Earth Day Event: Ontario Farmland Trust Tours

Ontario Farmland Trust Tours

10 am – 12 pm: Ackerman Protected Farm (130 Walmsley Road, Milford)

2 pm – 4 pm: Bazett-Jones Protected Farm (2086 County Road 7, Picton)

Tour through two Ontario Farmland Trust protected farms and join an information session regarding the conservation easement agreement placed on the farms through the Farmland Protection and Stewardship Program with Ontario Farmland Trust staff and the respective landowners.

The event will follow the schedule below:

• 10 am – 10:30 am: Event begins at Ackerman Protected Farm. Browse the Ontario Farmland Trust booth, mingle and enjoy refreshments
• 10:30 am: Formal remarks by Jen Ackerman and Martin Straatho
• 10:45 pm – 11:30 pm: Walking tour
• 11:35 am: Group photo
• 11:40 am – 12 pm: Question period and networking followed by closing remarks
• 2 pm – 3 pm: Event continues at Bazett-Jones Protected Farm. Browse the Ontario Farmland Trust booth, mingle and enjoy refreshments
• 2:30 pm: Formal remarks by David and Louise Bazett-Jones and Martin Straathof
• 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm: Walking tour
• 3:35 pm: Group photo
• 3:40 – 4 pm: Question period and networking followed by closing remarks

In the spirit of Earth Day, this tour is also an opportunity to deepen our understanding of why farmland protection matters not only for food production, but for the health of our environment. Protected farms play an important role in supporting biodiversity, including species at risk that depend on agricultural landscapes such as grasslands, hedgerows, wetlands, and riparian areas. From birds like the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark to pollinators and other wildlife, these working landscapes are vital habitats that connect conservation and agriculture.

Come experience these landscapes firsthand, learn about the importance of farmland conservation, and celebrate what it means to protect farmland for people, nature, communities and future generations.