, no cell phone,
no computer, no camera,
TVCT Teams with 3 Twin Creek Area Working Farms no CD player, no fax, no
to Protect Streams, Fish, Water Supply............................. 4
TV, not even a book. I go
Snapshot 2: Family Ties Inspire Preble County Easement into the woods. I sit down on
Donation . ........................................................................... 5 a log provided at no cost.
An Extraordinary Evening for Conservation.................... 6 It is the earth I've come to,
the earth itself, sadly
Heron Hullabaloo 2010..................................................... 7 abused by the stupidity
Consider Helping Yourself & TVCT at the Same Time... 7 only humans are capable of
but, as ever, itself. Free.
TVCT Cooperates with Farmers, County and Local A bargain! Get it while it lasts!
Governments To Apply To Preserve Area Farms.................. 8
Wendell Berry and his wife
TVCT Protects 2 Oxford Township Stream-side Farms... 9 Tanya farm with horses near
the farms of their son and
Purslane: The Cinderella of Superfoods .......................... 10 their daughter. His essays,
How to Join the Trust........................................................ 11 his collections of poems and
stories and his novels have
Board of Trustees..................................................................12 established him as one of
America's leading prophetic voices devoted to the advocacy of a
Calendar............................................................................ 12 loving stewardship of the land. z
2 www.3vct.org Valley Trust NewS
 From the Desk of...
Larry Frimerman
Executive Director
For many, summer is
a time of recharging
batteries, of smelling
the outdoors, barbecues,
road trips, and hikes. For
farmers, the heat, and if
lucky, rains bring new
growth, opportunities
for a breather between
planting and harvesting,
and squeezing in or catching up. Sweet corn and tomato
stands abound, and farmers' markets such as the Uptown
and Original in Oxford, and those in Eaton, etc. ,
thankfully are flourishing. It is a time for celebrating the
bounty of locally grown foods.
While this summer has had its periods of scorchers here
in southwestern Ohio and SE Indiana, we’ve had plenty
of rain. The corn exceeded six feet in June throughout the
Trust’s service area. With good weather, the crop could
even exceed last year’s personal records for our working
agricultural easement farms.
For my family and that of a number of TVCT Board
members, members and volunteers, it is a time of
vacation, and squeezing in all the business we can
possibly accomplish while we can. Managing existing
lands protected and finishing current commitments for
land conservation agreements have been our major effort
post-Clean Ohio AEPP applications this summer.
Indeed, the logjam of state and federally blessed
conservation and agricultural easement agreements that
gripped pending 2008-9 contracts finally was released
in May, so this summer the Trust has already completed
five new easements with two more expected yet this
month. Still, nine more preapproved government-funded
easements are pending for completion later this year. My
thanks to the Smith, Walker, Hamm, Crowe-Seim, and
Stiver families for your generosity! Together you have
protected over two miles of high quality stream, 559
acres of mixed habitat and working lands for posterity
with Trust. Thank you for your faith in our partnership!
Volunteers have been busy organizing events such as the
truly amazing Midsummer Evening For Conservation
SUMMER 2010 www.3vct.org
hosted by Frank House with guest Chef
Anne Kearney headlining the special
cast of culinary marvels that Frank and
Ann Geddes nurtured. To the committee
and the 55 generous attendees on a warm
Father's Day this past June 20 at the
Sugar Valley Farm easement, we are so
grateful. So, too is our appreciation for
the Auction Committee organizing the
November 6, 2010, Auction for Acres.
They are seeking your donations, cottages
and participation in the event, promising
to eclipse the outstanding 2009 Auction.
As always, our hardworking Board led by Dolph
Greenberg, Ron Stewart, Sam Fitton, Roger Millar, Steve
Gordon and Ben Jones (our Executive Committee) have
done heavy lifting to support staff and volunteers. Office
Manager Mary Glasmeier has provided continued stellar
efforts. Last Spring’s interns Sam Cole, Nick Hoffbauer
(GIS) and Leeanne Cornyn (research) have been ably
followed by Christine Deckard and graduate intern Charlie
Ford (GIS) to assist our volunteer Monitoring Coordinator
Lois Nelson, Mary and me in expanding office efforts.
We will miss departing Board members Chris Worrell and
Stephen Eshbaugh for your significant gifts of time to the
Trust – Chris, thanks for continuing your legal thoughts!
So, too, is our thankfulness for recent grants the Trust has
received from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the W.E.
Smith Family Charitable Trust, and the Land Trust Alliance.
We cherish your recognition and support of our historic and
historical efforts to bring about lasting change for our three
valleys.
We are especially grateful for your continuing commitments
to the Trust in our trying economic times. Without you,
we cannot make it through this transitional time until our
endowments are sufficient to carry our basic bare bones
operation. Your annual gifts are vital in this effort. Your
legacy gifts bring land conservation in this area to a whole
new level!
Development Committee members such as Cal Conrad
are available to meet with you to help find ways to leave
a conservation and local farm legacy through the Three
Valley Conservation Trust. Every dollar you contribute
brings us closer to sustainability! Again – thanks! We can’t
do it without you! z
3
TVCT Teams with 3 Twin Creek Area Working
Farms to Protect Streams, Fish, Water Supply
Three Twin Creek area farms have partnered with the Trust the toughest with respect to the agricultural economy of
to permanently protect their stream-side properties from nearly any township in Ohio. The township adopted a rule
development. The Trust secured state Clean Ohio funds to restricting agricultural lot splits, removing all by-right
help protect the land at a price far below the development property divisions – if a farmer wishes to split off a lot for
value to keep the Twin Creek watershed among Ohio’s top development, the proposal must meet all levels of the code
streams. before the Zoning Board considers whether to approve a
variance to permit, and then only a single lot split of no
Generous Ohioans Richard Hamm on Twin Creek and
more than 25% of the agricultural land may be developed.
Markey Run, the Crowe and Seim families (Tom's Run
Farms LLC) on Tom's Run, and the Sonny, Flora and Wally
Stiver family on Little Twin Creek have sacrificed future
financial payoff to ensure that their properties will always
provide stream protection and ground water purity by
recently signing conservation easement agreements with
the Three Valley Conservation Trust. The Trust successfully
applied for funding at the Ohio Public Works Commission
(OPWC) to competitively secure funds to help these
landowners achieve their conservation dreams.
These three properties and their landowners have a lot in
common. They all: 1) protect stream frontage and improve
stream quality on a major stream in the Twin Creek
watershed; 2) enhance the continuing viability of working
SW Ohio farms; 3) have woodlands; 4) protect scenic
views and recreational potential within the watershed; and
“This easement helps to carry out one of the township’s
5) have historic homes and barns.
core priorities – preserving agricultural land. "
The Hamm conservation easement links three conservation
Likewise, the Stiver Farm preserves a lengthy stretch of
easements along Twin Creek north of West Alexandria and
the banks of Little Twin Creek just north of the Village of
combines with eight other existing protected properties to
Germantown, only a couple of miles north of the stream’s
form a contiguous block of 1,700 acres under agricultural
confluence with Twin Creek. Wally Stiver commented that
and/or conservation easement in Twin Township, Preble
he has already contacted 4H and scouts to involve them
County. With the completion of three additional pending
with protecting the stream buffer.
easements, this block of adjacent protected lands will grow
to over 2,300 acres by next year. All told, the steep bluffs, All three farms have US Department of Agriculture’s
diverse woods, rich bottomlands and upland fields provide Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
a great mix of habitats for wildlife. A former Township Conservation Plans and have worked closely with the
Trustee, Hamm recalls the time when the TVCT first sought local Soil & Water Conservation District. Each also will
the support of the Twin Twp. Trustees. Now his own 100- be participating in efforts with groups such as the US Fish
acre property will forever be as it is today. & Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish & Wildlife and
Pheasants Forever.
Steve and Doug Crowe took the lead on protecting their
farming legacy through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund The Trust is a Local Sponsor organization that applies to
(COCF) and the Trust’s Cooperative Agreement with the the COCF and FRPP and provides information on possible
US Department of Agriculture’s Federal Farm and Ranch tax benefits for preserving family lands, and other land
Lands Protection Program (FRPP). The c. 1850 brick conservation programs. The Preble and Montgomery
farmhouse sits on a rise overlooking neighboring farms Counties Soil & Water Conservation Districts provide the
as well as the Tom's Run Valley. The 119-acre Tom's Run calculation of soil values, and together with the NRCS,
Farms became the anchor for a nascent block of farms soon help farmers to develop farm conservation plans to better
to be protected in Perry Township, adjoining nearby Twin protect soils and other natural resources. These agencies
Township farms. also can help landowners with the ins and outs of the
Agricultural Security Area and (continued on page 10)
Steve Crowe reflected on the township’s zoning as being
4 www.3vct.org Valley Trust NewS
Snapshot 2:
Family Ties Inspire
Preble County
Easement Donation
When farming has been the livelihood of a family from
generation to generation, preserving that heritage becomes
a higher priority than usual. Ron and Sue (Montgomery)
Stewart donated a conservation easement on their 81-acre
parcel off Concord-Fairhaven Road in Preble County in
2009. The farm had originally been purchased by Ron's
great-great-grandfather at the turn of the last century. It
qualifies as a Century Farm (i.e., one kept in the same
family for 100 years or more). With the easement in place,
this venerable farm is guaranteed to live out its existence
forever as a farm or open space among the gently rolling
hills of Dixon Township.
As a current member of our Board of Trustees, Ron
serves as Vice-chairman and also donates his time to the
leadership, membership and finance committees. As the
Asst. Vice-President and Farm Loan Officer of Farmer's
State Bank in New Paris, his expertise has been especially
valuable to the Trust during the financial turmoil of the
past several years. "I've never worked with a more diverse
and fine organization as this," Ron says of the Trust. "Here
professors and farmers and political opposites can all come
together because they all put land conservation first."
Both Ron and Sue have farming backgrounds. Sue's family
farmed north of Eaton, where she still owns property with
her sisters. After graduating from Ohio State University
and being married in 1973, the Stewarts began their
careers: Ron as a vocational agriculture teacher and later
as an agricultural loan officer; and Sue as an elementary
teacher. Ron continued farming as an avocation (although
we know this means two full-time shifts back-to-back!).
Ron had learned about the livestock business from his
grandfather, J. Winburn Stewart. He used to follow him
about the farm asking, as children do, an endless stream of
questions. His grandfather, fortunately, loved to converse
– Ron says he could talk with a fence post – and gave the
boy the wisdom of his farm experience. "My grandfather
and his siblings were not only born on this farm, but they
attended school on this farm,” says Ron. A one-room
brick schoolhouse still stands in a wooded grove on the
farm, being one of nine in Dixon Township housing
20-25 kids grades 1-8. These rural schools were located
SUMMER 2010 www.3vct.org
Sue & Ron Stewart
approximately 2-1/2 miles apart to minimize the length
that any one child would have to walk to attend.
Ron’s parents, Eldon and Betty Stewart, continued raising
Angus cattle, growing corn, soybeans, and wheat for
cattle feed. When Ron’s parents moved to town in the
early 1990s, Ron started renting from his dad, originally
continuing the grain production, but within the last 5-6
years all those fields have been converted to pasture or hay.
“I want to continue farming until physically unable,” Ron
says. His aim has been to make the cattle production more
self-sufficient and less physically demanding. “We want to
continue with beef cattle, but we also want to travel, spend
time with our sons, Ryan and John and their families,
research genealogy, and pursue other interests.” This
switch to pastured beef will allow the Stewarts to continue
with the farm but leave more free time when retirement
comes.
Looking to the future, Ron and Sue honor their farming
past. “In a throw-away society with its trash landfills, each
generation is becoming more and more separated from the
land and what it has meant to the history of our region.
Our ancestors have made all the sacrifices, and we’ve done
all the taking. I realize this everyday as I reflect on the
generations that have farmed this land; and I imagine the
voices of the children at recess when I pass the old school.
I feel if we can give back just a bit, by preserving this farm
with the Trust, in the coming years future generations will
understand those sacrifices and appreciate the heritage that
is now passed on to them.” z
5
An Extraordinary Evening
for Conservation
Fifty-five special people were honored on Midsummer's
Eve, June 20th, with a banquet fit for royalty at the idyllic
Sugar Valley Farm in Preble County. These attendees, plus
a few supporters unfortunately unable to attend, raised
$13,750 for the operation of the Trust. We are so grateful
for these sustaining patrons!
One may not be aware, but the Trust receives no state or
federal money for the operation and service it provides
to local landowners and
farmers who wish to have
their lands protected in
perpetuity. Every cent to Jim McCutcheon) along with
keep the office open and staging a Midsummer's Eve
available to all who desire pageant. Our thanks also go to
our service must come photographer Alan Miller, and
from fundraising events to Don Streit, Ray Arlinghaus
such as this. and Cal Conrad for services,
produce and wine.
And while the generosity
of these patrons could But the real heros of the
not be returned dollar- evening were you, our
for-dollar, the event supporters who believe that
organizers went to extraordinary a better future world depends on
lengths to make the "thank you" stewardship of the land, protection
dinner special. Anne Kearney of natural resources and family
of restaurant Rue Dumaine farms. From the smallest contributor
in Dayton, a rising star in the to those patrons who are able to
culinary world, donated her time contribute more, we are deeply
and skill to transform fresh- grateful and appreciative. z
picked produce from local farms
into plates worthy of a
midsummer's dream.
The House family Photos: from the top. Procession of
the Queen & King of Midsummer;
(Frank, Mark, Jason
Judith Zinsser, Bob Thurston,
and Laura) set the Gretchen Ziolkowski, Eileen Jeck,
stage with meticulous Kirstin Erickson; Jennifer Conklin,
attention to every detail, Patty & Larry Frimerman; Chef
from the splendid Ann Kearney & staff; Jason House
gardens and grounds to hosting a wagon tour of Sugar
the tour and beautifully Valley Farm.
appointed table settings.
The Event Committee
– Margarette Beckwith,
Frank House, Ann
Geddes, Jan Krebs and Josette Stanley – provided the
organization coordination. Jerry Stanley coordinated the
musicians (The Cincinnati Recorder Consort, and MU
Middletown emeritus professor and professional lutist,

6 www.3vct.org Valley Trust NewS

Auction for Acres 2010
The Knolls of Oxford
November 6
Three Valley Conservation Trust is grateful for
the participation of historic conservation and farm
easement donors, local donors and sponsors to create an
unforgettable evening at its 8th Annual Auction For Acres
benefit to be held Saturday, November 6th, 5:30-10:30 pm
at the Knolls of Oxford, 6727 Contreras Road, Oxford.
Auction-goers, history buffs, local food and green
supporters, collectors, and charity-minded residents can
join TVCT for an exciting evening of great food, adult
beverages, and auction of trips, original artwork, services,
antiques and collector’s items.
The Trust is seeking donated dinners, antiques, relaxing
trips with beautiful scenery, services, guided tours, and
collectibles to be sold in order to support the Trust. These
items will go along with antiques, hand-knotted antique
oriental rugs and three trips already donated for the event.
These valuable vacation getaways, items and services
will augment original sketches and paintings being
donated. Once again, the Trust’s live auction will feature
auctioneering by Douglas Ross. Terrific music will again
be donated by Jay Jesse Johnson and friends, who just
wowed the crowd at the Oxford Summer Music Festival in
July.
This year’s Auction Chair is Mark Boardman, and the Vice
Chair is Valerie Edwards Elliott. Dr. Boardman is a Miami
University Professor of Geology and Elliott is the Head
of the Smith Library for Regional History at the Lane
Library.
October 2010!
SUMMER 2010 www.3vct.org
Auction organizers noted that the
Trust’s 2010 Auction For Acres is
to net $50,000 for the Trust’s
operations. The nonprofit
organization’s operating costs
are derived from memberships
and contributions to the Auction.
This approach has helped the
sixteen-year-old Three Valley Conservation Trust to
forever protect 93 properties covering over 11,400 acres of
farmland, habitat, woodlands and streams.
For a $40 ticket price to the gala event, attendees are
treated to the gourmet food, donated wines and beers,
superb music, entertaining auctioneering, and chances
at terrific door prizes for a good cause. The Trust is
seeking businesses and donors as event sponsors. This tax
deductible gift helps to recognize the donor organization
or family. A $250 gift enables the donor to be considered
an event Sponsor. For a $500 gift the donor is considered a
Silver Sponsor, while a $1,000 gift recognizes the donor as
a Gold Sponsor. Finally, donors of $3,000 or more will be
the Grand Sponsors.
Many but not all items will be available in October for
viewing online at the Three Valley Conservation Trust's
website at www.3vct.org and Mr. Ross’ website at www.
auctionross.com. For auction reservations, to donate
items or services, and/or to volunteer, contact us at 5920
Morning Sun Road, Oxford, OH 45056, call (513) 524-
2150, or visit our website - www.3vct.org. z
Heron
Hullabaloo
TVCT Family Picnic
Watch for details!
7
TVCT Cooperates with farmers, county and local
governments to Apply to Preserve Area Farms
TVCT Applies for 21 Area Farms Out of More than 200 State-wide Vying for Farmland
Preservation Funds. Ohio Department of Agriculture Begins Application Review Process.
Ohio farm families
and local communities
recently submitted
applications requesting
the Ohio Department of
Agriculture (ODA) to
purchase easements on
their farmland, which
would guarantee their
lands will forever be
preserved for agricultural
use. The department
received 203 applications
from 37 counties for the
9th round of funding
under the Clean Ohio
Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP). Of
these, Three Valley Conservation Trust (TVCT) submitted
21 applications for area farms in Butler, Preble and
Montgomery Counties.
“Since the program’s inception, the department’s Office
of Farmland Preservation has preserved more than
33,000 acres of farmland across Ohio though the AEPP,”
said ODA Director Robert Boggs. “These efforts are
instrumental in preserving the future of the state’s $98
billion food and agriculture industry.”
An agricultural easement is a voluntary and legally binding
limitation placed on a farm. The easement limits the use
of the land to predominantly agricultural activity. The
land remains under private ownership and management
and stays on the tax rolls under Current Agricultural Use
Valuation (CAUV). The farmland can be sold or passed
along as a gift to others at any time, but the restriction
prohibiting non-agricultural development stays with the
land.
The department received applications from families
requesting more than 29,000 acres be preserved in the
following 37 Ohio counties: Ashland (17), Ashtabula (2),
Auglaize (1), Brown (3), Butler (1), Champaign (8), Clark
(10), Coshocton (1), Delaware (4), Fairfield (29), Fulton
(10), Gallia (3), Geauga (1), Greene (5), Henry (1), Huron
(1), Knox (9), Licking (7), Logan (14), Lucas (1), Madison
(7), Marion (5), Miami (9), Montgomery (9), Morrow (3),
Perry (4), Portage (3), Preble (11), Sandusky (1), Seneca
(11), Trumbull (3), Tuscarawas (2), Union (1), Vinton (1),
8 www.3vct.org
Imolou Wysong on her
Ohio Century Farm in
Montgomery County
Warren (2), Wayne (2), and
Wood (1).
Here in southwestern
Ohio, TVCT serves as the
designated local sponsor
for farms in Montgomery,
Preble and Butler Counties
seeking to permanently
protect their farms through
this government farmland
preservation funding source.
Of the 21 applications
submitted by TVCT on behalf of area farmers, more than
1,800 acres of farmland are seeking to protect. In exchange
for a small grant, the landowner places a permanent
easement restriction to keep the land as a farm forever,
regardless of ownership. To date, TVCT has been the Local
Sponsor for 22 successful farm applicants approved by the
ODA. The nonprofit land conservation trust hopes to have
four to five additional properties offered funding in the
2010 Funding Round.
The applications are currently undergoing the first of a
two-step scoring process. The first step uses a formula that
takes into account various measurable characteristics of
the land. The second step includes a review by the Ohio
agriculture director’s 13-member Farmland Preservation
Advisory Board. The Advisory Board evaluates a set of
questions designed to provide further insight into the farm
and local farmland protection efforts. Scores from both
rounds are combined, and the Advisory Board presents its
recommendations to Director Boggs.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, the department’s
farmland preservation office has received more than 2,400
applications. Due to limited funding, the department has
been able to preserve only 172 of those farms, totaling
33,460.37 acres in 33 counties. In November 2008,
voters overwhelmingly approved a $400 million bond
renewal for the Clean Ohio Fund. The Fund not only helps
preserve farmland but also preserves greenspace, develops
recreational trails, and reclaims brownfield sites. For more
information on the Clean Ohio Fund or the Agricultural
Easement Purchase Program, visit www.agri.ohio.gov. z
Valley Trust NewS
TVCT Protects Two Oxford Township
Stream-side Farms
Two stream-side Oxford area family farms are now forever
protected with the help of the Three Valley Conservation
Trust. The Carolyn Walker and Walker & Jack D. Smith
farms were permanently protected for agriculture and
stream preservation last week.
"These two adjacent 88+ acre historical farms protect more
than a half mile of Four Mile Creek just east of Oxford, as
well as the area’s buried valley aquifer which lies beneath
the property,” noted Stephen C. Gordon, a Trust Board
member from Oxford Township.
The farms were both part of a 200-acre farm with an
existing c. 1830 brick farmhouse settled by William
Hueston. Three Valley Conservation Trust successfully
navigated the federal system to secure a Federal Farm
and Ranchland Protection Program matching grant to
protect these special farms. The 177 additional acres
bring the Trust’s Oxford Township easement total to more
than 700 acres, and nearly 2,000 acres in Oxford and
Reily townships combined. All told, the Trust has helped
landowners and local governments protect 92 properties
and over 11,400 acres of prime farmland, wildlife habitat
and sensitive stream corridors since its founding in 1994.
“We are so grateful to Three Valley for its efforts to help
our family protect our family farms – these productive
lands mean a lot to us, and by protecting them forever we
continue our good stewardship efforts long after we are
gone," Carolyn Walker said on the occasion of the closing.
"It’s been a long time coming – we first contacted the Trust
nine years ago when we talked
with Wally Edwards about our
desire. For a while it seemed like
it would never happen, and each
time, Larry Frimerman calmly
said be patient – if you really
want this to happen, we can find
a way,”
“Five generations of the Smith
family have lived on the farm,
so it means a lot to us. Our
mom, Hazel Smith, was also
instrumental in pursuing the
conservation easement idea while
she was living – she was up on
these concepts as a school teacher
and was very environmentally
aware.”
“These are high yield, rich
bottomlands, and it’s good
SUMMER 2010 www.3vct.org
to know that once again, TVCT makes it possible for
working family farms to continue operations regardless of
economic conditions. The land has been in our family for
more than one hundred years, so it means a lot. Our father,
Jake Smith, farmed until his late nineties. He passed away
a couple of months ago and he knew and approved of
the children doing this,” added Jack D. Smith, the other
easement donor.
The farms’ agricultural conservation easement purchase
was funded through a 2009 dollar-for-dollar pass-through
grant allocated for this specific purpose. Required local
matching funds were contributed through an anonymous
gift and supplemented by contributions from neighboring
Springwood Subdivision residents, who greatly
appreciated the permanent buffering of their own lands.
The Smith and Walker easements protect rich, prime
bottomland, a wooded hillside and stream-side forest, as
well as precious groundwater resources that could have an
influence on local water supplies. The process has indeed
been a lengthy one; TVCT and the landowners wanted to
separate the easement issue from a possible transportation
routing issue: and waited for the latter issue to be resolved.
When the City of Oxford chose the narrow route for a
potential connector road, the Trust sought and received
concurrence with City staff in the land trust’s pursuit of
federal funds to protect both properties. Of course, the
federal easement funding process took an additional year
after first approval.
Each easement was accompanied
by a donation by the landowners
to the Trust to cover its costs
in securing the easement, and a
contribution to the land trust’s
monitoring endowment to
sustain its perpetual stewardship
burden. For all of the above, the
Trust is truly grateful for the
partnership with the Smith and
Walker families, and with those
of other easement donors who
sacrifice so much to conserve our
community’s legacy. z
Three of five generations who
have lived on the family farm: l-r,
Carolyn Walker, son Wayne Walker,
granddaughter Lauren Ashley
Walker, and brother Jack Smith.
9
 Purslane:
The Cinderella of Superfoods
Submitted by Margarette Beckwith Potato Salad with Purslane
Your garden encounter with the pesky weed invaders is & Fresh Herbs
perhaps not the best time to ponder the fascinating history
and nutritional benefit of such rogue plants, but then again 5 small cooked new potatoes in thick slices or chunks
it could add an interesting dimension to the mundane 1/3 c. low fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
activity of weeding! Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is, by
some accounts, one of the world’s top pervasive weeds. 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced or ¼ red onion finely diced
You certainly have come across this low growing succulent 2 tsp. chopped parsley
that looks somewhat like a miniature Jade Plant. The thick
2 tsp. chopped chervil
round branches are slightly pink with smooth, fat, green
leaves. 1 Tbsp. pickle relish or chopped cornichons
This humble plant that you have yanked numerous times Salt & fresh ground pepper
from your garden is considered by many to be a superfood! 1 tsp lemon juice.
Purslane contains more Omega-3 fatty acids than any
other leafy vegetable. This beneficial ingredient is found 1-2 c. washed & dried
mostly in fish and flax seed. Wikipedia states further that purslane
Purslane contains an array of other vitamins and dietary Combine mayonnaise,
minerals that make common lettuce or any other green onions, herbs, pickles,
pale by comparison! The ancient Greeks called it a ‘blood S&P, and lemon juice.
cleansing’ herb, also using the seeds for flour and Pliny Add potatoes and adjust
(Joe Roman) advised, wear it as an amulet against evil. seasoning to taste.
You can find the plant in some farm markets in Europe,
and in Mexico it is considered good for diabetics. Gently toss with the
purslane, serve and enjoy
Purslane is a delicious, mild, crunchy green for salads, this humble yet stunning
that can be eaten raw or cooked. Here is a recipe from plant!! z
‘Gourmet Foods’ that is perfect for summer fare.

Twin Creek Working Farms (continued from page 4)

NRCS Conservation Program cost-share programs. These
very limited but available matching grant and tax programs
provide funding options for farmers and other landowners
looking to permanently protect their lands. If you or others
you know are interested in protecting land to remain as a
farm or open space, and are looking for tools to help you
do so, then you may wish to contact these offices as well
as TVCT.
“For these grants, only the highest scoring properties are
successful, and the competition is fierce,” commented
Larry Frimerman, TVCT’s Executive Director. These
special farmers demonstrate a kinship with the land every
day of their lives and have made a gift to Ohioans in
addition to their families.
10 www.3vct.org
The Clean Ohio Program has provided dollar for dollar
direct pass-through funding for more than twenty
Montgomery Co. farms through the Trust, Montgomery
Co., Five Rivers Metroparks, townships and other
conservation agencies over the past six years, of which
nearly half were through the Ohio AEPP. TVCT itself is
currently protecting 8,000 acres of farmland and habitat
lands in Preble and Montgomery Counties alone, and has
now protected some 92 properties covering over 11,000
acres of prime farmland and wildlife habitat.
For more information about tools to protect your farm
or for how to become a member and/or volunteer, call
the Trust office at 513/524-2150, or visit the website at
www.3vct.org. z
Valley Trust NewS
Consider Helping Yourself and TVCT at the Same Time
Consider a gift annuity. We just did a quote 3. Whatever remains goes to TVCT.
on a male age 85 and the payment was at
If you wish ,we will be pleased to have a formal
8.1% of the deposit FOR LIFE! Anything left
proposal prepared. Help yourself and help us!
over goes to TVCT.
z
How does it work? You give cash or
appreciated stock to purchase the annuity.
If you have a life insurance policy with a
Payments can start immediately or be
mutual life insurance company and your need
deferred as you wish. Much of the income
for protection has diminished, you can draw
is not taxable and there will probably be
out dividends up to the total of premiums paid
probate, estate, and income tax savings over
without creating a taxable event. In turn you
the life of the contract, and at death. The
could donate that amount to TVCT and take an income tax
income can be based on one or two lives so that a couple
deduction for the amount you donated, or you could create
could have an income for the life of both persons.
a gift annuity using that money. z
The steps to accomplish a gift annuity:
1. You enter into a written agreement and transfer the
Should you have highly appreciated stock that pays very
assets. (We have this handled by the Hamilton
little in dividend income to you, it could be donated to
Community Foundation and the First Financial Bank.)
TVCT and you could realize a tax deduction for the present
2. Payments are made to you in installments on the value of the stock. z
frequency you elect and there will be tax deductions.

three valley conservation trust

Conserving the natural
environment and cultural


Describe any non-cash contribution or volunteer
service that you would like to offer TVCT:
heritage of Southwest Ohio

___________________________________________________

NAME ___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

ADDRESS ________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

CITY _________________________________ ST _________ ZIP ___________

 CHECK  MC  VISA Exp. Date ____ /_____
PHONE(S) ________________________________________________________
CC# __________________________________ _____________
EMAIL ___________________________________________________________

Conserve paper & postage. Send “News” hotlink via email.
 I give permission to list my name as a member/partner.
MEMBER/PARTNER SUGGESTED LEVELS
All receive the Valley Trust News (via mail or email)
___________________________________________________
PRINT NAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR CARD
___________________________________________________
BILLING ADDRESS
___________________________________________________

 $10,000+  $750 +  $100 + ___________________________________________________

 $2,500+  $500 +  $50 + SIGNATURE

 $1,000 +  $250+  $_________ Total Amount Enclosed $_____________

 My employer has a matching gift program, I will send the Mail and make payable to: Three Valley Conservation Trust
necessary form. TVCT, PO Box 234, Oxford, Ohio 45056.

SUMMER 2010 www.3vct.org 11

 Board of Trustees Calendar

Calvin Conrad Frank House Peggy Schear
August
Samuel Fitton Benjamin Jones J. Ronald Stewart
4 Board Meeting, TVCT
Stephen Gordon Amy Leedy Donald Streit
Adolph Greenberg Roger Millar September
Marlene Hoffman Graham Mitchell 1 Board Meeting, TVCT
12 TVCT's 16th Anniversary
Founded in 1994, the Three Valley Conservation Trust works with
people and communities to conserve the natural environment and October
cultural heritage in Southwest Ohio. The Trust protects open space TBA Heron Hullabaloo
and farmland by acquiring, through gift or purchase, conservation 6 Board Meeting, TVCT
and agricultural easements, and works to protect and improve 6-10 LTA Conference, Hartford, CT
water quality in the western tributaries of the Great Miami River.

“Valley Trust News,” the newsletter for members of the Three Valley
Conservation Trust, is published four times per year. Does Your Employer partner with
Editors: Mary Glasmeier, Stephen Gordon

or
We’d like your feedback!
office_manager@3vct.org
www.cintishares.org http://earthshareohio.org
513/524-2150
TVCT, PO Box 234, Oxford, OH 45056 If so, you can make contributions to TVCT via payroll
deduction. Contact your Human Resources or Payroll Depts.

Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
5920 Morning Sun Road, PO Box 234 PAID
Oxford, Ohio 45056 Permit No. 171
513-524-2150 • 513-524-0162 fax Oxford, OH
45056

www.3vct.org

Larry Frimerman
Executive Director

Mary Glasmeier
Office Manager

MEMBER OF

:
e Waste
c d
Redu E, Re-rea
IV
RECE Recycle!
&

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper and is also available in digital format. Email office_manager@3vct.org