Anton Farm
Preserving Family’s Farm Heritage
Goal: Conserve a Working 27.5-Acre Farm in Haverhill
“I have supported a number of conservation organizations for many years but this CR was an opportunity to make a larger, lasting impact. And knowing that this piece of land will remain much as it always was is the best part”
Anton Farm has been owned and farmed by just three families since 1765: the Merrills, the Dawleys, and the Anton family when it was purchased by Barbara DiSalvo’s grandfather in 1922.
“To think of it going to development would have broken my heart,” said Barbara, who with her sister-in-law Janice Anton, wanted a solution to forever preserve their 25.7 acres as agricultural land.
DiSalvo and Anton of The Anton Family Trust appointed Greenbelt to act on their behalf to protect the land in exchange for a tax credit. It was only our second private conservation restriction (CR) project in Haverhill.
The project required municipal approval and 96 residents signed a petition in support of the conservation restriction, and over 20 residents and neighbors attended the City Council meeting to voice their support for preserving this rural, farming landscape. The measure was approved and then signed by Mayor James Fiorentini.
Through this conservation gift, Janice and Barbara ensured that their historic family farm will never be converted to homesites, and can always be used as working farmland. Now, the farm is leased to two local farmers – one who hays, and one who grows rhubarb for his nearby winery, Willow Springs Vineyards.
Let our Land Conservation Staff Assist You
- Vanessa Johnson-Hall
Director, Land Conservation Division
978-768-7241 ext. 116 - Elizabeth Harkness
Land Conservation Specialist
978-768-7241 ext. 127