Foster Hill Farm, the former Milford home of local philanthropist and business owner Dick Snyder, has been bequeathed to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC). The farm will soon be transferred to the Conservancy and will be placed under conservation easement. In his typical altruistic spirit, Mr. Snyder made the Conservancy the beneficiary of Foster Hill Farm knowing that it would protect the land’s natural resources while allowing sustainable uses including forestry, agriculture, and community purposes. Prior to his untimely passing, Dick Snyder valued the work of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and wanted to invest in its mission. He believed that the board of the Conservancy would be good stewards of the proceeds from the farm.
With the easement in place, Delaware Highlands Conservancy will search for a conservation buyer for Foster Hill Farm, with proceeds being used to support the Conservancy’s mission of land conservation. As the easement holder, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy will work with the landowner to provide assistance and guidance in caring for the land. The Conservancy will also perform annual visits to Foster Hill Farm to ensure that the requirements in the conservation easement are being upheld. This will guarantee that the farm’s unique conservation values are protected forever.
“We are deeply honored to be one of the beneficiaries of Dick Snyder’s estate and the named recipient of his beloved Foster Hill Farm,” said DHC Executive Director Diane Rosencrance. “He believed in the conservation of land and the protection of our natural resources. By bequeathing his farm to the Conservancy, he took steps to act on his vision of protecting his own land for future generations and to support the continuing work of the Conservancy.”
