What's Happening in Vernon, CT…

The Connecticut Farmland Trust disclosed that parts of the Strong Family Farm in Vernon are now protected against development.

The preserved land consists of property bordering Vernon Center Middle School on West Street and the piece of land between Cemetery Road and Route 30.

The land conservation was the apex of an extraordinary deal in real estate consisting of three parts over five years. Seven residents of the area bought the parcels from the Strongs in 2015, using a total of $1 million of their personal savings. In September, the Connecticut Farmland Trust bought it from the residents.

Last month, the CFT donated it to Strong Family Farm, Inc. The nonprofit entity runs a learning center on agriculture and maintains the farm. The organization is not a part of the family and hosts learning presentations on the property. Educational programs and tours use brochure printing to inform guests about the history of land or structures.

The trust for the farmland states since 1878, the Strong family has owned the land. In 2014, the family declared that when no one was left to take care of the property, they would sell it for $1 million. It was in high demand for residential developers as it is in the Vernon Center close to I-84.

The CFT used funds from the Bafflin Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture, Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and multiple government and private organizations. In addition, over 450 people donated nearly $50,000.