Holly Ravine to be transformed into farmland as Springdale Farm leases the property in Cherry Hill.
In Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a significant agricultural development is taking shape as 28-year-old Clayton Jarvis of Springdale Farm prepares to expand his family’s farming operations. Springdale Farm, which has been operational since 1949, recently obtained a lease for nine acres of land at the Holly Ravine site, an area the Cherry Hill Council earmarked as open space two years ago to protect from urban development. The township has invested approximately million to maintain this land, emphasizing its commitment to preserving agricultural space amid suburban growth.
Jarvis, who meticulously plans crop rotations for the family farm’s robust 85 acres each January, expressed enthusiasm about initiating this new endeavor. The newly acquired land will serve as the first satellite farming operation for Springdale Farm. He plans to begin with cover crops before determining the specific produce to cultivate. Jarvis underscored the significance of returning land to agricultural use, articulating the prevalent trend over the decades has been a decline in farmland within the area.
The mayor of Cherry Hill, David Fleisher, who championed the preservation of Holly Ravine, echoed Jarvis’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of finding a knowledgeable agricultural steward for the site. He emphasized that this initiative goes beyond mere leasing, aiming to ensure the land is cultivated sustainably and responsibly.
Historically, Holly Ravine Dairy Farm was established in the 1920s by former Mayor John C. Gilmour Jr. However, as Cherry Hill developed into a suburb, agricultural operations waned. The juxtaposition of farming and suburban expansion led Gilmour to eventually sell portions of his land for commercial use. The long-standing community memory of the former farm includes attractions like the Cowtail Bar and the Moo Zoo, both of which closed in 1987 amid these changes.
Springdale Farm will pay Cherry Hill an annual fee of ,000 for the five-year lease, which aligns with national agricultural averages. While the township aims to protect the site from further development, the land not leased to the farm will remain as recreational space, with plans for a new parking lot following the demolition of two outdated farmhouses.
Jarvis, who holds a degree in plant biology from Rutgers University, recognizes that while nine acres may seem modest compared to his primary farm, it is strategically vital for sustainable farming. This new land presents opportunities for efficient crop rotation and diversification of produce. Nonetheless, Jarvis faces challenges, including managing the local deer population and establishing a reliable irrigation system.
As Jarvis embarks on this exciting venture alongside family members who play key roles in the farm, he reflects on the broader implications of renewing agricultural use of land in Cherry Hill. With an eye toward sustainable growth and community accessibility, the efforts surrounding Holly Ravine signify a pivotal step in preserving the township’s agricultural legacy while adapting to modern demands.
