Woodworth Farm is the 40th Family Farm Now Safe Forever

Meet Bob, Rita, Austin, and Jacob Woodworth - a 6th and 7th generation farm family that’s passionate about protecting their land and taking care of Lake Ontario. Woodworth Farm was founded in 1850 in Sterling, NY (Cayuga county). As Bob and Rita transition the business to their grandsons, they wanted to make sure it would always be safe for future generations.

In November 2024, Genesee Land Trust completed the multi-year project to secure a competitive state grant to buy the land’s development rights - and then remove them and create a conservation easement. The conservation easement - a legal agreement that’s customized to align with the Woodworth family’s wishes - permanently protects their 202 acres of fields and woods. The property also includes 1/2 a mile of shoreline, and Ninemile Creek runs along the western boundary into Lake Ontario.

Moving forward, Land Trust staff will be a resource for the landowners and conduct annual monitoring visits.

In the Spring/Summer 2025 newsletter, we’ll share more about Austin and Jacob’s plans for the future and how they’re adapting their farm practices to build a sustainable business that keeps their soil healthy and the lake water clean.

This beautiful heritage farm - and the 39 other working farms protected by the Land Trust since 1989 - supports small business owners, the jobs they create, and our national food supply.

Genesee Land Trust has now protected more than 9,700 acres of fields, woods, wetlands, and meadows across the region. And it’s all made possible thanks to the ongoing generosity of Genesee Land Trust members, strong partners, talented staff, and passionate stewards of their land like the Woodworths.

Local conservation is only as strong as local community support. On behalf of this land and water - thank you!