A conservation promise: A new chapter for a protected property
When the Browns first walked their dream farm, they were struck by its quiet resilience-a place where towering pines, thriving habitats, and recreational potential coexist with careful land management from those who came before.
Packaged with this prime property, a conservation easement directed the uses that could occur on the property and the Brown family quickly recognized the importance of the protection placed on their land. OLT provided them with a sense of partnership, helping them understand the easement’s terms and ensuring that the land’s natural resources would continue to thrive under their ownership. This partnership built trust from the start, with OLT offering guidance as they settled in as the new stewards of this land.
Conservation easements are perpetual agreements that stay with the land from one owner to another, whether it is sold, transferred, gifted or bequeathed. In this instance, the Brown family purchased a property from a local conservation family, Dr. and Mrs. Skeet Burris, who have protected over 2,500 acres in the neighborhood.
This means that even though the Burris family no longer own certain tracts, they can rest assured that future landowners will cherish the land as they do. “It made sense this farm was conserved, and we are honored to be its new owners,” explained Will Brown. Katie Brown continues, “This land came with a conservation promise, and thanks to the Open Land Trust, we feel empowered to uphold that legacy. We are excited to protect its natural character while making it our own.”
For the Browns, it felt like an unexpected gift—a foundation on which they could build their own family legacy. The easement was new to them, so our stewardship director, Caylor Romines, spent hours exploring the land with them, discussing its rich habitats and understanding what protection meant for them.
Watching them connect to the land, it was clear they saw themselves not as owners but as stewards, caring for it as a piece of something larger. Caylor emphasized, “Working with families like the Browns is what keeps me grounded in the mission of the Open Land Trust. Our role isn’t just legal oversight; it’s about sharing a belief that this land is precious and making sure it’s cared for with the same commitment the Browns have shown.”