7.3 acres of productive farmland used by Pete’s Stand in Walpole is now forever conserved.

WALPOLE, NH – The Monadnock Conservancy has finalized the purchase of a conservation easement covering 7.3 acres of farmland in Walpole, NH. This land is actively farmed by the owners of Pete’s Stand, a local farmstand that has been in business in Walpole for three generations. 

With the purchase of this conservation easement – a legal agreement that forever restricts the use of this land to farming and undeveloped open space – the Conservancy is working to protect the region’s access to locally grown food. Near the banks of the Connecticut River, all of the 7.3 acres are ideal for growing vegetables and are among the most fertile soil types in the entire country. Although the Route 12 corridor in Walpole contains many acres of productive farmland, commercial development has taken away much of this land. The Monadnock Conservancy is proud that this property can remain farmland for generations to come. 

John and Teresa Janiszyn own and operate Pete’s Stand, which was started by John’s grandfather. They grow a variety of vegetables on the property and others nearby using sustainable farming techniques. This parcel will be the first and currently only farm field that the Janiszyns own outright, a big step for ensuring the viability of their historic and beloved local business. By purchasing this conservation easement, the Conservancy helped John and Teresa buy the land. 

“Local farms provide so much to this region, and I am always pleased when we can keep farmland in the hands of farmers. As a Walpole resident myself, I am especially happy that our organization is helping Pete’s Stand continue to thrive, especially in light of the extreme weather and flooding that impacted so many farms this summer.” – Ryan Owens, Executive Director, The Monadnock Conservancy. 

Generous funding support for this project came from the New Hampshire Farm Future Fund, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Thomas W. Haas Fund, and many private donors. 

About The Monadnock Conservancy

The Monadnock Conservancy, founded in 1989, is the only land trust dedicated exclusively to the Monadnock region of southwestern New Hampshire. Serving 38 towns and the City of Keene, its mission is to work with communities and landowners to conserve the natural resources, wild and working lands, rural character, and scenic beauty of the region. Based in Keene, the Conservancy is an accredited organization that has protected more than 23,000 acres of forest, farmland, shoreline, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and recreation trails. For more information, please visit http://www.MonadnockConservancy.org or call 603-357-0600.