Historic Cragmoor Farms to supply produce for local schools
October 3, 2016
A historic farm in Roebuck will soon provide fruits, vegetables, and educational opportunities to students in pre-K through 12th grade as a result of a partnership between Upstate Forever, The Spartanburg County Foundation, and Spartanburg County School District Six. The 49-acre Cragmoor Farms sits adjacent to Walnut Grove Plantation, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public as a living history farm. Cragmoor Farms was once part of the same tract as Walnut Grove, owned by a single family dating back to the Colonial Era.
“The Farm to School program is a prime example of collaboration in Spartanburg County,” said Troy Hanna, President and CEO of The Spartanburg County Foundation. “This is an innovative way to address many pressing needs across Indicator Areas in our community. This program will utilize a historic natural resource to promote healthy living and provide education for generations to come. Anytime the Foundation can connect donors to needs in our community as we have done in this instance, it is a positive outcome for everyone.”
While providing nutritious food to the cafeterias serving the District’s 11,000 students at 15 schools, the farm – officially called Spartanburg Six at Cragmoor Farms – will bring children onto the land to learn, discover, and be inspired.
“This organic farm and the opportunities that it will provide our students will make an excellent addition to the District’s Farm to School Program,” said Dylan Nitzkorski, Spartanburg Six Farm to School Coordinator. “The farm will serve as a link between their educational benefit as well as our agricultural education program at R.A. Anderson Applied Technology Center and the Dorman Campus.”
In addition, the farm’s location along I-26 provides an important protected rural scenic vista.
The conservation agreement was a critical piece to bring all these committed partners together to achieve the common goal of protecting this special property. Partial funding from the South Carolina Conservation Bank will offset some of the costs and losses involved in placing the easement, making the land donation, and endowing the property’s perpetual care.
Upstate Forever now permanently protects 107 properties totaling 20,128 acres across the Upstate through voluntary conservation agreements with landowners.
Upstate Forever is a nonprofit, membership-based organization promoting sensible growth and the protection of special places in the Upstate region of South Carolina. Our three program areas are Land Trust, Sustainable Communities, and Clean Air and Water. Founded in 1998, Upstate Forever now has nearly 2,000 members, two offices, and a staff of 18. For more information, visit www.upstateforever.org.
The Spartanburg County Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents by promoting philanthropy, encouraging community engagement and responding to community needs. Established in 1943, The Spartanburg County Foundation is the oldest community foundation in South Carolina. For more information, visit www.spcf.org.
