CHESTER FARM CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

Completed in two phases, conservation of the Chester Farm is DLC most significant conservation project to date.  The easements permanently protecting this century farm were largely donated in 2021 and 2023 by the late Frank A. Chester, Jr.  

The protected land is segmented in three land sections totaling 209 acres, each section offering robust conservation values including prime agricultural land, water quality protection, extraordinary tree cover, or wildlife habitat protection. The largest land section of 117 acres abuts the Runneymede Conservation Easement.  The property includes a total of about one-half mile of frontage along the Rocky River, in addition to extraordinary forested areas of mixed hardwoods, some dominated by oak and chestnut oak trees. 

Frankie Chester was a one-in-a-million person, friend, and conservationist. He loved his land, purchased by his grandfather in 1921, and he farmed it, or helped farm it, nearly his entire life.  Despite being poor economically, Frank sacrificed mightily on many levels to fulfill his dream and legacy of permanently protecting the farm from development.   

Frank died unexpectedly on April 3, 2023 while working at the farm.  He died doing what he loved where he loved doing it.  He is missed dearly.  

The Conservancy is deeply grateful to Frank for his profound gifts to conservation, for his friendship and his vision, and for his love of the land.  Read about Frank here.