Coveland Farm conserved forever — community unites to protect landmark

Rick Young and his wife Maggie’s dream of preserving their family’s fifth-generation farm became a reality earlier this year.

Bear-Paw Regional Greenways, a local nonprofit land trust, placed the 13-acre Coveland Farm under a conservation easement, ensuring this iconic property in Strafford will be protected from future development forever.

Coveland Farm, with its historic barn, hay fields, organic vegetable gardens, and 300 feet of forested shoreline along Bow Lake, is a vital part of Strafford’s cultural and ecological heritage. When a denied grant jeopardized funding for the project, nearly 200 community members came together to bridge the gap. “I can leave this earth easier knowing there won’t be any houses in these hay fields after I’m gone,” said Rick Young, reflecting on the preservation of his family’s farming legacy. This outpouring of support, combined with contributions from the Strafford Conservation Commission, Strafford Garden Club, Strafford Women’s Club, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Moose Plate Grant, and several local family foundations, made this conservation success possible.

Bear-Paw Regional Greenways is proud to have worked with communities in the region to conserve over 11,000 acres, safeguarding wild and working lands for the people, plants, and animals that depend on them. Coveland Farm now joins this growing network of protected lands, preserving clean water, wildlife habitat, and the character of our community for generations to come.

“This project truly highlights the strength of community,” said Krystal Balanoff, Executive Director of Bear-Paw. “It’s a direct result of the passion, dedication, and deep belief in conservation that local residents have shown—without their unwavering support, this success wouldn’t have been possible.”

To learn more about Bear-Paw Regional Greenways or to support ongoing conservation efforts, visit www.bear-paw.org.